It was a satire written by Kesari Singh Barahath(1903) in Dingal to Mewar Maharana Fateh Singh exhorting him to uphold the traditions of his lineage and to not attend the Delhi Durbar. Maharana returned without attending the darbar after reading ‘chetavani ra chungatiya’.
In September 1942, under pressure from Baba Harishchandra to join the Quit India movement, Hiralal Shashtri and Prime Minister Sir Mirza Ismail s igned the Gentlemen’s Agreement. Its provisions included:
- a. No financial assistance from the state government.
- b. Freedom for Prajamandal to conduct peaceful anti-war campaigns.
- c. No restrictions on activists from British territories.
- d. The state ensuring responsible governance.
- e. Prajamandal refraining from direct action against the Maharaja.
- As a result, there was a decrease in public inspiration for the movement, but the leaders of the Azad Morcha still participated in it.
Despite the prevailing norms that sought to confine them, women in Rajasthan emerged as catalysts of change, challenging conventions and actively participating in the struggle for independence.
- Role →
- Joined prajamandal movement , picketing , promotion of khadi etc
- Went to jail during Gandhian movement like Civil Disobedience and quit india
- Protested against the prevailing restrictive custom on women like Parda pratha
- Social reform work among women
- Prominent Women Freedom fighters
- Vijaya Ben Bhavsar from Banswara presented an example by supporting intercaste and widow remarriage. She formed the “Mahila Mandal” under the Banswara Prajamandal and defied Section 144 during the “Anaj Movement” along with thousands of women.
- Janki Devi Bajaj: the wife of Jamna Lal Bajaj, actively participated in Satyagraha against prevailing social restrictions. She was elected as the president in the session of Jaipur Prajamandal in 1944.
- Anjana Devi Chaudhary (Sikar) :
- wife of Ramnarayan Chaudhary, abandoned the “Parda” custom and actively participated in the freedom movement.
- worked among women in Mewar and Bundi for social reform and political awakening.
- Supported her husband in various constructive initiatives, including improving the status of Dalits.
- She holds the distinction of being the first woman to be arrested in Rajasthan.
- Ratan shashtri (Jaipur ): Wife of Hira lal shashtri. Participated in the Satyagraha movement of Jaipur Prajamandal in 1939 and assisted underground workers during the Quit India movement.
- Rama Devi (Jaipur) : Worked with her husband in Rajasthan Sewa Sangh. She visited Bijoliya during Bijoliya peasant Movement. She was also active in Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience movement.
- Kali Bai : A 13-year-old girl from Rastapal (Dungarpur) attempted to free her teacher, Sainga Bhai, from state officers who were transporting him tied to a truck. Sadly, she was killed in the firing in 1947
- Kishori Devi: Protested against the jagir pratha with her husband Harlal Singh in Shekhawati. She organized a significant women’s conference in 1934 at Katrathal against the mistreatment of women.
- Other → Narayani Devi Verma (Mewar Prajamandal), Mani bahan Pandya (Vagad Ba), Shrimati Indumati Goenka, Durgavati Devi sharma (Shekhawati), Nagendra Bala(kota), Shrimati Satyabhama (Bundi) etc
In conclusion, their involvement in movements like Prajamandal, not only challenged colonial rule but also shattered the shackles of feudal and medieval mindsets that confined them to household roles.
In the early 20th century, a robust opposition emerged from all sections of society against the feudal system. Several factors played a pivotal role in heightening political consciousness:
- Tribal and Peasant Movement:
- Motilal Tejawat’s EKI movement opposed the Begar system and state atrocities. Govind Guru’s SAMP Sabha and BHAGAT movement raised social and political consciousness among Bhils.
- Peasant Movements like Bijoliya Kisan, Bengu, Barad (Bundi), and Shekhawati etc awakened peasants against various Lag Bag.
- Dalit Agitation : Dalits in Ajmer-Merwara , Bairwa in Uniara raised voice against prevalent inequality in society
- Role of Arya Samaj : Dayanand Saraswati emphasized Swa Dharma, Swaraj, and Swadeshi. Arya Samaj, under his guidance, played a crucial role in expanding education and fostering political awareness. Ground-level efforts were undertaken by Harvilas Sharda in Ajmer and Master Adityendra in Bharatpur.
- Contribution of Newspapers : ‘Rajasthan Kesari’ by Pathik, ‘Tarun Rajasthan’ of Rajasthan Sewa Sangh, ‘Rajasthan’ by Rishidutt Mehta, ‘Tyag Bhumi’ by Haribhau Uppadhyay, etc., highlighted the issues of Rajputana on the national front.
- The Role of rulers: Mewar Maharana Fateh Singh, Alwar Maharaja Jai Singh, and Bharatpur Maharaja Krishan Singh held progressive nationalist ideologies and harbored a strong dislike for British interference in internal matters
- Role of Trading Class : Khubram Saraf and Satynarayan Saraf in Bikaner, Anand Raj Surana, Chandmal Surana, Bhawarlal Saraf in Jodhpur, Tikaram Paliwal in Jaipur, etc., volunteered their money for political awakening and the promotion of Hindi.
- Use of Khadi : Gandhi Ji’s promotion of khadi became both a symbol of resistance and a source of income for the poor.
- Role of Women: Prakashwati Sinha, Anjana Devi, Ratan Shastri, etc., raised awareness among women about their rights and their potential to equally participate in the freedom struggle.
- Role of Revolutionaries : Although the Gandhian method was more popular in Rajputana, revolutionaries like Vijay Singh Pathik, Arjun Lal Sethi, Keshri Singh Barahat, Pratap Singh Barasat, and Rao Gopal Singh Kharwa raised their voices against the indifferent feudal system and exploitative British policies.
- Contribution of Poets : Hulasi in Bharatpur, Suryamal Mishan in bundi, and Shankaran Samore in Marwar filled people with courage through their songs
- Prajamandal movements in different princely states, led by figures like Jamna Lal Bajaj and Jaynarayan Vyas, demanded responsible and accountable governance. They played a crucial role in bringing the issues of Rajputana to the attention of the Congress.
Thus all these multifaceted engagements collectively laid the foundation for a politically conscious and socially awakened Rajasthan.
The Prajamandal Movement in the princely states of Rajputana during the 1920s and 1930s marked a significant departure from the traditional feudal order and set the stage for democratic aspirations among the people.
Impact on Political Awakening :
- Demands for Representation: advocated for the rights of the people in the princely states, pressing for representative government.
- Demand for Accountable and Responsible Government : The movement became a platform for political education, with leaders articulating the grievances of the people and demanding accountability from the ruling authorities.
- Jai Narayan Vyas Wrote – Marwar ki Awastha
- Advocacy for the Rights of Various Social Strata
- Banswara Prajamandal : during the Anaj Satyagraha, Prajamandal members defied Section 144
- Jodhpur Prajamandal : Stood for rights of peasants → Dabra Incident (1946)
- Bikaner Prajamandal : Doodhwa Khara Kisan Movement (1942)
- Kota Prajamandal : Naynuram sharma started “Anti UnPaid Labour” Movement
- Alwar Prajamandal → Harinarayan Sharma founded “Valmiki Union” and “Untouchability Prevention Union”
- Constructive Works → Social reform, Begar Abolition, Education etc.
- Anti-Feudal Sentiments: The movement reflected growing anti-feudal sentiments as people, irrespective of caste and creed, joined hands for a common cause. It helped break down social barriers and fostered a sense of unity among the diverse population of Rajasthan.
- Resistance Against British Rule: The movement was not only directed against princely states but also resonated with the larger context of the freedom struggle against British colonialism.
- Sagarmal Gopa (Jaisalmer Prajamandal) : Active participation in the Non-cooperation movement, Exposing atrocities of Maharawal Jawahar Singh.
- He was subjected to extreme torture in the prison and was allegedly burnt to death inside.
- Jai Narayan Vyas was kept under surveillance during Quit India movement
- Some workers of Jaipur prajamandal formed Azad Morcha under Baba Harishchandra to participate in Quit India Movement
- Sagarmal Gopa (Jaisalmer Prajamandal) : Active participation in the Non-cooperation movement, Exposing atrocities of Maharawal Jawahar Singh.
- Platform for dialogue and negotiation: The establishment of Prajamandal as a representative body symbolized the political aspirations of the people. It provided a legitimate platform for dialogue and negotiation with the ruling authorities, fostering a sense of political empowerment among the masses.
- Increased Women Participation→ Mewar prajamandal: Narayani devi,Bhagawati devi; Jodhpur prajamandal: Mahima devi kinkar; Bikaner prajamandal: Lakshmi devi acharaya etc
- Legacy of Political Participation: contributing to the state’s eventual integration into the Indian Union and the establishment of democratic governance.
In essence, The Prajamandal Movement significantly awakened people in princely states, leading to the establishment of responsible government structures and their eventual integration into the Indian Union.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati, founder of the Arya Samaj, initiated a wave of social, religious, educational, and political reforms in Rajasthan, beginning in 1865 at Karauli. Rooted in Vedic ideals, his movement emphasized equality, rationality, and justice, significantly shaping the region’s modern development.
- Social Reforms :
- Caste Equality: Arya Samaj strongly opposed caste discrimination. Swami ji affirmed equal Vedic rights for Shudras and women, supported inter-caste marriages, and allowed Dalits to wear the Yajnopavita. The Samaj also opened schools for lower castes
- Rejection of Untouchability: Declaring untouchability un-Vedic, Arya Samaj influenced actions like opening the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Shahpura to Dalits.
- Women’s Empowerment: The Samaj campaigned against Sati, child marriage, and purdah, advocated widow remarriage, and established girls’ schools to support women’s dignity and independence.
- Eradication of Social Evils: It led efforts against child marriage, dowry, and other social ills, inspiring legislation like the Sharda Act (1929). States like Jodhpur and Shahpura enacted child marriage bans due to Arya Samaj pressure.
- Tribal Upliftment: after meeting swami dayanand in udaipur (1881), Govind giri started Bhagat movement, swadeshi movement for eradication of bad practises among Tribes.
- Religious Reforms :
- Monotheism: Arya Samaj advocated belief in a formless, omnipresent God, rejecting idol worship.
- Vedic Revival: It democratized access to Vedic knowledge, setting up schools that welcomed all castes and genders.
- Shuddhi Movement: Arya Samaj promoted re-conversion to Hinduism, especially among converts to Islam and Christianity, strengthening religious identity in Rajasthan.
- Educational Reforms
- Universal Education: Emphasized education regardless of caste or gender, favoring the Gurukul system over Western models.
- Vedic Schools and DAV Institutions: Established schools like Arya Vedic Kanya Pathshalas in Ajmer and Jodhpur, and DAV Colleges blending modern and Vedic education. DAV College, Jodhpur became a notable intellectual hub.
- Cultural Reforms
- Cultural Pride: Promoted Indian traditions and the Hindi language as symbols of unity and national identity.
- Anti-Westernization: Opposed blind imitation of the West; championed Swadeshi and self-reliance, encouraging use of indigenous goods.
- Political Reforms
- Nationalism: Arya Samaj nurtured Swaraj ideals and inspired rulers like the Maharaja of Jodhpur to support national causes.
- Swadeshi Advocacy: The movement’s emphasis on boycotting British goods influenced leaders and common people to adopt Swadeshi practices in Rajasthan.
Arya Samaj catalyzed deep transformations across Rajasthan’s social, religious, educational, and political spheres. Its commitment to equality, reform, and national pride laid the foundation for a more inclusive and progressive society—a legacy that endures to this day.
The Prajamandal Movement in the princely states of Rajputana during the 1920s and 1930s marked a significant departure from the traditional feudal order and set the stage for democratic aspirations among the people.
Impact on Political Awakening :
- Demands for Representation: advocated for the rights of the people in the princely states, pressing for representative government.
- Demand for Accountable and Responsible Government : The movement became a platform for political education, with leaders articulating the grievances of the people and demanding accountability from the ruling authorities.
- Jai Narayan Vyas Wrote – Marwar ki Awastha
- Advocacy for the Rights of Various Social Strata
- Banswara Prajamandal : during the Anaj Satyagraha, Prajamandal members defied Section 144
- Jodhpur Prajamandal : Stood for rights of peasants → Dabra Incident (1946)
- Bikaner Prajamandal : Doodhwa Khara Kisan Movement (1942)
- Kota Prajamandal : Naynuram sharma started “Anti UnPaid Labour” Movement
- Alwar Prajamandal → Harinarayan Sharma founded “Valmiki Union” and “Untouchability Prevention Union”
- Constructive Works → Social reform, Begar Abolition, Education etc.
- Anti-Feudal Sentiments: The movement reflected growing anti-feudal sentiments as people, irrespective of caste and creed, joined hands for a common cause. It helped break down social barriers and fostered a sense of unity among the diverse population of Rajasthan.
- Resistance Against British Rule: The movement was not only directed against princely states but also resonated with the larger context of the freedom struggle against British colonialism.
- Sagarmal Gopa (Jaisalmer Prajamandal) : Active participation in the Non-cooperation movement, Exposing atrocities of Maharawal Jawahar Singh.
- He was subjected to extreme torture in the prison and was allegedly burnt to death inside.
- Jai Narayan Vyas was kept under surveillance during Quit india movement
- Some workers of Jaipur prajamandal formed Azad Morcha under Baba Harishchandra to participate in Quit India Movement
- Sagarmal Gopa (Jaisalmer Prajamandal) : Active participation in the Non-cooperation movement, Exposing atrocities of Maharawal Jawahar Singh.
- Platform for dialogue and negotiation: The establishment of Prajamandal as a representative body symbolized the political aspirations of the people. It provided a legitimate platform for dialogue and negotiation with the ruling authorities, fostering a sense of political empowerment among the masses.
- Increased Women Participation→ Mewar prajamandal: Narayani devi,Bhagawati devi; Jodhpur prajamandal: Mahima devi kinkar; Bikaner prajamandal: Lakshmi devi acharaya etc
- Legacy of Political Participation: contributing to the state’s eventual integration into the Indian Union and the establishment of democratic governance.
In essence, The Prajamandal Movement significantly awakened people in princely states, leading to the establishment of responsible government structures and their eventual integration into the Indian Union.
