The Eka Movement, also known as the Unity Movement, was a significant peasant movement that emerged in the districts of Lucknow, Hardoi, Unnao, and Sitapur in colonial India in November 1921. It was part of a broader wave of peasant uprisings that occurred in the aftermath of World War I.
- The movement was initially supported by both the Indian National Congress and the Khilafat movement, which aimed to protect the interests of Muslims regarding the Ottoman Caliphate. However, the leadership of the movement later shifted to Madari Pasi, a low-caste leader who was not aligned with the nonviolent ideology espoused by Mahatma Gandhi and the nationalist class.
- The main grievance that fueled the Eka Movement was the issue of high rents imposed on peasants, which sometimes exceeded 50% of their recorded rent. The movement also protested against the oppressive practices of the thekedars, who were responsible for rent collection, and the system of sharecropping. Peasants were burdened by heavy rent payments and exploitative labor practices, leading to widespread discontent.
- The Eka meetings, held as part of the movement, were marked by religious rituals symbolizing unity and resistance. Peasants would dig a hole representing the Ganga (a sacred river), fill it with water, and make vows to pay only recorded rent, refuse to do forced labor, abide by Panchayat (local self-government) decisions, and remain united.
- However, as the movement shifted its leadership to Madari Pasi, who advocated a more confrontational approach, it lost support from the nationalist class. Gandhi and the Congress leaders emphasized nonviolent resistance, and the movement’s turn towards violence led to a disconnection between the Eka Movement and the broader nationalist struggle.
- The movement faced severe repression from the authorities, and in March 1922, it came to an end. The British colonial administration employed repressive measures to suppress the movement, leading to its eventual decline.
- Although the Eka Movement ultimately faced repression and did not achieve its immediate goals, it represented a significant episode of peasant resistance against the exploitative agrarian system under colonial rule. It highlighted the deep-seated grievances of the peasantry and their willingness to mobilize collectively to demand their rights and challenge oppressive practices.
Eka Movement – Causes
- The primary catalyst for the movement was the exorbitant rent, which often exceeded 50% of the officially recorded rental value in certain areas. The movement gained momentum due to the mistreatment of thekedars responsible for rent collection and the practice of share rent. The uprising was deeply rooted in the exploitative agrarian structure of the Awadh region, which was controlled by Taluqdars (aristocratic hereditary landowners) and zamindars, who were typically Hindu or Muslim elites. These landowners leased land to tenant farmers and imposed exorbitant rents and additional fees to collect revenue for the colonial government. Tenant farmers, who hired agricultural laborers to cultivate the land, had no ownership rights and faced eviction by the zamindars if they failed to pay rent.
Objectives Eka Movement
- The objectives of the movement included refusing to pay rents beyond the officially recorded amounts, demanding receipts for rent payments, and rejecting the payment of additional charges such as nazrana (tribute) and forced labor (beggar).
Outcome Eka Movement
- The Eka movement ultimately failed due to insufficient organization and leadership. Nevertheless, it succeeded in drawing the government’s attention to the severity of the agrarian crisis. In response, the government swiftly enacted the Oudh Rent (Amendment) Act of 1921, which came into effect in November 1921 and aimed to quell agrarian unrest and address some immediate concerns of the peasants. However, increased government repression led some peasants to withdraw from the movement, and few were content with the benefits provided by the Oudh Rent (Amendment) Act of 1921.
FAQs
1. What is the meaning of “Eka”?
Ans. “Eka” is a Sanskrit word that means “one” or “alone.” It is often used in various contexts to denote singularity or the absence of others.
2. What does “Eka Ek” mean in English?
Ans. “Eka Ek” is a Marathi phrase that can be roughly translated to “one by one” or “individually” in English. It signifies doing things one at a time or focusing on individual actions or elements.
3. When did the Eka Movement begin?
Ans. The Eka Movement began in the year 2011.
4. On what date did the Eka Movement start?
Ans. The Eka Movement started on June 5, 2011.
5. What was the reason behind the Eka Movement?
Ans. The Eka Movement was a social and environmental initiative that aimed to raise awareness about various issues, including environmental conservation, sustainable living, and the importance of individual actions in bringing about positive change. It encouraged people to take small, meaningful steps toward a more sustainable and responsible way of living.
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