- The All India Kisan Sabha, also referred to as the Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha, is the farmers’ or peasants’ wing of the Communist Party of India. It is a significant movement representing the interests of farmers. The organization was established in 1936 by Sahajanand Saraswati during the Indian National Congress Lucknow Session that took place in the same year.
Background of All India Kisan Sabha
- The origins of the Kisan Sabha movement can be traced back to Bihar, where Sahajanand Saraswati established the Bihar Provincial Kisan Sabha (BPKS) in 1929. The primary objective of this organization was to mobilize peasants and address their grievances against zamindars who were encroaching upon their rights to land occupancy. This marked the beginning of the farmers’ movement in India.
- Over time, the peasant movement gained strength and spread across the country. These radical developments within the peasant community eventually led to the formation of the All India Kisan Sabha during the Lucknow session of the Indian National Congress in April 1936. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati was elected as the first president of the All India Kisan Sabha.
- Prominent members of this Sabha included N.G. Ranga, E.M.S. Namboodiripad, Indulal Yagnik, Sohan Singh Bhakna, Z.A. Ahmed, Pandit Karyanand Sharma, Pandit Yamuna Karjee, Pandit Yadunandan (Jadunandan) Sharma, Rahul Sankrityayan, P. Sundarayya, and Ram Manohar Lohia.
- In August 1936, the Kisan Sabha issued the Kisan Manifesto, which called for the abolition of the Zamindari system and the cancellation of rural debts. In October 1937, the organization adopted the red flag as its official banner.
However, as time passed, the leaders of the All India Kisan Sabha grew increasingly distant from the Indian National Congress. They clashed with Congress governments in Bihar and the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh).
Features of All India Kisan Sabha
- The All India Kisan Sabha was established in April 1936 in Lucknow, with Swami Sahjanand Saraswati serving as the president and N.G. Ranga as the general secretary.
- The organization issued a Kisan manifesto and launched a periodical under the guidance of Indulal Yagnik.
- In 1936, both the All India Kisan Sabha and the Indian National Congress held a joint meeting in Faizpur.
- The agenda of the All India Kisan Sabha had a significant influence on the Congress manifesto, particularly regarding agrarian policies, for the provincial elections in 1937.
All India Kisan Sabha – Objectives
- Initially, the Kisan Sabhas aimed to promote understanding between peasants and landlords. However, due to the obstinate and oppressive attitude of the landlords, the Kisan Sabhas were compelled to adopt a militant approach.
- They also continued to propagate nationalist ideology among the peasants in support of the Congress’ political agenda.
- The primary goals of the All India Kisan Sabha were to abolish landlordism, provide free land to agricultural and rural laborers, improve the standard of living for rural masses, and put an end to the exploitation of agricultural and rural laborers.
All India Kisan Sabha – Outcome
- As time passed, the All India Kisan Sabha became increasingly dominated by Socialists and Communists, distancing itself from the Indian National Congress.
- During the Congress’s Haripura session in February 1938, members of the Congress were prohibited from joining the Kisan Sabhas.
- When peasant movements faced severe repression in the Princely States, Congress leaders refrained from intervening.
- The divide between the All India Kisan Sabha and the Congress became evident during the Congress’s Haripura session in 1938.
- By May 1942, the Communist Party of India (CPI) had gained control of the All India Kisan Sabha in all Indian states, including Bengal.
- The organization aligned with the Communist Party’s People’s War stance and did not actively participate in the Quit India Movement that began in August 1942, despite the potential loss of its popular support base.
- Many members of the All India Kisan Sabha disregarded party orders and participated in revolutionary activities.
- Prominent members such as N.G. Ranga, Indulal Yagnik, and Swami Sahajananda found it challenging to address peasants without adopting a diluted pro-British and pro-war stance, which ultimately led them to dissociate from the organization.
FAQs
1. What is the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) movement?
Ans. The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) is a prominent farmers’ organization in India that works to advocate for the rights and welfare of farmers. It has played a significant role in various peasant movements and agrarian struggles in the country.
2. All India Kisan Sabha ka uday kab hua (When did the All India Kisan Sabha originate)?
Ans. The All India Kisan Sabha was founded on April 11, 1936. It was established during the British colonial period to address the issues faced by farmers and rural communities.
3. Who was the first president of the All-India Kisan Sabha?
Ans. Swami Sahajanand Saraswati served as the first president of the All India Kisan Sabha. He was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement and a staunch advocate for the rights of farmers and peasants.
4. Where was the first All-India Kisan Sabha formed?
Ans. The first All India Kisan Sabha was formed in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
5. What were the key objectives of the All India Kisan Sabha at the time of its formation?
Ans. The All India Kisan Sabha was founded with the primary objective of addressing the issues faced by Indian farmers, including land rights, fair prices for agricultural produce, relief from indebtedness, and the overall improvement of the economic conditions of peasants and rural communities.
6. Who were some prominent leaders associated with the All India Kisan Sabha?
Ans. Apart from Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, other prominent leaders associated with the All India Kisan Sabha included N.G. Ranga, P. Sundarayya, and E.M.S. Namboodiripad, among others. These leaders played vital roles in advocating for the rights of farmers and organizing various movements.
7. In which year was the All India Kisan Sabha founded?
Ans. The All India Kisan Sabha was founded in the year 1936 during the British colonial rule in India. It emerged as a significant voice for the agrarian and rural communities in the country.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
