Eka Movement (1921) - Modern India History Notes
The Eka Movement is a peasant movement that began in Lucknow and quickly spread to Hardoi, Unnao, and Sitapur districts, becoming a powerful force. The movement began in November 1921 and lasted until April 1922. The Eka movement was part of a wave of peasant uprisings that erupted in colonial India following World War I. In this article, we will discuss the Eka Movement (1921) which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.
|
Table of Contents |
Eka Movement - Background
- The Eka Movement, also known as the Unity Movement, is a peasant movement that began in Hardoi, Bahraich, and Sitapur at the end of 1921.
- It was founded by Congress and the Khilafat movement and was later led by Madari Pasi. The main reason for the move was high rent, which in some areas was more than 50% of the recorded rent.
- Oppression of thekedars entrusted with collecting rent, as well as the practise of share rent, aided this movement.
- The Eka meetings were marked by a religious ritual in which a hole representing the Ganga was dug in the ground and filled with water, a priest was brought in to preside, and the assembled peasants vowed that they would pay only recorded rent but pay it on time, would not leave when ejected, would refuse to do forced labour, would not help criminals and would abide by Panchayat decisions, they would not pay revenue without receipt, and they would remain united under any circumstances.
- This movement included small zamindars who were dissatisfied with the British government due to high land revenue demands.
- Soon after, the Movement's leadership shifted from Congress to Madari Pasi, a low caste leader who was not willing to accept nonviolence. As a result, the movement lost contact with the nationalist class. Because the national leader in this case was Mahatma Gandhi, whose ideology was based on nonviolence.
- The Eka Movement came to an end in March 1922 as a result of severe repression by authorities.
|
|
|
|---|---|
| Deccan Riots1867 | Indigo Revolt (1859-60) |
| Kisan Sabha Movement(1857) | Mappila Revolt(1921) |
Eka Movement - Causes
- The main reason for the move was high rent, which in some areas was more than 50% of the recorded rent.
- Oppression of thekedars entrusted with collecting rent, as well as the practise of share rent, aided this movement.
- The reasons for the revolt were rooted in the Awadh region's deeply exploitative agrarian structure, which was dominated by Taluqdars (aristocratic hereditary owners of large tracts of land and villages) and zamindars, who were typically 'upper' caste Hindus or Muslims.
- They leased land to tenant farmers and charged them exorbitant rents and other fees in order to collect land revenue for the colonial state.
- Tenants hired agricultural labourers to work in the fields, but they had no ownership rights to the land they cultivated and were evicted by the zamindars if they did not pay the rent.
Eka Movement - Objectives
- Refusal to pay more than the recorded rent.
- Demanding receipts for rents paid.
- They refused to pay nazrana or do begar (forced labour).
Eka Movement - Outcome
- The failure of the Eka movement can be attributed to a lack of proper organisation and leadership.
- Nonetheless, it served the purpose of bringing the government's attention to the gravity of the agrarian situation.
- The government quickly passed the Oudh Rent (Amendment) Act of 1921, which went into effect in November 1921 and was intended to quell agrarian unrest and address some immediate peasant grievances.
- Due to increased government repression, a few peasants left the movement, and few were satisfied with the benefits provided by the Oudh Rent (Amendment) Act of 1921.
Conclusion
The Eka movement, which began in the fall of 1921, reached its apex in the first quarter of 1922, and was later met with a massive police crackdown that included large bodies of mounted and armed police, as well as a squadron of cavalry. Because of the severity of the state's repression, several of its leaders, including Madari Pasi, were forced to flee.
FAQs
Question: What was the Eka Movement?
Answer: The Eka Movement was a peasant movement that took place in the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) in 1921. It was primarily led by the farmers of the region who were agitating against the oppressive policies of the zamindars (landlords) and the high taxes imposed on them, which they found unsustainable.
Question: What were the main objectives of the Eka Movement?
Answer: The main objectives of the Eka Movement included the abolition of zamindari system, reduction of land revenue and taxes, and the establishment of a fair system for the collection of dues. The movement aimed to empower farmers and ensure their rights over the land they cultivated.
Question: Who were the key leaders of the Eka Movement?
Answer: The movement was significantly influenced by leaders like Baba Ramchandra, who was a prominent figure in organizing the peasants and articulating their grievances. His leadership galvanized the local farmers to stand against the exploitative practices of the zamindars.
Question: What was the impact of the Eka Movement on Indian society?
Answer: The Eka Movement played a critical role in raising awareness among peasants about their rights and injustices faced under the zamindari system. It contributed to the broader Indian independence movement by highlighting the agrarian distress and mobilizing peasants towards political consciousness and activism.
Question: How did the British government respond to the Eka Movement?
Answer: The British government responded to the Eka Movement with repression, deploying police forces to suppress protests and imprisoning several leaders. The harsh measures aimed to quell the rising discontent among the peasants and restore order in the region.
MCQs
- In which year did the Eka Movement take place?
a) 1919
b) 1920
c) 1921
d) 1922
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
c) 1921. The Eka Movement occurred in 1921 in the United Provinces, primarily driven by peasant unrest against zamindars.
- Who was a prominent leader associated with the Eka Movement?
a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Baba Ramchandra
d) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
c) Baba Ramchandra. He played a significant role in organizing the movement and representing the peasants' grievances.
- What was a primary demand of the Eka Movement?
a) Abolition of the zamindari system
b) Independence from British rule
c) Establishment of a separate state
d) Implementation of a new taxation system
Answer: (A) See the Explanation
a) Abolition of the zamindari system. The movement sought to end the exploitative practices of zamindars and reduce land revenue.
- What was the reaction of the British authorities to the Eka Movement?
a) Support for the peasants
b) Negotiation with leaders
c) Repression and arrests
d) Formation of a committee to investigate
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
c) Repression and arrests. The British government deployed police to suppress the movement and arrested several leaders to restore order.
- What was the significance of the Eka Movement in the context of Indian history?
a) It marked the end of zamindari system
b) It raised awareness about agrarian issues
c) It was the first peasant movement in India
d) It led to immediate reforms in land policies
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
b) It raised awareness about agrarian issues. The Eka Movement contributed to the political consciousness of farmers and their rights.
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Evaluate the causes and consequences of the Eka Movement of 1921 in the context of modern Indian history.
Answer: The Eka Movement of 1921 arose primarily from agrarian distress due to oppressive policies of zamindars and high land revenue taxes imposed by the British government. The peasants, predominantly from the United Provinces, faced exploitative practices, leading to widespread discontent. The movement, spearheaded by Baba Ramchandra, sought to abolish the zamindari system and reduce taxes, reflecting the farmers' desire for economic justice and autonomy over their lands. The consequences of the Eka Movement were significant; it not only raised awareness among peasants about their rights but also mobilized them politically, contributing to the broader struggle for Indian independence. Although the movement faced severe repression from the British, it highlighted the agrarian issues and set a precedent for future movements advocating for farmers' rights, thereby influencing the socio-political landscape of India in the 1920s and beyond.
Q2: Analyze the role of peasant movements like the Eka Movement in shaping the Indian freedom struggle.
Answer: Peasant movements, including the Eka Movement, played a crucial role in shaping the Indian freedom struggle by bringing agrarian issues to the forefront of national politics. The Eka Movement, which mobilized farmers against the exploitative zamindari system in 1921, highlighted the grievances of the rural population and their struggles for economic justice. It fostered a sense of unity among farmers and raised awareness about their rights, encouraging them to actively participate in the independence movement. By advocating for issues like the abolition of high taxes and zamindari, such movements directly challenged colonial policies and contributed to the overall narrative of resistance against British rule. They provided a platform for the political mobilization of the rural populace, which was essential in the larger context of the freedom struggle. Furthermore, these movements influenced leaders like Mahatma Gandhi to incorporate agrarian issues into the broader campaign for independence, ultimately helping to galvanize support across various sections of society.
Q3: Discuss the impact of the Eka Movement on the socio-political landscape of the United Provinces in the early 20th century.
Answer: The Eka Movement had a profound impact on the socio-political landscape of the United Provinces in the early 20th century. By uniting peasants under a common cause against zamindars and oppressive taxation, the movement significantly increased political awareness among the rural population. Led by figures like Baba Ramchandra, the Eka Movement not only challenged the existing socio-economic hierarchies but also empowered farmers to assert their rights. The agitation contributed to a growing consciousness about land rights and economic justice, influencing subsequent movements for agrarian reform. Additionally, the movement highlighted the interconnectedness of agrarian issues with the broader struggle for Indian independence, prompting leaders of the national movement to pay more attention to rural grievances. Despite facing harsh repression from the British, the legacy of the Eka Movement persisted, inspiring later peasant movements and shaping the political discourse around land rights and farmer welfare in India.
Previous Year Questions on Eka Movement
1. UPSC CSE Mains 2020
Question: Assess the significance of the Eka Movement in the broader context of the Indian freedom struggle.
Answer: The Eka Movement is significant in the context of the Indian freedom struggle as it highlighted the agrarian distress and mobilized the peasant class against the exploitative zamindari system. Emerging in 1921 in the United Provinces, the movement underscored the urgent need for agrarian reforms, advocating for the abolition of zamindari and the reduction of oppressive taxation. It brought to light the struggles of farmers, which were often overlooked in the larger national narrative. The leadership of figures like Baba Ramchandra galvanized rural communities, fostering a sense of political consciousness and solidarity among the agrarian class. This movement contributed to the broader anti-colonial sentiment by linking economic grievances to the fight against British imperialism. Although it faced severe repression, the Eka Movement laid the groundwork for subsequent peasant movements, ultimately influencing the strategies employed by national leaders to incorporate agrarian issues into the larger freedom movement. Its legacy continues to resonate in contemporary discussions on land rights and social justice in India.
2. UPSC CSE Mains 2021
Question: Discuss the role of leaders like Baba Ramchandra in shaping the course of the Eka Movement and its impact on peasant struggles in India.
Answer: Leaders like Baba Ramchandra played a pivotal role in shaping the Eka Movement and influencing the broader context of peasant struggles in India. As a charismatic figure and a dedicated advocate for farmers' rights, Baba Ramchandra mobilized the rural population in the United Provinces to protest against the exploitative practices of zamindars and the high land revenue system. His leadership was instrumental in articulating the grievances of the peasants and organizing them into a cohesive movement, highlighting the importance of unity in addressing their socio-economic challenges. Ramchandra's ability to connect with the peasants and instill a sense of empowerment among them was crucial in fostering political awareness. The movement not only addressed immediate economic issues but also set the stage for future agrarian movements, emphasizing the need for reform and justice in land ownership. Despite facing violent repression, the legacy of Baba Ramchandra and the Eka Movement significantly contributed to the evolution of peasant activism in India, influencing subsequent struggles for rights and equity in the agrarian sector.
Download the PREPP App and attempt FREE IAS Exam Mock Tests and get complete study material!
Full Test - 02: UPSC CSE Prelims CSAT (Paper-II)
Full Test - 01: UPSC CSE Prelims CSAT (Paper-II)
UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 GS Paper 1 Question Paper (24-May-2026)
UPSC CSE Prelims 2026 CSAT Paper 2 Question Paper (24-May-2026)
17 February 2025 | The Hindu Must Read Articles | Current Affairs
16 February 2026 | The Hindu Must Read Articles | Current Affairs
13 February 2026 | The Hindu Must Read Articles | Current Affairs
Comments