Chapter 6 – Peasants Working Class and Left Movements | Chapter Solution Class 10

Short type questions

Question 1

What strategy did the leftists adopt to form a separate group within Congress?

Answer

The strategy were:

• leftists initiated the formation of a political party with people from both inside and outside the Congress.
• leftists tried to strengthen the peasant movement while maintaining a cordial relationship with congress.

Question 2

In which two districts of East Bengal did the peasant movement take a severe form during the Anti-Partition of Bengal movement?

Answer

During the Anti-Partition of Bengal movement, peasant movements took a severe form in two districts of East Bengal, which are:

• Tippera
• Noakhali

Question 3

Name a few women who participated in the Bardauli Peasant movement.

Answer

Kasturba Gandhi, Mani Ben Patel, Sharda Ben Shah, Sharda Mehta, etc. were the women participants of the Bardoli Satyagraha.

Question 4

Who was the first President of AITUC and when?

Answer

The All India trade union Congress (AITUC) was formed in 1920, in which Bal Gangadhar Tilak had an important role to play. The first President of AITUC was Lala Lajpat Rai.

Question 5

What are the ‘Public Safety Bill’ and ‘Trade Disputes Bill’?

Answer

The Public Safety Bill and Trade Disputes Bill were two suppressive bills introduced by the British colonial government in India during the early 1920s. The Public Safety Bill empowered the colonial government to arrest and detain individuals without trial for up to two years, while the Trade Disputes Bill aimed to ban strikes by workers and trade unions. Both bills were opposed by the Indian nationalist movement and the Indian Communist Party, who saw them as attempts to stifle political dissent and crush the emerging labour movement.

Question 6

Why is Baba Ramchandra famous?

Answer

Baba Ramchandra was a peasant leader in the United Province (now Uttar Pradesh) of India, who played a significant role in the peasant movement of the 1920s. He was the main leader of the UP Kishan Sabha, which was founded by Gourishankar Mishra and Indra Narayan Dwivedi in 1928. Under his leadership, the members of UP Kishan Sabha started an aggressive movement in Sultanpur, Raiberili, and Pratapgarh regions of UP, which was not supported by Mahatma Gandhi. Baba Ramchandra was arrested by the police on false charges of theft, which led to protests and the founding of the “Eka” movement and Bardouli Satyagraha.

Question 7

What was Eka movement?

Answer

The Eka Movement was a peasant movement that started in North West Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh in 1921-22. Local Congress leaders initiated the movement, but it was later led by radical leaders Madari Pasi and Sahrab. The movement aimed to address various issues faced by the farmers, such as the forced labour system, illegal taxation, and oppression by tax collectors and feudal lords. The government responded with ruthless oppression and arrested Madari Pasi in June 1922, ultimately suppressing the movement.

Question 8

What was the Moplah Revolt?

Answer

The moplah revolt of Malabar was a militant farmers’ rebellion in which thousands of Muslim farmers died.

Question 9

What was the Teen Kathia system?

Answer

According to the Teen Kathiya system, it was mandatory for the farmer to cultivate indigo in 3 kottas of land for every bigha (20 kottas) owned by them.

Question 10

Write about AITUC.

Answer

The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) is one of the oldest and largest trade union federations in India. It was founded on 31st October 1920, in Bombay, with Lala Lajpat Rai as its first president. The AITUC emerged as a significant force in the labour movement during the 1920s and 1930s.

Question 11

What is Pasive Resistance?

Answer

Passive Resistance is a non-violent form of resistance, where people protest without using arms or violence. It is based on the principle of non-cooperation and non-compliance with unjust laws or policies. Aurobindo Ghosh wrote about Passive Resistance in the context of the Anti-Partition Movement.

Question 12

Write about Dandi March.

Answer

The Dandi March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, was a nonviolent protest led by Mahatma Gandhi against the British salt monopoly in colonial India. In 1930, Gandhi and a group of followers walked for 24 days from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi, where they produced salt from seawater in defiance of the British salt laws.

Question 13

Write about the Simon Commission.

Analytical questions

Question 1

Give an idea about the peasant movement during the Anti-Partition of Bengal movement.

Answer

During the Anti-Partition of Bengal movement, a new type of peasant rebellion emerged, which was aimed at solving the problems faced by the peasants and safeguarding their interests. The Swadesh Bandhab Samity, formed by Aswini Kumar Dutta, played a significant role in addressing the issues faced by the peasants. However, the farmers’ rebellion took on a communal character, and the government labelled it communal unrest to investigate the rebelling farmers. The farmers protested against the landlords and moneylenders, tearing off the loan agreement papers of Hindu moneylenders. The farmers’ unrest took the form of communal riots in Komilla and Mymensingh during 1906-07. The British took advantage of the helplessness of the poor Muslim peasants, as described by Rabindranath Tagore in his novel ‘Ghare Baire’. Similar predicaments were faced by the farmers of Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh, where 936 farmers were ousted from their lands.

Question 2

Describe the Peasant Movement during the Quit India movement.

Answer

The peasant movement during the Quit India Movement aimed to mobilize a mass movement against the repressive policies of the government. The movement gained momentum when it spread throughout the country and farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Bengal participated. The movement took a deadly turn in Bihar and Medinipur in Bengal, where there was a remarkable mass awakening. The movement turned into a people’s war because of the participation of the peasant class. All India Kishan Sabha (AIKS) and new congress ministers were formed in 1937, and the Bihar Provincial Kishan Sabha (BPKS) played a significant role in the peasant movement. The demands of the movement included a moratorium on debts and the abolition of the zamindari system. The movement was largely driven by small farmers and agricultural workers who were badly affected by famine, post-war inflation, and price escalation of basic goods. The movement inspired farmers and lower-class people in other states and gave a mass appeal to the Quit India Movement.

Question 3

Give an account of the Bardauli Satyagraha.

Answer

The Bardauli Satyagraha was a peasant movement started in Bardauli Taluk of Surat District in Gujarat in 1928. The movement protested against the government’s ownership of land and revenue after the Ryotwari land revenue settlement replaced zamindars. The main causes of the movement were the oppression, exploitation, and forced labour of the lower caste Rinadas, who were called ‘Kaliparaj’ or ‘the dark-skinned folks’ by the higher caste Ujalipara or ‘the fair-skinned folks’. The rate of taxes was also increased to 22% in 1927, and the first 30% of revenue was imposed on the peasants despite the terrible flood and famine in Bardauli in 1925. The movement was organized by Gandhian idealists, including Vallabhbhai Patel, and was supported by women, students, and Hindu-Muslims. The movement succeeded in reducing the rate of taxes from 22% to 6.25%. However, some leaders felt that Congress had led the movement with narrow and limited views, and a government-appointed investigation committee was set up, leading to a further reduction in the rate of tax by 6.03%.

Question 4

Give an account of labour movements during the Anti-Partition of Bengal movement.

Answer

The Anti-Partition of Bengal movement was accompanied by several labour movements. The jute mill workers, who were mostly Bengali Muslims, went on strike in protest against the partition of Bengal. The strike began on 20th July 1905, the same day the partition was announced. The workers demanded the cancellation of the partition and the protection of their rights. The strike continued for several weeks, with workers from other industries also joining in. In addition, the labour leaders of the movement, including Sripati Gupta and Narendranath Bhattacharya, organized meetings and rallies to raise awareness among the workers. The movement spread to other parts of Bengal, including Dhaka, Chittagong, and Jessore. The workers also refused to work for British companies, and some even went on a hunger strike. The movement eventually forced the British government to withdraw the partition of Bengal in 1911. The labour movements during the Anti-Partition of Bengal movement demonstrated the close link between political and economic grievances and the importance of worker solidarity in achieving political goals.

Question 5

Write about Manabendra Roy and the leftist movement in India.

Answer

Manabendranath Roy, also known as M.N. Roy, was a Bengali communist leader who played a significant role in the leftist movement in India. He was born in 1887 and became interested in leftist ideals during his time in Europe, where he met and was influenced by Russian revolutionaries.

In 1920, Roy founded the Communist Party of India in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. After returning to India in 1930, he worked tirelessly to promote leftist ideology and unite various leftist factions in India.

Roy believed in the importance of a united front of all leftist powers and even invited Congressmen who shared his ideals to various conferences. In 1939, he formed the League of Radical Congressmen with members from both the left and right wings of Congress. However, this coalition did not last long due to hostility from Gandhian leaders within Congress.

Roy then left Congress and, with like-minded individuals, formed the Radical Democratic Party in 1940. This party supported the British in World War II and aimed to win the trust of the working class in India. Roy’s labour organization, the Indian Federation of Labour, worked to mobilize public opinion in favor of the war effort.

Question 6

Write about Meerut Conspiracy Case (1929-1933)

Answer

The Meerut Conspiracy Case refers to the false lawsuit that was filed against 33 union leaders on 20th March 1929 by the British government in India. The leaders who were convicted included Muzaffar Ahmed, Sripad Amrit Dange, Gangadhar Adhikary, P.C. Joshi, Mirajkar, Benjamin Bradly, and Philip Sprat, among others. They were all sentenced to long-term imprisonment, which severely weakened the leftist labour movement. The verdict of this conspiracy case led to the banning of all publicities of Congress and communist parties in 1933. This was a serious challenge to the growth of the labour movement in India. In response, reformative labour leaders such as V.V. Giri and N.M. Joshi formed the All India Trade Union Federation (AITUF), which had differences from the leftist labour leaders. The suppression of the labour movement by the British government and idealistic breakups within labour organizations caused the labour movement to decline in 1931. However, in 1935, the communists joined together with AITUC, leading to the revival of the labour movement once again.

Question 7

Mention the objectives of the Congress Socialist Party.

Answer

The objectives of the Congress Socialist Party were:

1. To bring together the socialist and communist forces with the Indian National Congress for the attainment of Indian independence and social justice.
2. To promote the growth of socialism in India through the democratic process.
3. To establish a socialist state in India based on the principles of equality and social justice.
4. To fight against the exploitation of workers and peasants by the capitalists and landlords.
5. To promote the nationalization of key industries and natural resources for the benefit of the people.
6. To promote the rights of women and marginalized communities in India.
7. To work towards the establishment of a world socialist order.

Question 8

Write a short note on Kishan Sabha.

Answer

All India Kishan Sabha (AIKS) founded in 1936 had a great influence on the peasant movement during Quit India Movement. Apart from this new congress ministers were formed in 1937 and the Bihar Provincial Kishan Sabha (BPKS) joined the peasant movement. They started a movement with the demands like moratoriums on debts and the abolition of the zamindari system. The communist leader P. C. Joshi wrote an essay in the paper National Front’ on the Transformation of the peasant’s Struggle into the people’s struggle.

Question 9

Discuss the champaran satyagraha of Gandhiji.

Answer

Champaran Satyagraha was a significant event in the Indian independence movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917. The movement was aimed at protesting against the forced cultivation of indigo by British landlords in Champaran, Bihar. Gandhiji was invited by Rajkumar Shukla to visit the region, and after a thorough investigation, he decided to launch a nonviolent campaign. The movement was successful in highlighting the plight of the farmers and forcing the government to repeal the oppressive Teen Kathiya system. The Champaran Satyagraha was also a significant step in Gandhiji’s evolution as a leader, and it brought him to the forefront of Indian politics. The success of the movement inspired Gandhiji to launch many other satyagrahas in different parts of India, and it also brought the farmers’ issues to the forefront of the national movement.

Question 10

Write the contributions of Workers to the Quit India, movement.

Answer

During the Quit India Movement, workers played a crucial role in the struggle for India’s independence. They actively participated in various forms of protests, including strikes, demonstrations, and rallies. The workers of Bombay carried out a successful strike in August 1942, which brought the city to a standstill. The Chittagong uprising, led by Surya Sen, had the active participation of workers, who were involved in the planning and execution of the rebellion. The railway workers in particular played a key role in disrupting the transportation network across the country. The textile workers in Ahmedabad also participated in the movement and carried out strikes. The workers’ contribution to the Quit India Movement showed their commitment to the cause of freedom and their determination to achieve it at any cost. Their actions also demonstrated the close link between the labor movement and the struggle for independence in India.

Question 11

Discuss the role of workers in the Non-Cooperation movement.

Answer

The workers played a significant role in the Non-Cooperation Movement. They actively participated in strikes and protests against British rule, demanding better wages and working conditions. In 1920, the All India Trade Union Congress was formed, which was instrumental in organizing the workers’ movement. The workers boycotted British goods and organized strikes in various industries, including textile, jute, and railway. The Chauri Chaura incident, where a group of protesters attacked and killed British policemen, resulted in the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement, but the workers continued their protests. The Non-Cooperation Movement gave a new impetus to the labour movement in India and helped in the growth of trade unions. The workers’ participation in the movement strengthened the nationalistic spirit and laid the foundation for future movements for workers’ rights.

Question 12

Discuss the Trade Union movement in India.

Explanatory questions

Question 1

Discuss the relationship between leftists and Congress during 20th century India.

Answer

The relationship between leftists and Congress in 20th century India was complex and evolving. In the 1920s, leftists played an important role in strengthening the organization of the farmers’ movement, and the Congress connected itself with farmers in the larger interests of a mass movement. This led to many Gandhian leaders, such as Rajkumar Shukla, Rajendra Prasad, and Jamnalal Bajaj, joining the farmers’ movement. During the non-cooperation movement, a spice trader from Udaipur called himself a representative of Mahatma Gandhi and joined the farmers’ movement. However, there were also tensions between leftists and the Congress, as seen in Manabendranath Roy’s criticism of Gandhian philosophy in 1922. Leftists like Sripad Amrit Dange, Muzaffar Ahmed, and Singaravellu Chettiyer emphasized dual organization, which conflicted with the Congress’s emphasis on mass mobilization. In the 1930s and 1940s, the relationship between the leftists and Congress became increasingly strained, as the Congress’s nationalist agenda clashed with the communists’ focus on class struggle. After independence, the Congress established a dominant political position, while the leftists remained a minority force. However, the leftists continued to be an important presence in Indian politics, particularly in states like West Bengal and Kerala. In recent years, the left has experienced a decline in popularity but still remains a relevant force in Indian politics. Overall, the relationship between leftists and Congress has been marked by both cooperation and conflict, reflecting the complex dynamics of Indian politics.

Question 2

Give an account of the correlation between Congress and leftists during the Labour movement in India.

Answer

During the labour movement in India, there was a close correlation between Congress and leftists. The formation of AITUC was an outcome of the collective efforts of Congress and leftists. Congress leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Motilal Nehru, and Vithalbhai Patel played an important role in its formation. The left leader Sripad Amrita Dange acknowledged their contributions. However, Gandhiji was not very enthusiastic about the formation of AITUC. The first Secretary of AITUC was Lala Lajpat Rai, who was also a Congress leader. Khilafat Non-Cooperation Movement, which became very important during that time, was also supported by leftists and Congress. Although workers responded very well to the Non-violent Non-cooperation movement, they often resorted to violence to protest against the Government’s repressive policies. The workers also protested against Gandhiji’s imprisonment, which resulted in the death of 28 protesting workers and severe injuries to 123 workers in Gujarat. Such brutality on the working class affected the labour unions in Calcutta and Bombay. Multiple strikes took place in Bombay, Kanpur, and Jamalpur railway workshops in support of movements like the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation. At that time, there were only 40 permanent unions, which became 55 in 1921 and 75 in 1922.

Question 3

Discuss the extent and importance of the Labour movement during the Non-Cooperation movement. Write about the character and importance of the participation of leftist politics during the Anti Colonial movement in 20th-century India.

Answer

The Labour movement during the Non-Cooperation movement was an important component of the broader Indian independence struggle. The movement sought to organize and mobilize workers across different industries to demand better working conditions, higher wages, and more rights. The movement was characterized by both non-violent protests and strikes, as well as occasional violence in response to government repression. The formation of trade unions like the Madras Labour Union and the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) played a crucial role in the movement, providing a platform for workers to come together and voice their demands.

The participation of leftist politics in the anti-colonial movement in 20th-century India was characterized by their emphasis on mass mobilization, class struggle, and the use of militant tactics. They aimed to organize and empower the working class, peasants, and other marginalized groups and saw the struggle against British imperialism as part of a broader fight against capitalism and oppression. The importance of their participation lay in their ability to bring new energy and perspectives to the movement, and to challenge the dominant nationalist discourse of the Congress. They played a key role in popularizing the idea of direct action and civil disobedience, as well as in advocating for radical social and economic changes. However, their views were not always welcomed by the Congress leadership, who saw them as a threat to their own dominance and were often wary of their militant tactics. Nonetheless, their legacy can be seen in the continued influence of socialist and communist ideas in Indian politics, and in the ongoing struggles for social and economic justice in the country.

Question 4

Discuss the Eka movement and Bardouli Satyagraha movement. 

Answer

Eka movement

From the Hindi word ‘Ekta’ (unity) the word ‘Eka’ has come. The Eka Movement started in the Hardoi, Bahraich, Sitapur and Barabanki districts of North West Ayodhya in UP in 1921-22. Though the movement was started by local Congress leaders, later radical leaders Madari Pasi and Sahrab took the reins of the movement into their own hands. Leaders of many backward communities had joined the Eka Movement. The principal objectives or causes of this movement were

1. the farmers would pay their taxes in cash or money
2. they were not forced to pay taxes on their cultivated crops,
3. they did not tolerate the “Bet Begari system” or forced labour.
4. oppression of the tax collectors of Zamindar-Feudal lords on peasants,

Bardouli Satyagraha

The Bardoli Satyagraha was a non-violent resistance movement led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1928, against the British colonial government’s decision to increase the land revenue rates in the Bardoli taluka of present-day Gujarat, India. The movement lasted for about six months and was successful in achieving its goal of reducing the land revenue rates.

Question 5

Discuss the role of Labourers in the Quit India movement. Write about the Workers and Peasants Party.