- The Kheda Satyagraha, also known as the Kheda Peasant Uprising, was a significant civil disobedience movement led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel under the guidance of Mahatma Gandhi in Kheda, Gujarat, in 1918. Here are the key details and outcomes of the Kheda Satyagraha:
- Crop Failure and Taxation: In 1918, the region of Kheda faced a severe drought, resulting in a significant failure of crops. According to the law, farmers were entitled to the cancellation of land taxes if the crop production was less than one-fourth of the regular yield during times of scarcity.
- British Refusal: Despite the provisions of the law, the British colonial government refused to grant any remissions or concessions on land taxes to the farmers of Kheda. This created unrest and frustration among the local farming community.
- Protest and Leadership: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a prominent freedom fighter and later independent India’s first Deputy Prime Minister, took up the cause of the farmers in Kheda. Under the guidance of Mahatma Gandhi, he organized a protest against the collection of land revenues during the drought.
- Nonviolent Resistance: The protest followed the principles of nonviolence (Satyagraha) advocated by Gandhi. People from different castes and ethnicities joined the movement, demonstrating their unity and determination to challenge the unjust taxation policies.
- Fearless Participation: Despite threats of confiscation of their lands and other punitive actions by the British authorities, the local farmers fearlessly participated in the Satyagraha. They stood united and expressed their grievances peacefully, refusing to pay the land taxes.
- Concession by the British: The resolute resistance of the farmers and the unwavering support they received from Patel and Gandhi forced the British government to reassess their position. Eventually, they were left with no choice but to offer concessions and provide relief to the farmers of Kheda.
- The Kheda Satyagraha became a significant milestone in the Indian independence movement, showcasing the power of nonviolent resistance and the collective strength of ordinary people. It demonstrated the effectiveness of peaceful protest and the ability to challenge oppressive policies and demand justice.
- The successful outcome of the Kheda Satyagraha encouraged the spread of the nonviolent resistance movement throughout India and inspired many other similar protests in different parts of the country. It served as a testament to the power of unity, nonviolence, and civil disobedience in the pursuit of freedom and social justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What was the Kheda Satyagraha?
A: Kheda Satyagraha was a nonviolent resistance movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1918 in the Kheda district of Gujarat, India. It aimed to protest against the oppressive policies of the British government regarding the collection of land revenue during a year of severe famine and crop failure.
Q: Why did the farmers in Kheda protest during the Satyagraha?
A: The farmers in Kheda protested against the British government’s decision to impose a steep increase in land revenue rates, despite the widespread crop failure and famine in the region. The farmers argued that they were unable to pay the higher taxes due to the adverse economic conditions.
Q: What methods of protest were employed during the Kheda Satyagraha?
A: Mahatma Gandhi advocated nonviolent civil disobedience during the Kheda Satyagraha. The protesters, mainly farmers, refused to pay the enhanced land revenue and also abstained from violent actions. Instead, they adopted a strategy of non-cooperation with the unjust policies.
Q: Did the Kheda Satyagraha achieve its objectives?
A: Yes, the Kheda Satyagraha was largely successful. The British government, faced with the united and nonviolent resistance of the local population, eventually agreed to relax the land revenue requirements. This success established the efficacy of nonviolent protest as a tool for social and political change.
Q: What was the significance of the Kheda Satyagraha in India’s independence movement?
A: Kheda Satyagraha played a crucial role in shaping the strategy of the Indian independence movement. It demonstrated the power of nonviolence and civil disobedience as potent tools for resisting oppressive policies. The success of Kheda Satyagraha inspired future movements and strengthened the resolve of Indians in their struggle for independence.
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