Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Kheda Satyagraha:
The Kheda Satyagraha was a nonviolent resistance movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in the Kheda district of Gujarat, India, during the Indian independence movement. It took place in 1918 and was a significant episode in the noncooperation movement against British colonial rule.
Here are the key aspects of the Kheda Satyagraha:
Background:
In 1917, the Kheda district in Gujarat faced a severe famine, crop failure, and economic distress due to floods and an influenza epidemic. The British government insisted on collecting land revenue from the farmers, despite their inability to pay due to the challenging conditions.
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Leadership of Sardar Patel:
Vallabhbhai Patel, later known as Sardar Patel, was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress in Gujarat and played a crucial role in organizing and leading the Kheda Satyagraha. Under Gandhi's guidance, Patel led the farmers' struggle against the British administration's revenue collection policies.
Satyagraha and Nonviolent Resistance:
The farmers of Kheda, under the guidance of Patel, decided to withhold the payment of land revenue as a form of protest. They practiced nonviolent resistance, refusing to succumb to the unjust demands of the British authorities.
Negotiations and Settlement:
The British government, faced with the determination of the farmers and the nonviolent resistance, initiated negotiations with Vallabhbhai Patel. After prolonged discussions, a settlement was reached in 1918. The government agreed to relax the revenue collection policies and offered relief to the distressed farmers.
Importance:
The Kheda Satyagraha demonstrated the power of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience against unjust policies. It showcased the unity, resilience, and determination of the Indian farmers in their struggle against British oppression. The success of the movement boosted the morale of the Indian independence movement and further strengthened the noncooperation movement led by Gandhi.
Legacy:
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's leadership during the Kheda Satyagraha earned him the title "Sardar" (meaning leader) from the people of Gujarat. He later became a key figure in India's struggle for independence and played a significant role in the integration of princely states after independence.
The Kheda Satyagraha remains a notable event in the history of India's freedom struggle, underscoring the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance as a powerful tool against colonial oppression.