Introduction:- British views on Indian peasants

British views on Indian peasants during colonial rule were complex. While some officials held
paternalistic attitudes, perceiving them as backward and in need of guidance, others
acknowledged their vital role in agriculture. The peasants were seen as resilient and
hardworking, contributing significantly to the agrarian economy. However, the policies imposed
by the British often exploited the peasants, leading to increased poverty, indebtedness, and a
sense of dependence on the colonial system. The exploitation of land revenue, stringent
taxation, and unfair practices further exacerbated the plight of Indian peasants, undermining
their economic and social well-being under British rule.

Chakma Revolt 1777-1788 :-

The Chakma revolt was an uprising against British colonial rule in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of
Bengal, India, during the 19th century. Led by the Chakma people, it was a response to
oppressive land policies, high taxes, and forced labor imposed by the British administration. The
Chakmas, an indigenous community, protested against these injustices, seeking autonomy and
control over their lands. The revolt, marked by sporadic resistance and clashes, continued for
several years, with the Chakmas demanding the restoration of their traditional rights and
freedoms. The British responded with military force, leading to a quelling of the rebellion. The
uprising, while not entirely successful, highlighted the indigenous population's struggle against
colonial exploitation and their quest for autonomy in British India's frontier regions

Santhal Rebellion 1855 :-

The Santhal Rebellion of 1855-1856 was a significant tribal uprising in British India, led by the
Santhal tribe, primarily in the region of present-day Jharkhand and parts of West Bengal and
Bihar. The Santhals were an Adivasi (indigenous) tribe who faced oppression, exploitation, and
displacement by the British colonial administration, as well as moneylenders and landlords.
They were subjected to heavy taxation, forced labour, and loss of their traditional lands. Two
brothers, Sidhu and Kanhu, emerged as prominent leaders of the Santhals. They played a
pivotal role in uniting the Santhal community against the British and their exploitative practices.
The Santhal Rebellion began on June 30, 1855, when the Santhals, armed with traditional
weapons and spears, attacked British officials, moneylenders, and landlords. They declared
their intention to establish a "Hul" or Santhal state. The rebellion spread rapidly across the
region. The Santhals engaged in armed confrontations with British forces, and a series of
battles ensued. The rebels employed guerrilla warfare tactics to fight the better-equipped British
troops. The British responded with force, and a brutal crackdown on the Santhal Rebellion
followed. Thousands of Santhals were killed, and many were captured and executed. The
British authorities reasserted control over the region. The rebellion ultimately failed, but it served
as a symbol of resistance against British colonialism and inspired future movements for tribal
rights and autonomy. The Santhal Rebellion is remembered as one of the earliest tribal
uprisings in India's struggle for independence.
Indigo Revolt 1849-1862:- 1859-62

The Indigo Revolt, also known as the Indigo Rebellion, was a pivotal agrarian uprising that
transpired in Bengal, India, during the latter half of the 19th century. This revolt was a vehement
response to the exploitative indigo plantation system imposed by the British colonial rulers in
India. The initial events of the Indigo Revolt unfolded in the 1850s when indigo farmers,
primarily impoverished peasants, were coerced into cultivating indigo crops instead of food
crops. This indigo was utilized for dye production, which proved highly profitable for the British
planters but caused acute suffering for the local peasants who were subjected to economic
exploitation, harsh working conditions, and abysmal living standards. The uprising gained
momentum with a series of protests, clashes, and acts of civil disobedience, notably under the
leadership of figures like Digambar Biswas and Bishnu Biswas. The culmination of the revolt
occurred in 1859 when, under mounting pressure, British authorities abolished the oppressive
"tinkathia" system, which had been a major source of agrarian exploitation. This marked a
turning point, granting relief to the indigo cultivators and leading to the eventual decline of indigo
cultivation in the region. The Indigo Revolt exemplifies the resilience of oppressed peasants and
the effectiveness of collective action in challenging oppressive colonial rule. It stands as a
significant chapter in India's struggle for independence and agrarian reform, highlighting the
capacity of marginalized communities to advocate for their rights.

In conclusion, the Indigo Revolt was a momentous event in the history of India's struggle for
freedom and justice. It underscored the tenacity of the indigo farmers in their fight against
economic oppression and exploitative systems. Ultimately, their collective efforts led to positive
changes in their living conditions and brought an end to the exploitative indigo cultivation
practices, demonstrating the power of grassroots movements in challenging colonial injustices.

Deccan Uprising 1875 :-

The Deccan Uprising, spanning from 1875 to 1877, was a significant peasant revolt in the
Deccan region of India, encompassing parts of present-day Maharashtra and Karnataka. The
uprising was a response to the economic distress and oppressive conditions faced by the rural
population due to high taxation, usurious practices of moneylenders, and exploitative land
revenue systems introduced by the British colonial administration.

Led by Vasudeo Balwant Phadke, the movement sought to challenge the economic exploitation
faced by the agrarian community. Phadke, a revolutionary, organized and led protests, aiming to
free the peasants from the burdens of debt and to establish social justice and fairer economic
conditions.

The British authorities, in response to the escalating resistance, employed military force to
suppress the revolt. Phadke was captured, tried, and ultimately executed in 1883. The uprising,
although quelled, underscored the grievances of the rural populace against the unjust economic
policies imposed by the British, emphasizing the disparities and hardships faced by the agrarian
communities during the colonial period in India. This uprising contributed to the growing
discontent and resistance against exploitative systems in colonial India, inspiring future
movements for social justice and agrarian rights

Champaran and kheda satyagraha 1917-1918 :-

The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 took place in the Champaran district of Bihar. It was
centered around the exploitation of indigo farmers by British indigo planters. Gandhi, at the
request of local farmers, intervened and organized protests against the unjust indigo cultivation
system, which compelled farmers to grow indigo on a portion of their land. Through nonviolent
resistance and negotiations, Gandhi successfully led the farmers in their struggle for fair land
rights and better working conditions.

The Kheda Satyagraha occurred in 1918 in the Kheda district of Gujarat. Peasants were unable
to pay taxes due to widespread crop failure caused by floods and famine. Gandhi supported the
peasants' cause and initiated a nonviolent resistance movement against the British
government's tax policies. Despite the crop failures, the British were unwilling to provide any
relief. However, through persistent nonviolent protests and civil disobedience, the government
eventually relented and accepted the demand for tax exemption.

Both the Champaran and Kheda revolts marked the beginning of Gandhi's organized, nonviolent
civil disobedience campaigns and played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian freedom
movement's strategies against oppressive colonial rule. These movements demonstrated the
power of peaceful protest and resistance in achieving justice and fair treatment for the
oppressed.

Bardoli Satyagraha 1928 :-

The Bardoli Satyagraha was a significant event in India's independence movement led by
Mahatma Gandhi in 1928. It took place in Bardoli, a town in Gujarat. The movement was a
response to the British government's decision to increase the land revenue assessments by
22% despite poor crop yields and economic hardships faced by the farmers.
Under the guidance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the farmers of Bardoli vehemently opposed the
unfair tax increase. Following Gandhi's principles of nonviolent resistance, they refused to pay
the increased taxes. The Satyagraha, characterised by civil disobedience and peaceful protests,
garnered widespread support.
Due to the resolute non-cooperation of the villagers and the sympathetic attention it received
from various parts of the country, the British authorities were compelled to negotiate. Eventually,
a settlement was reached, and the government agreed to roll back the increased taxes,
providing relief to the farmers. The success of the Bardoli Satyagraha not only provided
economic relief but also became a symbol of peaceful resistance and solidarity in the fight for
Indian independence.
Bengal famine 1943 :-

Under British rule during the Bengal famine of 1943, farmers faced exacerbated hardship.
British policies, including resource hoarding for the war, continued exportation of grains, and
inadequate relief efforts, directly contributed to the severity of the famine's impact. Farmers,
already grappling with crop failures due to natural disasters, suffered intensified economic ruin.
The requisitioning of resources for the war effort led to acute food scarcity, pushing farmers to
sell their land and livestock to afford inflated food prices. British taxation policies exacerbated
their financial distress. Moreover, the lack of timely and effective relief measures deepened the
plight of the farming communities. This catastrophic combination of factors not only led to
malnutrition, increased mortality, and economic devastation but also fostered resentment and a
reevaluation of British colonial policies and their neglect of the welfare of the local populace

The Bengal famine of 1943, compounded by British policies, led to dire consequences for
farmers, deepening economic ruin, acute food scarcity, and widespread suffering. The
catastrophic impact underscored the devastating consequences of colonial neglect, reshaping
perspectives on governance and humanitarian responsibilities.

Conclusion:-

Peasant revolts in British India reflected the socio-economic distress and discontent among
rural communities. These uprisings conveyed the resistance against exploitative policies,
oppressive taxation, and land disputes. While some revolts were locally contained, they
collectively highlighted the struggle against British rule and the quest for social justice.
These uprisings symbolized the spirit of patriotism and the fight for economic and social justice.
Despite being locally contained, these revolts collectively echoed the fervour for independence,
shaping India's path towards sovereignty.