Workers, peasants and Tribal movements in Telangana
The Telangana Rebellion was a peasant rebellion against the feudal lords of the Telangana region and, later, the princely state of Hyderabad, between 1946 and 1951.
The communists were as surprised as everyone else to see their efforts culminate in a series of successful attempts at organising the rebellion and distribution of land. With the Nizam holding on, even after the proclamation of Indian independence, the communists stepped up their campaign, stating that the flag of the Indian union was also the flag of the people of Hyderabad, much against the wishes of the ruling Asaf Jah dynasty.
The revolt started in 1946 against the oppressive feudal lords and quickly spread to the Warangal and Bidar districts in around 4000 villages. Peasant farmers and labourers revolted against local feudal landlords (jagirdars and deshmukhs), who were ruling the villages known as samsthans. These samsthans were ruled mostly by Reddys and Velama,[citation needed] known as doralu. They ruled over the communities in the village and managed the tax collections (revenues) and owned almost all the land in that area. The Nizam had little control over these regions except the capital, Hyderabad. Chakali Ilamma, belonging to the Rajaka caste, had revolted against ‘zamindar’ Ramachandra Reddy, during the struggle when he tried to take her 4 acres of land. Her revolt inspired many to join the movement. The agitation led by communists was successful in taking over 3000 villages from the feudal lords and 10,00,000 acres of agriculture land was distributed to landless peasants. Around 4000 peasants lost their lives in the struggle fighting feudal private armies. It later became a fight against Nizam Osman Ali Khan, Asif Jah VII. The initial modest aims were to do away with the illegal and excessive exploitation meted out by these feudal lords in the name of bonded labour. The most strident demand was for the writing off of all debts of the peasants that were manipulated by the feudal lords.
The revolt ensured the victory of the Communist Party in Andhra Pradesh in the 1952 Elections. Land reforms were recognised as important and various acts were passed to implement them.
Telangana Peasant Struggle (1947-51)
main causes of the movement were as follows:
- The Nizam’s former Hyderabad state had a feudal structure of administration. In the jagir area, the agents of the jagirdar who were the middlemen collected the land taxes. There was much of oppression by the jagirdar and his agents. They were free to extort from the actual cultivators a variety of taxes. This condition of exploitation remained in practice till the jagirdari system was abolished in 1949. On the other hand the khalsa land or the raiyatwari system was also exploitative though the severity of exploitation in the khalsa system was a little lesser. In the khalsa villages, the Deshmukhs and Deshpandes worked as intermediaries.
- Yet another cause of peasant movement in Telangana was the exploitation of the big peasants. D.N. Dhanagare informs that the jagirdars and the Deshmukhs had thousands of acres of land in their possession. The families of these big peasants and their heads were called Durra or Dora. It means, the master or lord of the village. Dhanagare says that the Dora exploited the small peasants and agricultural labourers.
- In the whole former state of Nizam a system of slavery, quite like that of Hali of south Gujarat, was prevalent. This system was known as Bhagela. The Bhagela were drawn mostly from aboriginal tribes who were tied to the master by debt. According to Bhagela system, the tenant who had taken loan from the landlord was obliged to serve him till the debt is repaid. In most of the cases, the Bhagela was required to serve the landlord for generations.
- The Reddis and Kammars were notable castes who traditionally worked as traders and moneylenders. They exercised a great deal of influence in the countryside. They wanted to pull down the dominance of Brahmins as agriculturists in the state.
Tribal movements in Telangana
In 1724 A.D Nizam-e-Mulk defeated Mubariz Khan and took possession of the Deccan and began to rule. In 1773 Madhoji Bhonsle entered into an agreement with Nizam Ali Khan, Nizam of Hyderabad by which he agreed to cede Manikgarh (Rajura of Chandrapur) with surrounding territories south of Penganga to the Nizam, in return for the forts of Gavilgarh and Narnala of Amaravati district – Berar. As a result of war between the British and Raghoji Bhonsale II, the latter ceded the territory of Berar to British who, in turn passed it on to Nizam under treaty and obligation for cooperation in war. Consequently Sirpur the ancient seat of Gond Rajas passed into the hands of Asaf Jahi rulers. In 1853 A.D. a treaty was concluded between the Nizam and East India Company, according to which Nizam assigned Berar and other Districts to East India Co. in lieu of expenditure incurred on the Nizam’s contingent. The people of all classes in the Nizam dominions very keenly felt the loss of Berar. In 1860 revolt existed against The British .In Adilabad district, the Rohilas & Gonds under Ramji Gond’s Leadership revolted The British, which was suppressed by the then administrators at Nirmal. Komram Bhimu a tribal led the struggle against Nizam govt. organized the tribals, brought awareness among them about their rights and fought for their rights through guerilla wars in agency areas. The fight lasted till Komran Bhimu was killed in 1940. In the history of Adilabad Komram Bhimu has a unique place for spear – heading the struggle against the then Govt.In commemoration of Komram Bhimu Jathra is being held at Jodeghat and Babejhari areas on full moon day of Ashwiyuja Month Every year. 7. The freedom struggle in the district became an integral part of the Indian freedom movement. Khailafat Agitation Supported by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 was observed. In 1930 sister Organisations / Sanghams sprang into action all over Telengana for grant of representative Govt. The agitation for a democratic form of Govt. led in 1938 A.D. The Nizam of Hyderabad.
Komaram Bheem – The Icon of Tribal movements in Telangana
Komaram Bheem, a Gond tribal, was born in the Adilabad district in the Telangana region. The Gonds formed a substantial part of the Population as the area was ruled by of Chanda (Chandrapur) and Ballalpur. The Gonds like all tribes had very little interaction with the outside world. Komaram too had no exposure and was uneducated. Despite these constraints, he rose in rebellion against the atrocities of the Nizam and became a household name in the liberation movement of his people. The last phase of the Asif Jahi rule in Hyderabad was rude in the history of the Telangana region. The Hindu population faced the brunt of the rudeness from the Nizams. The Nizam unleashed untold atrocities on the people. Taxes were raised to exorbitant levels, Women were dishonored, and men were harassed for unknown reasons. An overall exploitation of the masses became the order of the day. The names of the districts in Telangana region were changed. In his growing years, he witnessed these unjust practices. His heart wept for his people and the fire of rebellion smoldered within him. Stories of the sacrifices made by other tribal leaders and that of Shaheed Bhagat Singh who laid down his life for his motherland greatly inspired Komaram. It provided the right motivation to awaken the rebel within him. He gave the slogan “Jal, Jungle Jameen” (people living in forests should have the complete rights on all the Resources of the forest).
in Komaram’s struggle, passion and a deep resolve to bring Justice to his people were his main weapons. Given his primitive background he could not gather sophisticated weapons. Nevertheless he surged forward with his strong resolve to bring an end to the rule of the Nizam. However, these were sufficient to unsettle the local Talukdar Abdul Sattar. Shaken and scared to lose, Abdul Sattar turned to the Police for their support. In 1940, a force of 90 well-armed policemen raided the hideout of Komaram. Despite being armed with only primitive weapons like muzzle loaders, spears, lances, bows and arrows and swords, Komaram and his group of warriors fought with such resolve and bravery that it is etched deeply in the memoirs of History. Komaram however suffered fatal injuries and died in that battled. His death is remembered till this day as that of a martyr who died fighting against the injustices of the Nizams and for the cause of liberating his people. His bravery and valor has earned him a God-like status. He is worshipped in many households and also has his statue installed in the retaining wall of the tank in Hyderabad.
Komaram Bheem has made an indelible mark on the minds of the people of Telangana. His struggle for the liberation of his people was ignited solely from his will to see justice prevail. He was not politically motivated a fact which fails to dilute his genuineness. This Integrity to his cause made him overlook his deficiencies and may have expedited his death. Nevertheless, it does not fail to impress on the minds of posterity that resolution and commitment to one’s cause are the two vital factors which helps to lead the way out from the present state of discontent. These factors are also required in order to find new ways of liberation and Komaram Bheem has done just that. Komaram Bheem was a leader of his people in the truest sense. He has actively led the way for the liberation of his people. It is this liberation movement which he started that laid the seeds for the Telangana demand to create a separate state that fructified in recent years. In a way, therefore he is revered as the icon of the Telangana Liberation Movement. Recently Komaram Bheem’s statue got installed on Tank Bund, Hyderabad on 01-Nov-2012 (Wolrd Tribal Day) after immense pressure from all the pro-Telangana supporters. He became the true spirit to all Telangana people who are fighting for separate Telangana state.,
Adivasis in Telangana
Adivasis, also known as tribals, are the indigenous people of India. They are estimated to make up about 8% of the country’s population. Adivasis are found in all parts of India, but they are concentrated in the central and eastern parts of the country.
Telangana is a state in southern India that was formed in 2014. It is home to a large population of Adivasis, who make up about 12% of the state’s population. Adivasis in Telangana face a number of challenges, including POVERTY, lack of Education, and discrimination.
Andhra Pradesh Girijana Sangham
The Andhra Pradesh Girijana Sangham (APGS) is a non-profit organization that works for the rights of Adivasis in Andhra Pradesh. The APGS was founded in 1978 and has been working to improve the lives of Adivasis through a variety of programs, including education, Health care, and Economic Development.
The APGS has been instrumental in raising awareness of the problems faced by Adivasis and in advocating for their rights. The organization has also been involved in a number of protests and demonstrations against the government’s policies that have adversely affected Adivasis.
Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Janashakti
The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Janashakti (CPI(ML) Janashakti) is a communist political party in India. The party was formed in 1996 through a split in the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist). The CPI(ML) Janashakti is active in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha.
The CPI(ML) Janashakti’s main ideology is Marxism-Leninism. The party’s goal is to establish a socialist state in India. The CPI(ML) Janashakti is also committed to the rights of Adivasis and other marginalized groups.
Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) People’s War
The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) People’s War (CPI(ML) People’s War) is a communist guerrilla organization in India. The party was formed in 1980 through a split in the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist). The CPI(ML) People’s War is active in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh.
The CPI(ML) People’s War’s main ideology is Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. The party’s goal is to establish a communist state in India. The CPI(ML) People’s War is also committed to the rights of Adivasis and other marginalized groups.
Telangana Armed Struggle
The Telangana Armed Struggle was an armed conflict that took place in the Telangana region of India from 1946 to 1951. The struggle was led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) and was aimed at overthrowing the Nizam of Hyderabad and establishing a socialist state.
The Telangana Armed Struggle was one of the most significant Peasant Uprisings in Indian history. The struggle had a major impact on the political landscape of India and led to the formation of the state of Telangana in 2014.
Telangana Rashtra Samithi
The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is a political party in India. The party was founded in 2001 by K. Chandrashekar Rao. The TRS’s main goal is to achieve statehood for Telangana.
The TRS has been successful in its goal of achieving statehood for Telangana. The party won the 2014 Telangana Legislative Assembly election and formed the government in Telangana.
Telangana statehood movement
The Telangana statehood movement was a political movement that was aimed at achieving statehood for the Telangana region of India. The movement began in the early 1990s and gained momentum in the early 2000s.
The Telangana statehood movement was successful in its goal of achieving statehood for Telangana. The state of Telangana was formed on 2 June 2014.
Tribal peoples of India
Tribal peoples of India are the indigenous people of India. They are estimated to make up about 8% of the country’s population. Tribal peoples are found in all parts of India, but they are concentrated in the central and eastern parts of the country.
Tribal peoples of India face a number of challenges, including poverty, lack of education, and discrimination. The Indian government has taken some steps to improve the lives of tribal peoples, but more needs to be done.
What are the main causes of tribal movements?
Tribal movements are often caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Economic marginalization: Tribal peoples are often excluded from mainstream economic development, which can lead to poverty and Unemployment.
- Political disenfranchisement: Tribal peoples are often denied the right to participate in political decision-making, which can lead to feelings of frustration and alienation.
- Cultural loss: Tribal cultures are often threatened by the encroachment of mainstream culture, which can lead to feelings of loss and identity crisis.
- Environmental Degradation: Tribal lands are often subject to environmental degradation, such as deforestation and mining, which can lead to loss of livelihood and habitat.
What are the goals of tribal movements?
The goals of tribal movements vary depending on the specific movement, but they often include:
- Economic development: Tribal movements often seek to improve the economic conditions of tribal peoples, through such measures as land reform, job creation, and access to credit.
- Political participation: Tribal movements often seek to increase the political participation of tribal peoples, through such measures as electoral reform, affirmative action, and the creation of tribal self-government institutions.
- Cultural preservation: Tribal movements often seek to preserve tribal cultures, through such measures as language revitalization, traditional education, and the protection of sacred sites.
- Environmental protection: Tribal movements often seek to protect tribal lands and resources from environmental degradation, through such measures as land conservation, Sustainable Development, and the enforcement of environmental laws.
What are the strategies used by tribal movements?
Tribal movements use a variety of strategies to achieve their goals, including:
- Protest and advocacy: Tribal movements often engage in protests, demonstrations, and other forms of advocacy to raise awareness of their issues and pressure governments and other decision-makers to take action.
- Legal action: Tribal movements often use the courts to challenge laws and policies that they believe discriminate against tribal peoples.
- Self-determination: Tribal movements often seek to exercise greater control over their own affairs, through such measures as the establishment of tribal governments and the development of tribal economies.
- Nonviolent resistance: Tribal movements often use nonviolent methods of resistance, such as boycotts, strikes, and civil disobedience, to achieve their goals.
What are the successes and failures of tribal movements?
Tribal movements have achieved a number of successes, including:
- Land rights: Tribal movements have played a key role in securing land rights for tribal peoples in many countries.
- Political participation: Tribal movements have helped to increase the political participation of tribal peoples in many countries.
- Cultural preservation: Tribal movements have helped to preserve tribal cultures in many countries.
- Environmental protection: Tribal movements have helped to protect tribal lands and resources from environmental degradation in many countries.
However, tribal movements have also faced a number of challenges, including:
- Government repression: Tribal movements have often been met with repression from governments, which have used violence, intimidation, and other means to suppress them.
- Internal divisions: Tribal movements have often been divided by internal conflicts, such as those based on ethnicity, class, or gender.
- Lack of resources: Tribal movements often lack the resources they need to be effective, such as funding, training, and access to the media.
Despite these challenges, tribal movements have played a vital role in the struggle for justice and Equality for tribal peoples around the world.
Question 1
The following are the main reasons for the tribal movements in Telangana, except:
(A) Land alienation
(B) Exploitation by moneylenders
(C) Atrocities by the police and forest officials
(D) Lack of development
Answer
(C) Atrocities by the police and forest officials
Explanation
Atrocities by the police and forest officials are not one of the main reasons for the tribal movements in Telangana. The main reasons for the tribal movements in Telangana are land alienation, exploitation by moneylenders, and lack of development.
Question 2
The following are the main demands of the tribal movements in Telangana, except:
(A) Land rights
(B) Forest rights
(C) Right to development
(D) Right to self-determination
Answer
(D) Right to self-determination
Explanation
The right to self-determination is not one of the main demands of the tribal movements in Telangana. The main demands of the tribal movements in Telangana are land rights, forest rights, and right to development.
Question 3
The following are the main achievements of the tribal movements in Telangana, except:
(A) Land reforms
(B) Forest reforms
(C) Development of tribal areas
(D) Creation of a separate Telangana state
Answer
(D) Creation of a separate Telangana state
Explanation
The creation of a separate Telangana state is not one of the main achievements of the tribal movements in Telangana. The main achievements of the tribal movements in Telangana are land reforms, forest reforms, and development of tribal areas.
Question 4
The following are the main challenges faced by the tribal movements in Telangana, except:
(A) Globalization/”>Globalization-3/”>Globalization
(B) Industrialization
(C) Naxalism
(D) Communalism
Answer
(D) Communalism
Explanation
Communalism is not one of the main challenges faced by the tribal movements in Telangana. The main challenges faced by the tribal movements in Telangana are globalization, industrialization, and Naxalism.
Question 5
The following are the main strategies adopted by the tribal movements in Telangana, except:
(A) Non-violent protests
(B) Armed struggle
(C) Electoral politics
(D) Judicial Activism
Answer
(D) Judicial activism
Explanation
Judicial activism is not one of the main strategies adopted by the tribal movements in Telangana. The main strategies adopted by the tribal movements in Telangana are non-violent protests, armed struggle, and electoral politics.