The Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928 was a movement launched by Sardar Vallabhai Patel for the peasants of Bardoli against unfair tax increases during the war of independence. The Bardoli Satyagraha was an attempt by Indian peasants to stage a peaceful protest against British rule in India. It was a pivotal moment in the Civil Disobedience Movement, which was a component of the Indian Independence Struggle. This article will also come in handy for other competitive exams such as SSC, and state civil service exams, among others.

Bardoli Satyagraha - Overview

• Floods and famines struck the Bardoli Taluka in early Gujarat in 1925, severely affecting crops. Farmers' finances were affected as a result of this. The Bombay Presidency boosted tax rates by 22% despite the farmers' difficulties.
• Despite appeals from civic groups and farmers urging the government to reconsider this discriminatory rise in tax rates in light of the critical circumstances, the government chose to increase tax collection.
• The movement was founded in 1922 by the 'Merta Bandhus' (Kalyan Ji and Kunwar Ji) and Dayal Ji of Bardoli Taluka to support the farmers' cause.
• In 1927, the local Congress Party published an article demonstrating the cause and effect of the farmers' inability to bear the weight of the tax hike. The authorities, on the other hand, refused to budge.
• Farmers in Bardoli urged Vallabhai Patel to lead a protest and strike in which they refused to pay taxes in January 1928. They also reassured Gandhiji about their commitment to non-violence.
• Only after receiving guarantees from the farmers about their commitment to the movement did Patel agree to take on the leadership position.
• He warned them about the possible implications of their decision, including land and property seizure and incarceration.
• Patel contacted the authorities and informed them of the situation. He received the response that the administration would not make any compromises.
• Gandhiji also supported the movement through his writings in the periodical 'Young India.'

Bardoli Satyagraha - Features

• Vallabhai Patel led his non-violent army at Bardoli with distinction. He split the taluk into camps and enlisted the help of hundreds of men and women.
• Volunteers came from Hindu, Muslim, and Parsi communities, among others. Volunteers distributed news bulletins, campaigns, and speeches from the taluk camps, instructing the groups on the importance of being disciplined and prepared for adversity.
• They did a lot of door-to-door campaigning. A vast number of women actively participated in the movement. Patel was given the moniker 'Sardar' by these women.
• The peasants were asked to swear in the name of God that they would not pay taxes. Those who paid their taxes and supported the British were socially shunned.
• They refused to accept non-essential commodities at the local government offices.
• In order to support the movement, K. M. Munshi and Lalji Naranji resigned from the Bombay Legislative Council.
• The Bardoli Satyagraha peasants also handled prospective eviction and confiscation attempts by government agents with aplomb.
• These Bardoli peasants had informers in British government offices who informed them in advance if any confiscation notices were issued.
• The Bardoli villagers then moved to a new location together, and when government officials arrived to take the Bardoli peasants' property, they found an empty community.
• Despite its small size, the campaign attracted national notice and support.

Bardoli Satyagraha - Outcome

• The British Government was concerned that things might get out of hand, so the government established the Maxwell-Broomfield commission to investigate the matter.
• The peasants were returned to the land that had been taken from them.
• The revenue was cut to 6.03 per cent.
• Following the success of the Bardoli Satyagraha, Vallabhai Patel grew into a national leader.

Bardoli Satyagraha - Criticism

• The movement was primarily concerned with the plight of wealthy and middle-class farmers, and it mostly ignored the plight of impoverished farmers.
• It did not bring up the issue of Hali Pratha (a kind of bonded labor system).
• According to legend, the campaign was a test of Satyagraha as a means of freedom struggle. The peasants' fundamental problems were not addressed.

Conclusion

The Bardoli movement was a no-tax movement, similar to the Kheda peasant fight. It would not be inaccurate to state that the peasant satyagraha of Bardoli was the offspring of Gandhi's non-cooperation movement. Although the campaign mostly ignored the impoverished farmers and failed to reform the bonded labour system, it was a turning point in the Indian nationalist fight and, as Subhash Chandra Bose foresaw, it was a forerunner to a greater conflict that Gandhi would conduct.

FAQs

Q1: What was the Bardoli Satyagraha?

Q2: Who was the leader of the Bardoli Satyagraha?

Q3: What were the key demands of the Bardoli Satyagraha?

Q4: What were the outcomes of the Bardoli Satyagraha?

Q5: How did the Bardoli Satyagraha contribute to India's independence movement?

MCQs

1. In which year did the Bardoli Satyagraha take place?

A) 1920

B) 1928

C) 1930

D) 1942

2. What was the main issue that triggered the Bardoli Satyagraha?

A) Labor rights

B) Increased land revenue

C) Freedom of press

D) Education reforms

3. Which prominent title was given to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel after the success of the Bardoli Satyagraha?

A) Mahatma

B) Sardar

C) Bapu

D) Chhatrapati

4. What was a significant outcome of the Bardoli Satyagraha?

A) Introduction of new taxes

B) Increased support for British rule

C) Withdrawal of increased revenue assessments

D) Formation of the Indian National Army

5. How did the Bardoli Satyagraha influence other movements in India?

A) It had no significant influence

B) It led to greater British repression

C) It inspired similar non-violent protests across India

D) It ended the struggle for independence

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1. Analyze the significance of the Bardoli Satyagraha in the Indian independence movement.

Answer: The Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928 marked a pivotal moment in the Indian independence movement, showcasing the power of organized, non-violent resistance against colonial rule. Under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the movement emerged in response to unjust increases in land revenue assessments by 22%, which placed an unbearable burden on the farmers of the Bardoli taluka in Gujarat. The significance of this movement lies not only in its immediate success—leading to the withdrawal of the increased assessments and the return of confiscated lands—but also in its broader implications for the Indian freedom struggle. The Bardoli Satyagraha solidified Patel's reputation as a capable leader and strategist, earning him the title "Sardar" or leader. The movement's success inspired a wave of similar satyagrahas across India, reinforcing the efficacy of non-violent civil disobedience as a tool for social and political change. Additionally, it galvanized public support for the Indian National Congress, as it demonstrated the potential for mass mobilization against colonial policies. The lessons learned from Bardoli would later be instrumental in shaping the strategies of subsequent movements, ultimately contributing to India’s independence in 1947.

Q2. Discuss the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the Bardoli Satyagraha and its outcomes.

Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a central role in the Bardoli Satyagraha, demonstrating exceptional leadership and organizational skills that would later earn him the title "Sardar." Faced with the British government's decision to increase land revenue assessments by 22%, Patel mobilized the farmers of Bardoli to resist this unjust taxation peacefully. His strategy involved not only grassroots mobilization but also effective communication and negotiation with the authorities. Patel encouraged farmers to refuse payment of the increased taxes and organized collective action, which led to widespread support for the movement. The government responded with coercive measures, confiscating lands and properties of the protesters, which only fueled the resolve of the farmers. Patel's insistence on non-violence and unity among the farmers proved crucial in maintaining the movement's moral high ground. The successful outcome of the Bardoli Satyagraha, which resulted in the withdrawal of the increased revenue assessments and the restoration of confiscated lands, reinforced the efficacy of non-violent resistance and solidified Patel's position as a key leader in the Indian National Congress. His achievements during this movement set the stage for future struggles for Indian independence, exemplifying the potential of organized, collective action in the face of injustice.

Q3. Evaluate the methods employed during the Bardoli Satyagraha and their effectiveness in achieving the movement's goals.

Answer: The Bardoli Satyagraha employed a range of non-violent methods that proved highly effective in achieving its goals. The movement was characterized by its peaceful resistance against the unjust increase in land revenue assessments imposed by the British government. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the movement’s leader, emphasized collective action, urging farmers to unite in their refusal to pay the increased taxes. This strategy included organized meetings, mass mobilization, and public demonstrations that raised awareness of the injustices faced by the farmers. Patel's ability to articulate the grievances of the farmers and mobilize public opinion played a crucial role in garnering widespread support for the movement. The use of non-violent methods helped maintain the moral superiority of the protestors, garnering sympathy both nationally and internationally. Additionally, the movement utilized legal avenues, appealing to authorities to reconsider their decisions, which highlighted the legitimacy of the farmers' demands. The eventual success of the Bardoli Satyagraha, resulting in the withdrawal of the increased revenue assessments and restoration of confiscated properties, exemplified the effectiveness of these non-violent methods. This success not only empowered the farmers but also inspired subsequent movements, reinforcing the belief in non-violent civil disobedience as a powerful tool for social change.

Previous Year Questions on  Bardoli Satyagrahasa

1. UPSC CSE 2019

Question. Examine the impact of the Bardoli Satyagraha on the Indian freedom struggle.

Answer: The Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928 had a significant impact on the Indian freedom struggle, as it marked a turning point in the use of organized, non-violent resistance against colonial rule. Led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the movement arose in response to a steep increase in land revenue assessments, which severely burdened the farmers of the Bardoli taluka in Gujarat. The success of the movement, which culminated in the withdrawal of the increased revenue assessments and the return of confiscated lands, served as a powerful example of how collective action and civil disobedience could effectively challenge British authority. This victory not only elevated Patel’s stature as a leader, earning him the title "Sardar," but also inspired a wave of similar movements across India, reinforcing the legitimacy of non-violent protest in the struggle for independence. Furthermore, the Bardoli Satyagraha contributed to the broader national movement by uniting diverse social groups against colonial policies, fostering a sense of shared purpose among Indians. Its influence extended beyond immediate outcomes, setting a precedent for future mass movements and highlighting the potential for grassroots mobilization in the fight for justice and freedom.

2. UPSC CSE 2020

Question. Discuss the strategies used in the Bardoli Satyagraha and their significance in the larger context of the Indian independence movement.

Answer: The Bardoli Satyagraha employed several innovative strategies that were significant in the broader context of the Indian independence movement. Spearheaded by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the movement focused on collective non-violent resistance against the unjust increase in land revenue assessments. One key strategy was the mobilization of local farmers, which involved creating a unified front against the colonial government’s oppressive policies. Patel encouraged farmers to refuse payment of the increased taxes, fostering a sense of solidarity and communal identity among them. The movement also utilized effective communication channels to articulate the grievances of the farmers, generating awareness and support both locally and nationally. Mass gatherings, public meetings, and organized demonstrations were integral to building momentum and solidarity. Importantly, the movement maintained a strict adherence to non-violence, which not only preserved the moral high ground but also garnered sympathy from broader sections of society and media. The success of the Bardoli Satyagraha reinforced the viability of non-violent civil disobedience as a powerful tool against colonial rule, influencing future strategies in the Indian independence movement. It highlighted the potential of grassroots movements to effect change, thereby shaping the tactics employed by other leaders and movements in the quest for India’s freedom.