Peasant and Tribal Movements: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Modern History)

Explanation

One of the major factors in the decline of indigo cultivation was the invention of synthetic dyes in the 19th century. This breakthrough led to the development of a wide range of synthetic dyes that were cheaper, easier to produce, and more effective than natural indigo. By the 1880s, synthetic dyes became widely available, reducing the global demand for natural indigo.

Explanation

The Munda Rebellion (1899-1900), led by Birsa Munda, was a major tribal uprising in Chotanagpur (now Jharkhand), known as Ulgulan ("The Great Tumult"). It opposed the zamindari system (introduced in 1874), which replaced the traditional Khuntkari system(land belonged collectively to the Munda clans), creating landlords (zamindars) and tenants (ryots). This led to heavy taxation, exploitation by moneylenders, and forced labor (Beth Begari). Birsa Munda mobilized tribals against British rule and earned the title ‘Dharti Abba’ (Earth Father). The revolt was ultimately suppressed, and Birsa Munda died in prison in 1900.

Explanation

The Santhal Rebellion (1855-56) in the Rajmahal Hills was sparked by the oppression of revenue officials, police, moneylenders, and landlords (referred to as "dikus" by the Santhals). Led by Sido and Kanhu, the Santhals revolted, declaring independence from the British. The rebellion was suppressed by 1856 after extensive military action.

Statement (1) is correct: After the Santhal Uprising (1855-56), the British created the Santhal Parganas in 1855 by carving out areas from Bhagalpur and Birbhum districts to provide the Santhals with a separate administrative region.

Statement (2) is correct: The British introduced legal restrictions on land transfers, making it illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal. This was done to prevent exploitation by moneylenders (Mahajans) and landlords (Zamindars), which had been a major cause of the rebellion.

Explanation

Tebhaga Peasant Movement (1946) in Bengal aimed to reduce landlords’ share of the harvest from one-half to one-third. The movement, led by the Bengal Provincial Kisan Sabha, called for the implementation of the Floud Commission recommendations, demanding two-thirds of the produce for sharecroppers (bargadars) instead of the previous one-half. The main slogan, "nij khamare dhan tolo," urged sharecroppers to keep their paddy in their own homes, not at the landlord’s. The movement was strongest in North Bengal, particularly among the Rajbanshis and Muslims.

Explanation

Tribal revolts in 19th-century India were driven by the disruption of traditional tribal life, which centered on shifting cultivation, hunting, and forest produce during colonial rule.

Option (d) is correct:

The influx of non-tribals and the imposition of settled agriculture led to land loss for tribals. Restrictions on forest resources and shifting agriculture, along with the introduction of moneylenders, reduced tribals to landless laborers and bonded peasants. The establishment of government monopolies on forests (1865-1878) further exploited tribes. Tribal egalitarianism was replaced by caste-based inequalities, and the influence of Christian missionaries also fueled resentment leading to uprisings like the Kol Rebellion (1832), Santhal Rebellion (1855-56), and Munda Rebellion (1899-1900).

Explanation

In the latter part of the 18th century, following the grant of Diwani (revenue collection rights) of Bengal by the Mughal emperor in 1765, the British East India Company began establishing contact with the Garos. The estates bordering the Garo Hills, previously semi-independent, came under British control. However, like the Mughals, the British did not seek to directly govern these estates. Instead, the Zamindars were entrusted with maintaining order, including controlling the Garos. Conflict between the Zamindars and Garos continued until it escalated, leading to the British annexation of the Garo Hills in 1873.

Explanation

Santhal Rebellion (1855-1856) also referred to as the Santhal Hul was a tribal uprising against oppressive landlords and colonial policies in the Bengal Presidency. Mutiny of the Sepoys (1857-1858) or the First War of Independence was a widespread revolt by Indian soldiers in the British East India Company’s army. It took place shortly after the Santhal Rebellion. Indigo Revolt (1859-1860) also called the Neel Bidroha, this uprising occurred in Bengal against the exploitation by British planters who forced farmers to grow indigo under harsh conditions. Deccan Riots (1875) erupted in western India as a protest against oppressive practices by moneylenders and increasing rural indebtedness.

Explanation

These revolts were often triggered by socio-economic oppression or resistance to administrative interference. The Moplah Revolt, also referred to as the Mappila Outbreaks, was a series of uprisings by the Mappila (Moplah) Muslim peasantry of Malabar (present-day Kerala). These uprisings were against the exploitation by Hindu landlords and the oppressive colonial state. The Pabna Peasant Uprising in Bengal, was led by peasants (ryots) against the oppressive zamindars. This revolt arose from economic distress and disputes over tenancy rights. The Eka (Unity) Movement emerged in Awadh (modern Uttar Pradesh) was a farmers’ rebellion against high rents, illegal levies, and the oppressive practices of landlords under British rule. The Birsa Munda Revolt was a significant tribal uprising in Bihar and the region now known as Jharkhand. The Munda community revolted against colonial policies and zamindari practices, which encroached upon their land and traditions.