Bardoli Satyagraha: The Triumph of Unity and Resistance (1928)
Introduction
The Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928, one of the most important movements in the fight for India’s freedom, was a great movement of non-violent protest, initiated by the legendary Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat in the taluka of Bardoli in 1928 against the oppressive hike in the land tax that the British government had imposed on the people of Bardoli.
The movement not only highlighted issues of economic oppression but also strengthened the urge for independence and unity among Indians.
Background
Economic Distress in Bardoli:-
Bardoli was an agricultural fertile district in Gujarat; economic distresses had led through the floods and famine in previous years.
However, the British government raised land revenue by 22%. The local farmer deemed this hike to be unjust and not sustainable.
Injustice from the British Government:-
This tax increase was based on an argument that did not consider the economic woos that had been predominant in the area. So, this was a testimony to the oppressive nature and insensitivity of colonial rule.
Petition for a revision of the tax increase were submitted numerous times, but they fell to deaf ears, a clear indicator of the lack of representation and recourse available to Indian citizens under British rule.
Role by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:-
Patel was the defence attorney called by the farmers of Bardoli to assist them in resisting this injustice.
The non-violent resistance champion, Patel gathered local support and became the leader of Satyagraha.
Because of his leadership qualities, people of Bardoli conferred to him the honorific title of “Sardar” meaning, leader.
Objectives of the Bardoli Satyagraha
Resist the land tax increase and demand for an immediate roll back of the same.
To demonstrate the strength of solidarity, non-violence and self-reliance of the native farmers.
For political awareness and pride of the Indian nation.
Key Events and Planning
Non-violent Protest Rally:-
Patel collected all those farmers, and assigned them a mandamus to refuse the new raised tax of land.
He stressed the message of discipline, non-violence and oneness that became the driving spirit for the movement.
Establishment of the Bardoli Inquiry Committee:-
A committee was constituted to compile all the evidence of the economic suffering of the farmers, which would prove the wrongfulness of tax increase.
The findings of the committee exposed high fiscal problems that existed in Bardoli, making the moral argument against tax much more potent.
Women’s Role in the Movement:-
Women actively involved themselves in Bardoli Satyagrah and played key messenger roles, spreading information and maintaining the morale of the protestors.
Their contribution went a long way in forming a joint front, which proved to be strength and the public mental makeup of the struggle.
Economic Boycott:-
Patel declared to boycott all economic, trade, and business items from the British government.
The actions included boycotting the revenue collection procedures as well as disconnection with any local official who co-operated with the British authorities.
Legal and Social Resistance:-
The local farmers presented a legal battle against the British government and the latter’s actions to take over their farmlands though it threatened and tried to break the resistance number of times.
Social force was also used on those who wanted to pay the tax so that a strong unity was formed in the community
Reaction of the British Government:-
The British government proceeded with retaliatory action including taking away the lands, personal properties, and arrest.
However, such efforts at repression succeeded in only consolidating the movement despite the unity and strength of the Bardoli farmers.
Bardoli Satyagraha Aftermath
Farmers’ Triumph:-
By 1928, a commission led by the British was finally put together to take on the task of evaluating the grievances and ultimately decide that the hike was unjustly enforced.
The government had no choice but to repeal the tax hike and give back confiscated land and property to the farmers.
Building the National Movement:-
Bardoli Satyagraha proved to show the success of non-violent resistance and inspired others throughout India to emulate it.
The success increased the stature of Patel but this time as a respected figure in the Indian National Congress, which in turn helped contribute to the wider struggle of the Indians for independence.
Rural Political Consciousness:-
The struggle lifted political awareness among Indian farmers and showed them that collective action could defeat the authority of the colonizers.
It led to the extensive involvement of villagers with the Indian freedom movement. Thus it widened not only the base of the movement among urban intellectuals, but also brought villagers into the national movement.
Legacy of Bardoli Satyagraha
Rise of Sardar Patel:-
Bardoli Satyagraha established him as the “Sardar,” because it portrayed a characteristic of a leader and protector for the country also.
Later he was an active part of India’s independence and later he helped in the unification of the newly liberated nation.
Later Inspirations for Future Satyagrahas:-
The movement articulated the efficacies of nonviolent protest, which later became a cornerstone strategy of Gandhi and the Indian National Congress.
Bardoli Satyagraha was a prototype for other movements such as the Salt March in 1930.
Icon of Resistance Against Injustice:-
Economic and political injustice witnessed at Bardoli today shines out as an icon of the power of unity, discipline, and nonviolent protest.
It made Indians wake up and stand to resist the oppression at hand and proved that regional resistances played an important role in gaining the country’s national independence.
Conclusion:-
Bardoli Satyagraha proved to be one of the most important moments of India’s freedom struggle as it won with unity, nonviolence, and great leadership.
Its success proved to the British that Indians could organize themselves well and resist unjust laws successfully and become a precedent for later movements.
Therefore, the legacy of the Satyagraha is vindicated as collective nonviolence and its contribution to the power direction of India’s movement toward independence.
It was a testimony only to the strength of ordinary individuals as a force against the forces of oppression but also the foundation upon which the bigger movement lay, leading to the final subjection of British rule over India in 1947.
Also Read:- Awakening a Nation: The Pioneering Struggles of the Indian National Congress 1885