Peasant & Tribal Movements in Rajasthan

Peasant & Tribal Movements in Rajasthan, a key part of Rajasthan History, reflect the resistance of rural and tribal communities against feudal oppression and colonial exploitation. Important movements include the Begun, Bijolia, and Neemuchana movements, and events like the Dabda Massacre. Tribal participation was significant, with communities like the Bheel, Meena, and Mer playing vital roles, led by reformers such as Govind Giri and Motilal Tejawat during movements like the Eki Movement.

Peasant Movements

At the start of the 19th century, princely states of Rajasthan signed treaties with the British (1818), gaining protection from external threats like Marathas and Pindaris. However, this security came at the cost of high taxes, which rulers passed onto peasants while maintaining their luxurious lifestyles For eg. In Udaipur, the British initially charged tribute 1/4^th of the state’s revenue which later was increased to 3/8^th leading to higher taxes on peasants

By 1878, new land revenue systems were introduced, focusing on maximizing state income rather than improving agriculture. This caused agricultural decline, increased poverty, and indebtedness, fueling dissatisfaction and numerous peasant movements across Rajasthan.

General Features of Peasant Movements in Rajasthan : 

1. Origins in Social Reforms: Peasant movements in Rajasthan initially arose as part of social reform efforts against inequality.
2. Non-violent Approach: Except for movements in Sirohi (Bhil Movement) and Alwar (Meo Movement), most movements were conducted non-violently.
3. Caste-Based Movements: Bijolia Movement(by the Dhakar caste), Shekhawati and Sikar Movements (by the Jats), Alwar and Bharatpur Movements (by the Meo). 
4. The caste panchayats played an important role in the early stage of these movements. The caste organisations developed into class organisations during the peasant struggles.
5. External Leadership: Movements were often led by external leaders for eg. Bijolia, Begun, and Bundi by Vijay Singh Pathik and Ramnarayan, Meo Movements by Yaseen Khan from Gurgaon.
6. Support from Prajamandal: After the establishment of Praja Mandals, these movements gained further momentum,addressing farmer grievances and advocating for reforms
7. Social Disparities: The ruling class(Rajputs) viewed farmers(other than rajputs) formed the background for movements.

Major Farmer Movements

1. Bijolia Peasant Movement, 1897 – 1941 :

Bijolia was ‘‘A” class Jagir of the Udaipur State with a population of about 1200 in 1891. The majority of peasants in Bijolia belonged to Dakar Gotra of the Jats.

Reasons: 

• Excessive land revenue/rent
• High rent
• Lata-Kunta system
• 84 types of taxes
• Begar system
• No reduction in taxes even during famine
• Lack of education and health facilities.

First Phase: 1897 – 1913

• Issues Faced: Heavy land revenue, cesses, and forced labor burdened peasants.
• Initial Efforts: Leaders Nanji Patel and Thakari Patel appealed to the Maharana but were expelled.
• Setback: New Jagirdar Prithvi Singh imposed taxes like Talwar-bandhai Lag (succession cess).
• Peasant Action: In 1913, 1,000 peasants led by Sadhu Sitaram Das boycotted cultivation, leaving lands fallow.

Second Phase (1915–1923)

• Leadership: Sadhu Sitaram invited Vijay Singh Pathik, who started the Vidya Pracharini Sabha, a library, school, and Akhara.
• Publicity: Movement gained attention through publications in the paper Pratap, Uparmal Panch Board (farmer panchayat) formed by Pathik.
• Expansion: Manikya Lal Verma joined the movement, leaving his Jagir service.
• No-Rent Campaign: Started in 1918 as part of the non-cooperation movement; peasants refused to pay taxes or provide forced labor.
• Repression: Key leaders like Manikya Verma and Sadhu Sitaram were arrested; Pathik operated underground.
• Support: Rajasthan Sewa Sangh and Rajputana Madhya Bharat Sabha brought national attention.
• Government Response: in 1919 Bindulal Bhattachraya committee formed which supported farmar’s demands,  later high-power committee (including A.G.G Robert Holland) in 1922 led to judicial, police, and jail reforms.

Third Phase (1923–1941)

• Decline: Harsh measures and restrictions, including banning Pathik from Mewar, weakened the movement.
• New Leadership: Jamnalal Bajaj and Haribhau Upadhyay took over in 1930.
• Resolution: In 1939, peasants regained their lands after assuring no future agitations.
• Final Settlement: Sir G. Raghavacharya, Mewar’s Prime Minister, negotiated with Prajamandal to resolve disputes.

Bijolia Peasant Movement Critical Evaluation :

The Bijolia Peasant Movement was a pioneering effort against feudal exploitation and colonial policies, setting the stage for future peasant struggles in Rajasthan and beyond. However, its fragmented leadership, localized impact, and inability to sustain momentum under repression limited its effectiveness. Despite these challenges, the movement remains a landmark in India’s peasant resistance history, symbolizing the strength of collective action and grassroots mobilization.

2. Begun Peasant Movement (1921)

• Background:
  • 53 types of tax levies, heavy land revenue, lag-baag, baitha-bagaar and lata-kunta, Forced labour.
  • Inspired by the Bijolia Movement, peasants in Parsoli, Basi, Mandesra, Bhainsrorgarh, and Begun protested feudal oppression.
  •  Unlike other areas, Begun’s movement resisted suppression due to strong local support, particularly from the Dhakar caste.
• Initial Actions:
  • In 1921, a meeting at Bherukund near Menal initiated protests.
  • A no-rent campaign began in 1922 but was suppressed by Jagirdar Anoop Singh.
• Leadership and Support:
  • Peasants sought help from Rajasthan Seva Sangh; Ram Narayan Choudhary was sent to guide them.
  • Vijay Singh Pathik negotiated a settlement with the Jagirdar, but the British Resident of Mewar rejected it as a “Bolshevik settlement.“
• Enquiry Commission:
  • In June 1923, Udaipur State set up a commission under G.C. Trench.
  • Peasants boycotted the commission’s proceedings in Begun, insisting it camp at Raita instead.
• Govindpura Incident (July 1923):
  • At a meeting in Govindpura, peasants rejected the commission’s decision.
  • State troops fired on the gathering, killing activists Roopa and Kripa Ji. Official records list one death and 25 injuries, but Tarun Rajasthan reported 11 deaths and 100+ injuries.
• Aftermath:
  • Vijay Singh Pathik assumed leadership, intensifying the movement.
  • By December 1923, a new settlement was reached:
    • Fixed tax rates.
    • Removal of several taxes.
    • Abolition of Begar Pratha (bonded labor system).

Critical Evaluation Begun Peasant Movement: 

• The Begun Peasant Movement was a critical moment in Rajasthan’s history, representing the fight of the peasants against the oppressive feudal system. While it succeeded in achieving certain reforms, such as the abolition of forced labor and fixed taxes, it also faced significant challenges in terms of violent suppression and delayed results. The movement’s success can be attributed to strong leadership, the support of organizations like the Rajasthan Seva Sangh, and the mobilization of peasants. However, its limitations lay in the continued dominance of feudal systems and the reliance on external support for long-term success. Ultimately, it set a precedent for future agrarian struggles in Rajasthan, especially regarding peasant rights and the fight against exploitation.

3. Jat Farmers Movement, 1880

• This farmer movement was organized at Matrakundiya pargana in Chittor in Udaipur State. Mahrana Fateh Singh was the ruler.
• The Jat farmers of the region organized this revolt against the excess land-revenue.

4. Peasant Movements in Alwar – Bharatpur State

Alwar Famers Movement 1921

• Wild-pigs were reared in Alwar State. Whenever the pigs were released they caused damage to standing crops of farmers. But due to restrictions these could not be killed.
• During 1921, farmers organized a movement against the practice.
• As a result, the government allowed the killing of wild-pigs and movement was withdrawn.

Neemuchana Farmers Movement, 1925

• Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar increased the Lagaan rates in 1924.
• Rajput peasants of Khalsa lands in Alwar started the movement & took to arm rebellion.
• Government set up an enquiry commission but meanwhile Maharaj decided to crush the revolt by force.
• On 14th May 1925 forces opened fire on around 800 farmers gathered at Neemuchana.
• Mahatma Gandhi considered this massacre as even extreme of Jallianwallah Bagh and termed it “Dyrism Double Distilled” in Young India.

Mev Farmers Movement, 1932-35

• In 1932 farmers of Kishangarh, Ramgarh, Lakshmangarh & Tijara (Mev Region) started a movement under leadership of Mohd. Ali.
• In 1933, in Alwar demands of farmers were agreed.
• However, in Bharatpur Farmers stopped paying land revenue for Kharif crops but the government did not let the movement to succeed.
• Gradually the movement turned communal and leader Anjuman Khaidm-ul-Islam raised demands for separate schools for muslims, a significant place for Urdu language and jobs to muslims in Govt.

5. Marwar Peasant Movement, 1923

• In 1923, Jai Narayan Vyas organized Marwar Hitkarini Sabha to organize peasants against taxes and serfdom. 
• Through his newspaper Tarun Rajasthan he tried revealing conditions of farmers.
• In 1923 the Government declared Hitkarini Sabha as illegal.
• In 1939, Marwar Lok Parishad was formed and it encouraged farmers to start a movement against jagirdars.
• In April 1943, under the chairmanship of Choturam Choudhary an appeal was made for settlement of Jagirs. On which, the Maharaja of Jodhpur ordered for land settlement.
• Dabda Massacre:
  • On 13 March 1947, a meeting was called in Dabda Village in Didwana pargana between
  • members of Marwar Lok Parishad and Kisan Sabha under leadership of Mathuradas Mathur.
  • The members were staying at Motilal Choudhary, when Jagirdar of Dabda attacked the house.
  • 12-13 farmers were killed on the spot.

6. Bundi Peasant Movement, 1922 – 1943

• This movement is also called Barad Kisan Andolan.
• Its causes were excessive tax (25 types), high rate lagan(), lag-bhag & Begar and prevailing Corruption.
• Dabi Kaand – On April 2, 1923, Nanak ji Bheel was hoisting flag in a gathering at Dabi when
• Police under S.P Ikram Hussain opened fire. Died on Spot.
• In 1926, Pandit Nathuram Sharma took over the leadership.
• In later stages, Mankiya lal Verma took over the leadership
• The movement ended in 1943.

7. Farmers Revolt in Shekhawati Region

• Farmer revolt in Sikar, 1922
  • In 1922, Thakur Kalyan Singh increased lagan from 25% to 50%. As a result, farmers
  • organised a movement to protest against this action.
• Katrathal Women Gathering, 1934
  • On 25 April 1934 at Katrathal around 1000 women gathered under leadership of Kishori devi to protest against the ill-treatment of women-folk by Thakur of Siyot.
• Jaisinghpura Massacre, 1934
  • On 21 June 1934, Ishwar Singh, brother of Thakur of Dundlod, fired at Jat farmers cultivating the field at Jaisinghpura. Ishwar Singh was tried and Jailed.
• Kundan Village Massacre, 1934
  • The Jaipur government also realized the rising atrocities in Sikar Thikana and deputed English officer W. T Web. As a result of Web efforts, an agreement was made between farmers & Thikana on 23-August-1934.
  • The agreement also provided recognition to Shekhawati Jat Panchayat.
  • But as the agreement was not honored, the farmers again resorted to movement.
  • In one such meeting at Kundan village, officer Web opened fire on the gathering killing a number of people.
  • This massacre was even discussed in the British House of Commons.

The Shekhawati Farmers movement continued till 1946, when finally it got closed with the efforts of Hiralal Shastri.

7. Bikaner Peasant Movement, 1946

• Also referred to as the Dudhwa Khara Farmers Movement.
• Farmers of Dudhwa Khara (now in Churu district) & Kangra Village of Bikaner State started the movement against the atrocities of Jagirdars.
• Leader- Kumbharam Arya, Vaidhya Magharam, Raghuvar dayal goyal, Hanuman Singh Budania.

Tribal Movements in Rajasthan

Bheel Movements

Early Bheel Movements : 

The Bhils were the first in Rajasthan to oppose princely feudalism and British imperialism. Predominantly residing in Mewar, Banswara, Dungarpur, and Sirohi, they enjoyed forest rights before 1818. However, treaties between these states and the British disrupted their autonomy, leading to their revolt.

Reasons:

• Loss of Autonomy: After the 1818 treaty, the internal administration of Mewar was taken over by British Resident Col. James Tod, who attempted to control the Bhils, leading to resentment and revolt.
• Abolition of Tax rights: The Bhils’ rights to collect Bolai tax (highway tax) and security tax were abolished, Tax on cultivation of opium and tobacco was increased.
• Formation of Mewar Bhil Corps (1841): The British raised the Mewar Bhil Corps (MBC) to maintain law and order, using it to suppress Bhil autonomy and enforce new policies, which angered the community.
• Post-1857 Administrative Changes: The British takeover from the East India Company introduced reforms that further curtailed the traditional rights of the Bhils, fueling their dissatisfaction.
• Attack on Cultural Beliefs: The British discouraged practices like witchcraft (Dakan), which the Bhils viewed as an intrusion on their cultural and religious practices.
• Census Operations (1881): The initiation of census operations in Mewar added to the Bhils’ grievances, as they saw it as another form of control.
• Social and Economic Factors: Combined loss of traditional rights, administrative changes, and cultural interference created a fertile ground for revolts against the British and local authorities.

Events : 

• In March 1881, the gameti of Padona village was summoned in a land dispute but refused to comply. 
• When force was used, the Bhils killed the constable. The gameti was later arrested, tortured, and killed, leading the Bhils to attack the Barapal police station, kill the thanedar, and burn shops and police stations. 
• The revolt spread to nearby areas like Tidi and Kotra, escalating into a widespread uprising.

Consequence : 

• The British and state forces struggled to subdue the Bhils due to dense forests. 
• Negotiations by Shyamaldas failed, but British representative Col. Walter eventually brokered peace at Rishabhdev, granting the Bhils concessions on forest rights and taxes.

Bhagat Movement or Bheel Movements under Govind Giri : 

The early Bheel movements were spontaneous reactions to the new system. In response, the British offered some concessions to the Bhils while also establishing strong military and civil control in Bhil areas. These measures successfully kept the Bhils peaceful for a long period in the Mewar State.

Govind Giri:

• Govindgiri was born in Bansia village in Dungarpur state. Govindgiri was a social & religious reformer and engaged himself in “improving the moral character, habits, and religious practices” of the adivasis (tribals). 
• In 1883, he started Samp Sabha – an organization to unite the Bheels. 
• Govind Giri launched a Social reform movement among the Bhils, where he tried to uplift the moral and material life of the Bheels through social and religious preaching. 
• The teachings of Govind Giri awakened the Bhils and the social religious movement culminated into a politico-economic revolt of the Bhils, which is also known as Bhagat Movement.

Mangarh Massacre:

• Govindgiri led a movement to overthrow oppressive rule and establish a Bhil state. 
• In April 1913, he was arrested by Dungarpur Police but released with advice to leave the state. Ignoring this, he gathered his followers and moved to Mangarh hill (on the Banswara-Sunth border). 
• Alarmed, nearby princely states sought British help to suppress the Bhils.
• On 17th November 1913, British forces attacked Mangarh. Despite the Bhils’ brave resistance, they surrendered. 
• Govindgiri was arrested, sentenced to death (later reduced to life imprisonment), and released after serving 7 years.

Contributions of Govind Giri

• Establishment of Samp Sabha (1883): Focused on promoting morality, self-reliance, and confidence among Bhils.
• Social Reforms: Discouraged superstitions, drinking, theft, and looting; opened schools for education.
• Bhagat Movement: Inspired socio-political awakening among Bhils, leading to organized resistance.
• Advocacy of Swadeshi: Promoted the use of indigenous goods and non-payment of unnecessary taxes.
• Resistance Against Exploitation: Mobilized Bhils against forced labor and high revenue demands.
• Demand for Bhil State: Proposed the idea of a separate Bhil state for their empowerment.

Eki Movement or Bhomath Bheel Movement under Motilal Tejawat : 

• Background: The tribal movement under the leadership of Govindgiri was confined to the States of Dungarpur,Banswara, Sunth Rampur and Idar only. A large number of Bhils in the States of Udaipur, Sirohi and Bundi remained aloof from this movement. The movement of the Bhils under Govind Giri was suppressed by the British forces, but it influenced the Bhils of Gujarat, Central India and Rajasthan.

Motilal Tejawat – Masheeha of Tribals / Baavji of Bhils:

• Moti Lal Tejawat, an Oswal Bania from Kolhari village, Jhadol (Udaipur State), left his job as Kamdar due to conflicts with the Jagirdar and became a spice merchant. His work brought him close to the Bhils, and he was deeply moved by their exploitation.
• He initiated the Eki (Unity) Movement to oppose exploitation by States and Jagirdars, gaining popularity among the Bhils.
• Collaborated with Vijay Singh Pathik and other leaders; inspired by the Bijolia movement, he launched ‘no-rent’ and non-cooperation campaigns in 1921 at Matrakundia, Chittorgarh.
• His demands for Bhils (Mewar ki Pukar) were not implemented lead to intensified protests.

• Conducted door-to-door campaigns, raising awareness and addressing social evils in Bhil society.
• Revered as the Maseeha of Bhils for his contributions to their upliftment.

Bhomat Bheel Movement: 

• Bhomat region, densely populated by Bhils, included parts of various jagirs and Khalsa land of Udaipur State.
• To control the Bhils, the British formed Bhomat as an administrative unit, led by a military officer of Major rank, with headquarters at Kotra and Kherwara.
• Motilal Tejawat extended his activities to Bhomat, encouraging Bhils to oppose exploitation.
• The Bhils stopped paying land revenue, taxes, and performing begar, leading to administrative paralysis.
• Under pressure, the Udaipur State and British authorities announced concessions in 1922, but disputes in implementation prolonged the movement.
• The Bhil movement ended in 1929 with Tejawat’s arrest.

Conclusion:

• The tribal movement under the leadership of Moti Lai Tejawat began under the influence of the Non-Co-operation Movement but comparatively it was more radical.
• The tribal movement was not owned by the Indian National Congress and could not be integrated in the National movement, but it strengthened the national cause.
• The movement awakened the ignorant tribe men to break their age- old bondage.
• These movements proved severe attacks on the feudal system of Rajasthan and paved the way for social development.
• These also prepared the ground for the freedom movement in Rajasthan and when the Prajamandal in various states came into being the awakened tribal men joined these organisations.

Meena Movement

Government of India implemented The Criminal Tribes Act in-1924 and subsequently Jaipur State implemented the Jaipur State Criminal Profession Law -1930. Under these laws, all the members were required to register their names at the nearest police station, and both males and females must appear for daily attendance.

• To protest against this law Meena Khetriya Mahasabha was established in 1933.
• In 1944, a general conference was held under the Presidentship of Jain Muni Magan Sagar where the Jaipur State Meena reform committee was also established.
• On 28th October 1946, at a conference held in Bagawas 26,000 Meenas resigned from the post of Chokidaar.
• Finally after independence in 1952, all restrictions imposed on Meena’s were withdrawn.
• Jahajpur Meena Revolt : Due to the new revenue system, the Meenas of the Jhajapur region in Udaipur State revolted against the British in 1851. To suppress this revolt, Maharana Swarup Singh appointed Raghunath Singh Mehta as the head of Jhajapur, who began illegally collecting taxes from the Meenas, escalating the movement. In 1860, an army led by Chandan Singh was sent to Jhajapur, where they used repressive measures to establish control over the Meenas.

Mer Revolt

• In 1818, the British Superintendent of Ajmer, F. Wilder, made an agreement with the Mers, under which the Mers agreed not to engage in plundering. However, the British established posts and police stations in the Mers’ region, which led to growing discontent. 
• In 1820, the Mers began a rebellion to remove these posts and police stations. To suppress the revolt, three battalions of the British army, along with combined forces from Mewar and Marwar, launched an attack on the Mers. 
• This resulted in significant loss of life and property. By the end of January 1821, the revolt was successfully suppressed.

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