19-06-2024 Mains Question Answer
Q. Compare the peasant revolts in India before and after 1857. What were the reasons for the changes witnessed after 1857?
Approach:
Introduction: Highlight general socio economic profile of peasants in India in 19th century.
Body: In the first part compare the peasant revolts before and after 1857 in a tabular form and using different dimensions.
In the second part highlight the reason for changes witnessed after 1857.
Conclude: Summarize the body part giving some future trends and analysis related to post independence India.
Ans: In the 19th century, Indian peasants were primarily poor and heavily burdened by high taxes, oppressive landlords, and exploitative revenue systems imposed by colonial authorities. The majority of peasants lived in rural areas and depended on agriculture for their livelihood. Their socio-economic conditions were often dire, leading to widespread discontent and sporadic uprisings.
Comparison of Peasant Revolts Before and After 1857:
Dimension | Before 1857 | After 1857 |
Nature and Scale | Localized and sporadic e.g., Sanyasi Rebellion (late 18th century), Paika Rebellion (1817) | More organized and widespread e.g., Indigo Rebellion (1859-60), Deccan Riots (1875) |
Leadership | Local leaders and traditional elites e.g., Zamindars in Paika Rebellion | Emergence of new leadership from peasant classes and educated middle class e.g., Leaders from peasant communities in Deccan Riots |
Causes | High taxes, forced labor, land revenue policies e.g., Bengal famine due to heavy taxation | Continued exploitation, new economic pressures, and changing land policies e.g., Exploitation by indigo planters in Bengal, rising debts in Deccan |
Participation | Primarily peasants and rural populace e.g., Local peasants in Sanyasi Rebellion | Involvement of diverse groups, including tenants and tribal communities e.g., Tribes in Munda Rebellion (1899-1900) |
Methods | Violent resistance, fleeing the area e.g., Armed resistance in Paika Rebellion | Both violent uprisings and non-violent protests, petitions e.g., Non-violent protests in Indigo Rebellion, violent protests in Deccan Riots |
Response by Authorities | Immediate suppression using force e.g., Harsh suppression of Sanyasi Rebellion | Suppression with force, but also some policy reforms to prevent unrest e.g., Implementation of Bengal Tenancy Act (1885) after widespread revolts |
Outcomes | Short-lived, limited impact on policies e.g., Brief changes post Paika Rebellion | Greater impact on colonial policies, leading to reforms e.g., Permanent changes in tenant rights after Bengal Tenancy Act |
Reasons for Changes After 1857:
- Impact of the 1857 Rebellion: The Revolt of 1857 marked a significant turning point. The British were now more cautious and sought to avoid large-scale uprisings. They introduced reforms to placate the rural population, though exploitation continued.
- Example: Following the rebellion, the British government implemented some agrarian reforms to mitigate discontent, although these were often inadequate. For instance, the Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885 aimed to protect tenants from eviction and excessive rents.
- Economic Changes: Post-1857, the commercialization of agriculture increased. The introduction of cash crops, the expansion of railways, and integration into the global market created new economic pressures on peasants, leading to more organized resistance.
- Example: The Indigo Rebellion (1859-60) in Bengal was driven by the exploitation of peasants by European planters who forced them to grow indigo instead of food crops, leading to severe economic hardships.
- Changes in Land Revenue Policies: The British modified land revenue systems, such as the Ryotwari and Mahalwari systems, which sometimes worsened the conditions of peasants. This led to new grievances and more structured revolts.
- Example: The Deccan Riots (1875) were a reaction to the Ryotwari system in Bombay Presidency, where peasants were burdened with high taxes and debt from moneylenders.
- Emergence of New Leadership: Educated individuals from rural areas, influenced by modern political ideas and the rising nationalist movement, began to lead and organize peasant protests. This brought a new level of organization and strategy to the revolts.
- Example: The leadership during the Deccan Riots included local leaders who were more systematically organized in their resistance, petitioning the British government and coordinating actions among villages.
- Communication and Organization: Improved communication and transportation (railways, telegraphs) allowed for better coordination among peasant groups across regions, making revolts more widespread.
- Example: The spread of news about the success of initial protests in the Indigo Rebellion helped to inspire similar actions across the region.
- Nationalist Influence: The growing nationalist movement also influenced peasants, who started seeing their struggles as part of the larger fight against colonial rule. Nationalist leaders supported peasant causes, bringing more attention and resources to their movements.
- Example: Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi later drew upon the history of these revolts to mobilize peasants in movements such as
the Champaran Satyagraha (1917) against indigo planters in Bihar.
The nature of peasant revolts in India transformed significantly after 1857, becoming more organized and widespread due to changes in economic pressures, leadership, and better communication. The reasons for these changes included the direct impact of the 1857 rebellion, changes in land revenue policies, and the influence of the nationalist movement. Post-independence, peasant movements continued to evolve, addressing issues of land reform, agricultural policies, and rural development, contributing to the shaping of modern India’s agrarian landscape.