Kisan Sabha Movement (1918 onwards)

Published on 05 Oct 2025

Reasons

• Economic Exploitation: High rents, taxes, and exploitative practices by landlords left peasants in a perpetual state of poverty.

• Need for Land Reforms: Peasants demanded land reforms and the abolition of the zamindari (landlord) system.

• Example: The call for fair land distribution and reduction of rents were central to the movement’s agenda.

• Political Awareness: The rise of national consciousness and the influence of leaders like Swami Sahajanand Saraswati encouraged peasants to fight for their rights.

• Example: The establishment of the All-India Kisan Sabha in 1936 to coordinate peasant struggles across India.

Reactions

• Peasant Mobilization: Large-scale mobilization of peasants across various regions to demand better conditions.

• Example: Mass protests, strikes, and refusal to pay rents became common tactics.

• Government Repression: The British authorities often responded with repression, including arrests and violence against protestors.

• Example: Leaders and participants of the Kisan Sabha faced imprisonment and brutal crackdowns.

• Formation of Alliances: Peasant leaders formed alliances with other national movements to strengthen their cause.

• Example: The Indian National Congress often supported peasant demands as part of its broader struggle against colonial rule.

Influence

• Policy Changes: The movement brought attention to agrarian issues, leading to discussions on land reforms and tenants’ rights in independent India.

• Example: Post-independence land reform acts in various states were influenced by the demands of the Kisan Sabha.

• Political Empowerment: The movement laid the groundwork for peasant participation in the political process.

• Example: Many peasant leaders such as Acharya Vinoba Bhave and NG Ranga later became influential politicians advocating for agrarian reforms.

Tags:
History & Culture

Keywords:
Kisan Sabha Movement zamindari system All India Kisan Sabha Indian National Congress INC Acharya Vinoba Bhave N G Ranga

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Freedom Struggle