The Major Associations of Political & Social Awareness played a vital role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing people during the freedom movement. In the context of Rajasthan History, these associations helped spread political consciousness and social reforms across the princely states, laying the foundation for democratic participation and unity.
Major Associations of Political, Social Awareness
The second half of the 19th century witnessed the growth of national political consciousness and organised national movement. During this period the Indian intelligentsia created political associations to spread political education and to initiate political work in the country. In 1885, the efforts consolidated in the form of Indian National Congress, which later became the spearhead of the Independence movement of India. In princely states, the people in face of strong repression adopted novel methods of organising public opinion by establishing reading rooms, libraries, self-help centres and welfare societies (Hitkarni Sabhas). These were political forums and raised the demand of democratization in their respective states. Later on a centralised organisation by the name, India Peoples‟ State Conference was formed to make a coordinated effort to demand responsive governments in the princely states
Major Associations of Political Org.
Rajasthan Seva Sangh, Wardha (1919):
- Establishment: Founded in 1919 by Vijay Singh Pathik, Ramnarayan Chaudhary, and Haribhai Kinkar in Wardha, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
- Objective: To establish friendly relations between feudal lords and the common people.
- Motto: “I will never shirk my duty due to fear of life; the task may remain incomplete, but my spirit shall live on.”
- Activities: Led the Bijolia and Begun peasant movements and the Bhil movements in Sirohi and Udaipur.
Rajputana Madhya Bharat Sabha, Delhi (1918):
- Establishment: Founded during the Congress session in Delhi under the leadership of Jamnalal Bajaj at the Marwari Library in Chandni Chowk.
- Headquarters: Ajmer.
- Objectives:
- To draw Congress’s attention to the problems faced by people in princely states.
- To advocate for untouchability eradication and movements against feudal lords.
- To garner support from Rajasthani expatriates.
All India People’s State Conference, Bombay (1927):
- Establishment: Convened after a meeting in Pune in April 1927, with the first session held in Bombay in May 1927.
- Objective: To protect the interests of princely states and lead movements.
Sarva Hitkarini Sabha, Churu (1907):
- Establishment: Founded in 1907 by Swami Gopaldas, Pandit Kanhaiyalal, and Pandit Shriram Master. It was also referred to as the “Congress of Churu.“
- Objectives:
- Promotion of education, service to the distressed, and social reforms.
- Established the Sarvahitkarini Putri Pathshala for women’s education.
- Opened Kabir Pathshala for the education of Harijans.
- Demanded the use of Hindi in royal courts.
Azad Morcha, Jaipur (1942):
- Establishment: Formed during the Quit India Movement under the leadership of Baba Harishchandra in Jaipur.
- Background: Hiralal Shastri of Jaipur Praja Mandal abandoned the movement after an agreement with Mirza Ismail (Gentleman’s Agreement).
Subsequently, Baba Harishchandra broke away from the Praja Mandal and established Azad Morcha in 1942 to continue peaceful agitation.
Major Associations of Social Org.
Desh Hiteshini Sabha, Udaipur (1877):
- Establishment: Founded on 2nd July 1877 under the presidency of Maharana Sajjan Singh.
- Objectives:
- To control dowry and marriage expenses.
- To prohibit polygamy.
- KeyProvisions:
- Maximum expenditure up to 10% of annual income.
- Marriage expenses: 25% of annual income for the eldest child and 10% for others.
- Prohibition of expenditure on Charans from outside the state.
Walter’s Hitkarini Sabha, Ajmer (1888-89):
- Establishment: Founded by Colonel Walter on 9th March 1888.
- Objectives:
- To reduce expenses on death feasts (Nukta).
- To set marriageable ages (14 for girls, 18 for boys).
- To abolish dowry and marriage customs (Teeka and Rit).
- To end the practice of polygamy.
- Members: Included officials and feudal lords from Rajasthani states.
Jeevan Kutir, Vanasthali (1929):
- Establishment: Founded by Hiralal Shastri on 12th May 1929 in Vanasthali, Tonk district.
- Objective: To create a new rural society based on self-reliance.
Shiksha Kutir / Vanasthali Vidyapeeth, Tonk (1935):
- Establishment: Founded in memory of Hiralal Shastri’s daughter Shantabai.
- Objective: To promote education in rural areas.
- Administration: Managed by Ratan Shastri and Prakashchandra Goyal.
Sarva Hitkarini Sabha, Churu (1907):
- Establishment: Founded by Swami Gopaldas, Pandit Kanhaiyalal, and Pandit Shriram in 1907.
- Objectives:
- To promote girl’s education through Sarvahit karini Putri Pathshala.
- To support Harijan education through Kabir Pathshala.
Mahila Mandal, Udaipur (1935):
- Establishment: Founded on 10th November 1935 by Dayashankar Shrotriya.
- Objective: To develop political awareness and a sense of nationalism among women through education.
- Support: Significant contribution from Dayashankar Shrotriya’s wife, Kamla Shrotriya.
