The Pabna Agrarian League (1873–1885): A Peasant Movement for Justice

 

The Pabna Agrarian League (1873–1885): A Peasant Movement for Justice

The Pabna Agrarian League, formed in 1873 in the Yusufshahi Pargana of Pabna district (now in Sirajganj, Bangladesh), was a significant peasant uprising against the oppressive practices of zamindars in colonial Bengal. Spanning from 1873 to 1885, this movement stood out for its organized, largely peaceful resistance and its focus on securing tenant rights. Led by figures like Ishan Chandra Roy, fondly called the "Bidrohi Raja" (Rebel King), and Khoodi Mollah, a Muslim jotedar, the League united peasants across religious lines to challenge exploitation. This note explores the reasons for its inception, the course of the movement, and its lasting results, written in simple, engaging language for competitive exam preparation.

Reasons for the Inception of the Pabna Agrarian League

The Pabna Agrarian League emerged as a response to deep-rooted grievances faced by peasants under the zamindari system introduced by the British Permanent Settlement of 1793. Several factors fueled the unrest, making the formation of the League a necessity for the struggling ryots (peasants). Here are the key reasons:

Oppressive Zamindari Practices:

The Permanent Settlement gave zamindars (landlords) absolute control over land, turning peasants into tenants who paid rent. Zamindars exploited this power by imposing exorbitant rents and illegal cesses called abwabs.

They often evicted tenants on false pretexts, such as non-payment of rent, to prevent them from gaining occupancy rights under Act X of 1859. This act allowed tenants who held land for 12 continuous years and paid rent to claim occupancy rights, but zamindars disrupted this by forcibly removing peasants.

Violent tactics, like seizing crops, cattle, or dragging tenants into costly lawsuits, were common, leaving peasants in distress.

Economic Hardships and Famine:

The 1870s were a challenging time for Bengal’s peasants, particularly in Pabna, a region heavily reliant on jute production. Jute was in high demand globally, but low rainfall, adverse weather, and limited land and capital reduced output, leading to economic strain.

The famine of 1873–74 worsened the situation, causing food shortages and widespread poverty. Despite these hardships, zamindars continued to demand high rents and even raised taxes, pushing peasants to the brink of survival.

The economic vulnerability made peasants resent the lack of government support and the zamindars’ relentless greed.

Denial of Legal Rights:

Act X of 1859 was meant to protect tenants by granting occupancy rights, but zamindars found loopholes to undermine it. They refused to issue leases for the same plot for 12 years or evicted tenants before they could qualify.

The zamindars’ actions violated the legal grounds for rent enhancement outlined in the Act, which allowed increases only if the rent was lower than neighboring areas, if produce value rose, or if tenants paid below fair rates. Instead, zamindars raised rents arbitrarily.

Rise of Peasant Awareness:

The peasants of Pabna, many of whom were Muslims, were influenced by earlier reform movements like the Faraizi Movement, which emphasized social justice and resistance to oppression. Leaders like Naya Miya, son of Faraizi leader Dudu Miya, supported agrarian combinations in nearby areas, inspiring Pabna’s peasants.

Educated intermediaries, such as jotedars (rich peasants), village headmen, and local leaders like Ishan Chandra Roy and Khoodi Mollah, played a crucial role in organizing the peasants. Their awareness of legal rights and ability to rally the community gave the movement momentum.

Support from Intellectuals:

Prominent Bengali intellectuals like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Romesh Chunder Dutt, and Surendranath Banerjee sympathized with the peasants’ plight. Their writings, speeches, and advocacy highlighted the injustices of the zamindari system, encouraging peasants to resist.

The Indian Association, led by Surendranath Banerjee, later organized tenant rights campaigns, amplifying the Pabna movement’s message.

These reasons combined to create a volatile environment where peasants could no longer tolerate exploitation. The formation of the Pabna Agrarian League in May 1873 was a bold step to reclaim their rights and dignity.

Course of the Pabna Agrarian League

The Pabna Agrarian League was a well-organized movement that evolved from peaceful resistance to a broader struggle, though it remained largely non-violent. Its course can be traced through key phases and actions, led by charismatic leaders like Ishan Chandra Roy, Khoodi Mollah, and Shambhu Nath Pal.

Formation and Early Organization (May 1873):

The League was formed in Yusufshahi Pargana, where new zamindars, who had purchased parts of the Natore Raj, intensified oppression. Ishan Chandra Roy, a petty landholder, emerged as the central leader, earning the title "Bidrohi Raja" for his fearless defiance.

Khoodi Mollah, a Muslim jotedar, and Shambhu Nath Pal, a village headman, were key allies, ensuring the movement crossed religious divides. This unity was notable, as most peasants were Muslim, while zamindars were predominantly Hindu, yet communal tensions were absent.

The League held mass meetings, where large groups of peasants gathered to discuss grievances, raise funds, and plan resistance. These gatherings boosted morale and attracted more ryots to join.

Legal Resistance and Rent Strikes:

The movement’s primary strategy was legal resistance. Peasants refused to pay enhanced rents and illegal cesses, organizing rent strikes to pressure zamindars. They also took zamindars to court, using Act X of 1859 to defend their occupancy rights.

Funds raised by the League supported legal battles, making it possible for poor peasants to challenge wealthy landlords. This approach was effective, as zamindars feared lengthy, costly litigation.

The League’s actions spread beyond Pabna to other East Bengal districts, inspiring similar agrarian combinations.

Declaration of Independence and Rebel Army:

As the League grew stronger, it took bold steps. Leaders declared their parganas independent of zamindari control, envisioning a local government free from landlord oppression.

A "rebel army" was formed to counter zamindari lathials (armed clubmen). Trusted deputies were appointed to manage various departments, and the army was stationed strategically across the district. While largely symbolic, this show of strength intimidated zamindars.

Though the movement started peacefully, some clashes occurred as tensions escalated, particularly when zamindars used force to collect rents.

Government Intervention (July 1873):

The League’s activities threatened public peace, prompting the British colonial government to intervene. On July 4, 1873, Sir George Campbell, the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, issued a proclamation supporting peasants against excessive zamindari demands. He advised zamindars to use legal means to assert their claims.

The government’s stance was partly motivated by the need to maintain order and secure peasant loyalty, as the British relied on land revenue. However, when violence erupted, the government deployed police to suppress unrest, arresting several peasants.

Impact of Famine and Decline (1873–1885):

The famine of 1873–74 severely weakened the movement, as peasants struggled to survive food shortages and economic hardship. The League’s momentum slowed, and many peasants could not sustain their resistance.

Despite this, discontent simmered until 1885, with sporadic protests and legal battles. The government’s promise to address tenant grievances through legislation kept hopes alive.

Role of Intellectuals and Broader Influence:

Intellectuals like Romesh Chunder Dutt, in his book Peasantry of Bengal (1874), and the Indian Association’s campaigns, highlighted the Pabna movement’s significance. Their support gave the League legitimacy and inspired other peasant movements.

The movement’s emphasis on collective action and legal resistance set a model for future agrarian struggles in India.

The course of the Pabna Agrarian League was marked by unity, strategic planning, and resilience, despite challenges like famine and government crackdowns. Its leaders, particularly Ishan Chandra Roy and Khoodi Mollah, played a pivotal role in mobilizing peasants and sustaining the fight for justice.

Results of the Pabna Agrarian League

The Pabna Agrarian League had far-reaching consequences, both immediate and long-term, that transformed the agrarian landscape of Bengal and influenced India’s broader freedom struggle. Its results can be summarized as follows:

Introduction of the Bengal Tenancy Act (1885):

The most significant outcome was the passage of the Bengal Tenancy Act in 1885. This legislation addressed key peasant grievances by regulating landlord-tenant relationships and protecting occupancy rights.

The Act limited zamindars’ ability to impose arbitrary rent increases and illegal cesses, ensuring tenants could not be evicted without legal grounds. It also clarified the rights of both zamindars and ryots, reducing exploitation.

While not perfect, the Act was a direct result of the pressure exerted by the Pabna movement and marked a victory for peasant advocacy.

Reduction in Rents and Illegal Cesses:

The League’s rent strikes and legal battles forced many zamindars to negotiate. Rents were reduced in several areas, and illegal cesses (abwabs) were abolished, providing immediate relief to peasants.

The collective action demonstrated the power of united resistance, compelling zamindars to reconsider their oppressive practices.

Strengthening of Peasant Solidarity:

The movement fostered a sense of unity and collective identity among peasants, transcending religious and social divides. The leadership of Ishan Chandra Roy, Khoodi Mollah, and Shambhu Nath Pal showed that diverse communities could work together for a common cause.

This solidarity inspired other peasant movements across India, such as the Deccan Riots and later the Tebhaga Movement, emphasizing the importance of collective action.

Influence on Nationalist Movement:

The Pabna Agrarian League caught the attention of nationalist leaders like Surendranath Banerjee and Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. It highlighted the need to address agrarian issues within the broader struggle against colonial rule.

The movement’s success in pressuring the government showed that organized resistance could yield results, encouraging nationalists to integrate peasant concerns into their agenda.

Empowerment of Rural Leadership:

Leaders like Ishan Chandra Roy and Khoodi Mollah emerged as symbols of resistance, proving that local leaders could mobilize communities effectively. Their roles as jotedars and village headmen bridged the gap between peasants and the colonial administration.

The involvement of Muslim leaders like Khoodi Mollah also highlighted the role of religious and community elders in agrarian movements, paving the way for future Muslim-led peasant struggles.

Long-Term Impact on Agrarian Reforms:

The Pabna movement set a precedent for post-independence land reforms, such as the abolition of the zamindari system in the 1950s. It created an atmosphere where peasant rights became a priority for policymakers.

The movement’s emphasis on legal resistance and tenant rights influenced the discourse on agrarian justice, shaping policies in colonial and independent India.

Challenges and Limitations:

Despite its achievements, the movement faced setbacks. The famine of 1873–74 and police actions weakened its momentum, and not all peasant demands were fully met.

The Bengal Tenancy Act, while progressive, did not eliminate all forms of exploitation, and zamindars continued to wield significant power in some areas.

Conclusion

The Pabna Agrarian League (1873–1885) was a shining example of peasant resilience and unity in the face of oppression. Driven by the leadership of Ishan Chandra Roy, Khoodi Mollah, and others, it challenged the exploitative zamindari system and secured significant reforms, most notably the Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885. The movement’s roots lay in economic hardship, famine, and the denial of legal rights, but its success came from organized resistance, legal battles, and intellectual support. Its legacy lived on in stronger peasant solidarity, nationalist awakening, and lasting agrarian reforms. For students preparing for competitive exams, the Pabna Agrarian League is a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring fight for justice.