Rajasthan: Worker and Peasant Movements

Bijoliya Farmer Movement (1918)

The first organized, comprehensive, broad, non-violent and longest running peasant movement in the country (about 44 years)
Reason – Excessive levy and unfair means
Dhakad caste movement in Bijolia hideout
The locator at the time of agitation – Rao Krishna Singh
Mewar Maharana at the time of agitation -Fateh Singh
During Rao Krishna Singh, people of Bijolia used to spend 84 Types of Taxes.
Father of the peasant movement in the country
Early Leadership – Sadhu Sitaram Das
Ancient name-Vijayavalli (a village)
Part of the Uparmal principality
Rana Saka gifted this manor to his servant Ashok Parmar (founder of Bijolia).

In 1897,All the farmers gathered in Bhijolia’s Girirdhpura village on the occasion of the feast of the father of Ganga Ram Dhakar.Then collectively it was decided to send Nanaji Patel and Thakri Patel to Mewar Maharana to complain of Krishna Singh. Later Krishan Singh expelled both of them from Bijolia.

In 1903, Rao Krishna Singh imposed a new tax on people of Bijolia named Chanwari (a type of marital tax of Rs 5).

Farmers protested against it and refused to plough on Thakur’s land. Dreadful, Krishna Singh withdrew this tax.

Rao Krishna Singh died in 1906.

In 1906, Thakur Prithvi Singh became a new zamindar, which in 1906 introduced the new tax called “Talwar Bandhai” (a kind successor tax, and was also called insulting tax) on the people of Bijolia in 1906.

The farmers opposed it in the leadership of Sadhu Sitaram Das, Fatehcharan Charan and Brahmadev, but it was suppressed.

After the First World War (1914-19 18), the war contribution was imposed on the people of Bijolia , which was strongly opposed. Due to mounting opposition, the Mewar government formed the “Bindulal Bhattacharya Commission” to investigate war Money. The Mewar government refused to accept the recommendations of this commission.

VIJAY SINGH PATHIK

Birth – Bulandshahr (Uttar Pradesh)
Real name – Bhoop singh

He formed a revolutionary organization “Veer Bharat Sabha” in collaboration with Gopal Singh Kharva and during the World War I, in the Northern India, planned an armed revolution against the British. But after the plan was exposed, both were imprisoned in the Toadarg jail. Bhupsinh escaped from there and reached Nathdwara. This was the first time that people got the introduction of Vijay Singh teacher (pathak), but Sadhu Sitaram Das identified him and brought him to Bijolia.

Vijay Singh Pathik and Haribhai Kinkar established Vidya Pradvani Sabha in Chittaurgarh in 1914.

In 1916 Vijay Singh Pathik started the leadership of Bijolia Kisan movement on the insistence of Sadhu Sitaram.

In 1917, Vijay Singh Pathik established the Uparmal Kisan Punch Board in Bijollia. Its first president / sarpanch was Mr. Manna Patel. The Marwar Seva sangh was its associate organization.

In 1919 Vijay Singh Pathik established the Rajasthan Seva Sangh (the credit for creating the highest political awakening in Rajasthan) in Wardha. In 1920, Vijay Singh Pathik transferred the headquarters of the Rajasthan Seva sangh to Ajmer.

On 4th February, 1922, AGG Robert Holland of Rajasthan came to Bijaulia on the agitation. He made an agreement between the Zamidars and the farmers. But this agreement has not been effective for a long time. So the movement re-flashed.

During the movement, Vijay Singh Pathik published the following newspapers to bring awareness about the movement.

Publication of Rajasthan Kesari from Wardha (Maharashtra) in 1920.
New Rajasthan published from Ajmer in 1922.
Tarun Rajasthan published from Ajmer in 1923.
Pratap was published from Kanpur in 1924. (Editor – Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi)

During the Bijaulia Kisan movement, ‘Pratap’ was the most important newspaper of Vijay SinghPathik. In this letter, Bikaner opposed the practice of prostitution.

In 1927 Vijay Singh Pathak got separated from the Bijaulia Kisan movement.

After moving of Vijay Singh Pathak, command of the Bijaulia Kisan movement was led by Manikya Lal Verma, Jamnalal Bajaj, Haribhau Upadhyay (Da Saheb), Manikya Lal Verma.

Manikya Lal Verma led the final phase. His wife Narayani Devi Verma led the Women during the agitation.

Seeing the growing movement, Mewar’s Prime Minister T. S. Vijayaraghavachari entrusted Bijolia’s case to Mohan Singh Mehta. Mohan Singh Mehta came to He accepted the demands of the farmers and the agitation ended.

“Yash Sukh Vaibhav ki Chah nahi, Parwah nahi jivan rahe na rahe !

Iccha hai jo bas yah hai ye Swechachar daman na rahe!”

This is a poem composed by Vijaysinh Pathik

Vijay Singh Pathak is considered the father of the farmers movement in the country.

Tulsi Bhil – Worked as a message carrier walking 70 miles per day.

Bengu Kisan movement – (started in 1921)

The main centre of the peasant movement of Bengu was Raita.

Earlier,this place was in Bhilwara, but it is currently in Chittorgarh district.
This movement ran at the time of Bangngu’s Zamidar Anoop singh.
Maharana of Mewar was Fateh Singh .
Reason – Excessive levy and unfair means.
This movement was run by the farmers of Dhakar caste.

The initial leadership of this movement was done by Vijay Singh Pathik from Ajmer because there was a ban upon him on arrival in Mewar state. Later, on the insistence of Vijay Singh Pathak, Ram Narayan Chaudhary led the movement.

On the agitation, Thakur Anoop singh entered into an agreement with the farmers, but the British government refused to accept it, by naming it Bolshevik agreement and formed the Trench Commission on its level for the investigation of the case of Bengu, Who did not make a decision in the interest of the farmers.

Farmers organized a Kisan Sabha in Govindpura village on July 13, 1923 to protest the recommendations of the Trench Commission. Trench ordered firing on this assembly, in which many farmers including Rupa Gha Dhakar and Kripa Dhakar were martyred. This incident is called Govindpura massacre.

After this incident, Vijay Singh Pathik took over the leadership, but on September 10, 1923 the British arrested him, but the movement continued under the leadership of Ramnarayan Chaudhary.

Finally, in 1925 the demands of the farmers of Bengu were accepted.

Neemuchana Farmer Movement 1924-25

Extensively Writing by Pratap, New Rajasthan
This movement was taken during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar.
Reason – Increase in the fine rates
Current situation – Nemuchana is in Alwar district.

On 14th May, 1925, farmers of Alwar organized a Kisan Sabha in Nimuchana village of Alwar to protest against the increase of fines. The royal army of Alwar fired on this gathering, in which about 800 farmers were killed. This incident is called the Neemuchana massacre.

Finally, on November 18, 1925, the fine rates was reversed.

Ramnarayan Chaudhary firstly described the incident as a nemuchana murder case.

The news paper named ‘Riyasat’, for the first time, compared this incident to Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Gandhiji described this massacre as more than the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and criticized it as the second dyershai.

The Nemuchana massacre is called ‘Jalianwala Bagh Massacre’ of Rajasthan.

Bundi Farmer Movement

Started in April, 1922
Reason – Excessive levy and rent
Leadership – Pandit Nayanuram Sharma

On April 2, 1923, farmers of Bundi organized a Kisan Sabha in Dabi village of Bundi under the leadership of Nayanuram Sharma. Nanak Bhil was martyred while singing flag songs with many farmers in the shootout on this meeting. Sharma ji was arrested and the agitation ended.

Alwar Farmer movement 1924 (ending due to British intervention)

Communal riots spread during this movement.

This movement took place at the time of Maharaja Jai Singh.

Reason: The ban on killing wild boar. Later this ban was lifted.

Meo Farmer movement 1932 – 33

This movement was run by the farmers of Meo caste of Alwar.

Cause – excessive levy

Leadership-led by Mohabbat Ali

Later the demands of the farmers were accepted.

Note: In May 1933, the Meo farmers of Bharatpur also carried out the agitation, but it was suppressed.

Shekhawati Farmer Movement – 1933 – 34

Surname – Zakat movement

Reason – An increase in levy by the factories of the Shekhawati area.

Tilak Seva Samiti was established in the first phase of this movement.

Leadership – Harlal Chaudhary

During this movement, in April 1934, under the leadership of Harilal Chaudhary’s wife Kishori Devi, in the Katrathal village of Sikar, there were 10,000 Jat women.

In 1924, the ‘Jatavir’ weekly was published from Agra. The news of the Shekhawati peasant movement was published in this.

Devi Bakhsh declares civil rights in Mandwa hideouts under the Shekhawati-peasant-movement.

Rajasthan has a long history of worker and peasant movements. These movements have been driven by a variety of factors, including economic inequality, social injustice, and political oppression.

One of the earliest worker and peasant movements in Rajasthan was the Bhil Rebellion of 1857. The Bhils were a tribal people who lived in the forests of Rajasthan. They were exploited by the British colonial government, who forced them to work in mines and on plantations. The Bhils also suffered from discrimination at the hands of the upper castes. In 1857, the Bhils rebelled against the British. The rebellion was unsuccessful, but it marked the beginning of a long struggle for Justice by the Bhils and other tribal peoples of Rajasthan.

In the late 19th century, there were a number of Peasant Uprisings in Rajasthan. These uprisings were caused by the high levels of POVERTY and debt among the peasants. The peasants were also unhappy with the high taxes imposed by the British government. In 1897, there was a major peasant uprising in the Mewar region of Rajasthan. The uprising was led by a peasant named Gopal Hari. The rebels demanded lower taxes and an end to the exploitation of the peasants by the landlords. The uprising was suppressed by the British, but it led to some reforms, such as a reduction in taxes.

In the early 20th century, there was a growing movement for independence from British rule. This movement included both workers and peasants. In 1913, there was a major peasant uprising in the Marwar region of Rajasthan. The uprising was led by a peasant named Kisan Singh. The rebels demanded lower rents and an end to the exploitation of the peasants by the landlords. The uprising was suppressed by the British, but it led to some reforms, such as a reduction in rents.

After independence, there have been a number of worker and peasant movements in Rajasthan. These movements have been led by a variety of organizations, including the Kisan Sabha, the Tebhaga Movement, and The Naxalite Movement. The Kisan Sabha is a peasant organization that was founded in 1936. The Tebhaga Movement was a peasant uprising that took place in Bengal in the 1940s. The Naxalite Movement is a communist movement that was founded in the 1960s.

The worker and peasant movements in Rajasthan have had a significant impact on the state. These movements have led to improvements in the lives of workers and peasants, such as higher wages, better working conditions, and more land. The movements have also played a role in the political development of Rajasthan. They have helped to raise awareness of the problems faced by workers and peasants, and they have put pressure on the government to address these problems.

The worker and peasant movements in Rajasthan continue to be active today. These movements are fighting for a better future for workers and peasants. They are demanding justice, Equality, and dignity.

What are the different types of worker movements?

There are many different types of worker movements, but some of the most common include:

Trade Unions: Trade unions are organizations that represent the interests of workers in a particular Industry or occupation. They negotiate with employers on behalf of their members, and they can also engage in strikes and other forms of industrial action.
Cooperatives: Cooperatives are businesses that are owned and operated by their members. They can be formed by workers, consumers, or farmers, and they often focus on providing goods and Services to their members at a lower cost than traditional businesses.
Social movements: Social movements are broad-based efforts to bring about Social Change. They can focus on a wide range of issues, such as labor rights, environmental protection, or civil rights.

What are the different types of peasant movements?

Peasant movements are social movements that are led by peasants, or farmers. They often focus on issues such as land reform, agricultural development, and rural poverty. Some of the most common types of peasant movements include:

Land reform movements: Land reform movements seek to redistribute land from large landowners to small farmers. They often use protests, strikes, and other forms of direct action to achieve their goals.
Agricultural development movements: Agricultural development movements seek to improve the lives of farmers by increasing agricultural productivity and incomes. They often focus on providing farmers with access to credit, technology, and training.
Rural poverty movements: Rural poverty movements seek to address the problems of poverty and inequality in rural areas. They often focus on providing rural people with access to Education, healthcare, and other social services.

What are the causes of worker and peasant movements?

Worker and peasant movements are often caused by a combination of factors, including:

Economic inequality: Economic inequality can lead to resentment and anger among workers and peasants, who may feel that they are not being treated fairly.
Political repression: Political repression can make it difficult for workers and peasants to organize and advocate for their rights.
Social injustice: Social injustice, such as discrimination based on race, gender, or religion, can also lead to worker and peasant movements.

What are the effects of worker and peasant movements?

Worker and peasant movements can have a number of effects, both positive and negative. Some of the positive effects of these movements include:

Improved working conditions: Worker movements can lead to improved working conditions, such as higher wages, shorter hours, and safer workplaces.
Increased political participation: Worker and peasant movements can increase political participation among workers and peasants, which can lead to more democratic societies.
Social change: Worker and peasant movements can also lead to social change, such as the redistribution of land, the improvement of education and healthcare, and the reduction of poverty.

Some of the negative effects of worker and peasant movements include:

Violence: Worker and peasant movements can sometimes lead to violence, as workers and peasants clash with employers, the government, or other groups.
Economic disruption: Worker and peasant movements can also disrupt the economy, as strikes and other forms of industrial action can lead to shortages of goods and services.
Political instability: Worker and peasant movements can also lead to political instability, as they challenge the authority of the government.

Question 1

Which of the following is not a peasant movement in Rajasthan?

(A) The Bhil Rebellion
(B) The Mewar Peasants’ Revolt
(C) The Marwar Peasants’ Revolt
(D) The Jaisalmer Peasants’ Revolt

Answer

(D)

The Jaisalmer Peasants’ Revolt was a peasant movement that took place in the princely state of Jaisalmer in 1931. The movement was led by the peasant leader, Nathuram Godse. The main demands of the movement were the abolition of the feudal system, the reduction of land revenue, and the improvement of the conditions of the peasants. The movement was successful in achieving some of its demands, but it was ultimately suppressed by the government.

Question 2

Which of the following is not a worker movement in Rajasthan?

(A) The Jaipur Mill Workers’ Strike
(B) The Kota Mill Workers’ Strike
(C) The Bikaner Mill Workers’ Strike
(D) The Jodhpur Mill Workers’ Strike

Answer

(C)

The Bikaner Mill Workers’ Strike was a worker movement that took place in the princely state of Bikaner in 1938. The movement was led by the worker leader, Rameshwar Dayal. The main demands of the movement were the increase in wages, the reduction in working hours, and the improvement of the working conditions of the workers. The movement was successful in achieving some of its demands, but it was ultimately suppressed by the government.

Question 3

Which of the following is not a reason for the peasant and worker movements in Rajasthan?

(A) The exploitation of the peasants and workers by the landlords and capitalists
(B) The poor economic conditions of the peasants and workers
(C) The lack of education and awareness among the peasants and workers
(D) The oppressive policies of the government

Answer

(B)

The poor economic conditions of the peasants and workers were one of the reasons for the peasant and worker movements in Rajasthan. However, the main reason for these movements was the exploitation of the peasants and workers by the landlords and capitalists. The landlords and capitalists used various methods to exploit the peasants and workers, such as forced labor, debt bondage, and high rents. The peasants and workers were also denied their basic rights, such as the right to education, the right to organize, and the right to vote.

Question 4

Which of the following is not an outcome of the peasant and worker movements in Rajasthan?

(A) The improvement of the conditions of the peasants and workers
(B) The increase in the awareness of the peasants and workers
(C) The strengthening of the unity of the peasants and workers
(D) The overthrow of the feudal system

Answer

(D)

The peasant and worker movements in Rajasthan did not succeed in overthrowing the feudal system. However, they did succeed in improving the conditions of the peasants and workers, increasing their awareness, and strengthening their unity. The movements also led to the introduction of various reforms, such as the abolition of forced labor, debt bondage, and high rents.