United Provinces Kisan Sabha Movement (1918–1920): A Peasant Awakening

 

United Provinces Kisan Sabha Movement (1918–1920): A Peasant Awakening

The United Provinces Kisan Sabha Movement, spanning from 1918 to 1920, stands as a significant chapter in India’s struggle against colonial oppression and feudal exploitation. Rooted in the agrarian heartland of the United Provinces (modern-day Uttar Pradesh), this movement was a powerful expression of peasant discontent against unjust landlord practices and British policies. Spearheaded by leaders like Gauri Shankar Mishra and Indra Narayan Dwivedi, with support from prominent figures like Madan Mohan Malaviya, the movement mobilized farmers to demand their rights and dignity. This detailed note explores the reasons for its inception, the course it took, and its lasting results, presenting the narrative in simple, engaging, and eloquent language.

Reasons for the Inception of the Movement

The United Provinces Kisan Sabha Movement was born out of deep-rooted grievances that plagued the peasants of the Awadh region. Several factors converged to ignite this agrarian uprising:

Oppressive Landlord System: After the Revolt of 1857, the British restored lands to the Awadh taluqdars (big landlords), strengthening their grip over the rural economy. These landlords imposed exorbitant rents, often demanding 50–75% of the produce. Peasants faced summary evictions (bedakhali) if they failed to pay, alongside illegal levies like nazrana (renewal fees) and other exploitative taxes. This left farmers in perpetual poverty and fear.

Impact of World War I: The First World War (1914–1918) worsened the peasants’ plight. The British government’s war efforts led to a sharp rise in the prices of food and essential goods. While landlords and traders profited, peasants, already burdened by high rents, struggled to afford basic necessities. The economic strain pushed them to the brink of desperation.

British Colonial Policies: The British land revenue system favored landlords over cultivators. The Permanent Settlement and other policies prioritized revenue collection, ignoring the welfare of peasants. The colonial administration’s indifference to agrarian distress fueled resentment, as farmers saw no relief from their suffering.

Influence of Home Rule Movement: The Home Rule Movement, led by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, inspired political awakening across India. In the United Provinces, Home Rule activists played a pivotal role in organizing peasants. They linked the farmers’ economic struggles to the broader fight against British rule, encouraging the formation of kisan sabhas (peasant associations) to voice grievances.

Leadership and Vision: The vision of leaders like Gauri Shankar Mishra and Indra Narayan Dwivedi was instrumental. Both were educated and deeply committed to social reform. They recognized the need to unite peasants across caste and community lines to challenge the feudal order. Their efforts, backed by Madan Mohan Malaviya, a respected nationalist, gave the movement legitimacy and direction.

These factors created a perfect storm of discontent, setting the stage for the United Provinces Kisan Sabha to emerge as a beacon of hope for oppressed farmers.

Course of the Movement

The United Provinces Kisan Sabha Movement unfolded in distinct phases, marked by organization, mobilization, and escalation. Its journey from inception to its peak in 1920 reflects the growing assertiveness of the peasant community.

1. Formation of the United Provinces Kisan Sabha (February 1918):

The movement began with the establishment of the United Provinces Kisan Sabha in February 1918 in Lucknow. Gauri Shankar Mishra and Indra Narayan Dwivedi, both influenced by the Home Rule Movement, took the lead. Madan Mohan Malaviya, a prominent Congress leader and advocate of Indian self-rule, lent his support, adding credibility.

The sabha aimed to address peasant grievances such as high rents, illegal levies, and forced labor (begar and hari). It sought to unite farmers from diverse agricultural castes, including both high and low castes, fostering a sense of collective identity.

By June 1919, the sabha had grown remarkably, establishing 450 branches across the United Provinces. This rapid expansion showcased the widespread appeal of its message and the organizational skills of its leaders.

2. Mobilization and Leadership:

The sabha organized mass meetings and rallies to raise awareness. Leaders like Jhinguri Singh, Durgapal Singh, and Baba Ramchandra emerged as key figures. Baba Ramchandra, a Maharashtrian Brahmin, was particularly influential. He recited verses from the Ramcharitmanas to inspire pride and unity among peasants, blending cultural and spiritual elements with the struggle.

The sabha encouraged peasants to resist exploitative practices. It urged them to refuse to till bedakhali land (land reclaimed by landlords after evictions), boycott unpaid labor, and settle disputes through village panchayats rather than landlord-controlled courts.

In June 1920, Baba Ramchandra invited Jawaharlal Nehru to visit Awadh’s villages. Nehru’s visits deepened his understanding of rural distress and forged strong bonds with the peasants, aligning the movement with the broader nationalist struggle.

3. Formation of Awadh Kisan Sabha (October 1920):

Differences among nationalist leaders led to the formation of the Awadh Kisan Sabha in October 1920, led by Baba Ramchandra, Nehru, and others. This new organization focused specifically on the Awadh region, where landlord oppression was most acute.

The Awadh Kisan Sabha intensified the movement’s demands. It called for a complete boycott of landlords who enforced unjust practices and promoted self-governance through panchayats. The sabha’s radical stance resonated with peasants, who saw it as a direct challenge to the feudal order.

4. Escalation and Non-Cooperation (1920):

The movement gained momentum as it aligned with Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, launched in 1920. Peasants saw non-cooperation as a way to resist both British rule and landlord tyranny. However, Madan Mohan Malaviya, a moderate, did not support Gandhi’s philosophy and distanced himself from this phase.

The sabha’s activities became more assertive. Peasants organized large rallies and refused to comply with landlord demands. The movement’s growing strength alarmed the British administration and the taluqdars, who relied on peasant labor and revenue.

5. Shift to Militancy (January 1921):

By early 1921, the movement took a more confrontational turn. Frustrated by the lack of immediate reforms, some peasants resorted to looting bazaars, granaries, and landlord homes. Clashes with the police became frequent, marking a shift from peaceful mobilization to sporadic violence.

The British responded with repression, arresting leaders and cracking down on protests. This phase, while intense, strained the movement’s unity and exposed the challenges of sustaining a mass uprising.

Throughout its course, the movement demonstrated the power of collective action. It transformed peasants from passive victims into active agents of change, laying the groundwork for future agrarian struggles.

Results of the Movement

The United Provinces Kisan Sabha Movement left a lasting impact on India’s agrarian and nationalist landscape. Its outcomes were both immediate and long-term, shaping the trajectory of peasant activism and the freedom struggle.

Empowerment of Peasants:

The movement instilled a sense of agency among peasants. For the first time, farmers from diverse castes united to challenge the feudal order. The sabha’s emphasis on panchayats and self-reliance empowered rural communities to resolve disputes independently, reducing their dependence on landlords.

The involvement of leaders like Baba Ramchandra and Nehru bridged the gap between rural and urban India, ensuring that peasant issues gained national attention.

Strengthening of Nationalism:

The movement aligned with the Indian National Congress and the Non-Cooperation Movement, integrating agrarian issues into the broader fight for independence. Nehru’s engagement with peasants during this period shaped his commitment to rural upliftment, influencing Congress policies in the decades to come.

The sabha’s success in mobilizing thousands of peasants demonstrated the potential of mass movements, inspiring other regions to organize similar protests.

Limited Immediate Reforms:

The movement did not achieve immediate legislative changes, such as the abolition of the zamindari system or rent reductions. The British and landlords, backed by colonial power, resisted reforms. However, the sabha’s agitation highlighted the need for agrarian reform, planting seeds for future policy changes.

The movement’s later militancy led to repression, which temporarily weakened its momentum. Some leaders were arrested, and the sabha’s activities were curtailed.

Foundation for Future Movements:

The United Provinces Kisan Sabha laid the groundwork for the All India Kisan Sabha, formed in 1936 under Swami Sahajanand Saraswati. The 1918–1920 movement’s organizational strategies and demands, such as abolishing landlordism, influenced the national peasant movement.

The Awadh Kisan Sabha’s radical approach inspired subsequent uprisings, including the Eka Movement (1921–1922) and the tenant movements of the 1930s.

Social and Cultural Impact:

The movement broke caste barriers by uniting high- and low-caste peasants, fostering social solidarity. Baba Ramchandra’s use of Ramcharitmanas created a shared cultural identity, making the struggle relatable and inclusive.

It challenged the notion that peasants were passive, proving they could organize and resist oppression. This shift in perception influenced later social and political movements.

Conclusion

The United Provinces Kisan Sabha Movement (1918–1920), led by Gauri Shankar Mishra, Indra Narayan Dwivedi, and supported by figures like Madan Mohan Malaviya, was a landmark in India’s agrarian history. Born out of the peasants’ suffering under feudal landlords and colonial policies, it gave voice to the voiceless. Its course, marked by organization, mobilization, and eventual militancy, showcased the resilience and determination of rural India. While immediate reforms were limited, the movement’s legacy endured, empowering peasants, strengthening nationalism, and inspiring future struggles.