All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

In 1943, young leaders in which one of the following districts of Maharashtra set up parallel Government (Prati sarkar) with volunteer corps (Seva dals) and village units (tufan dals)?

This question was previously asked in
CDS II 2021 General Knowledge Previous Year Paper (14-Nov-2021)
The correct answer is

Satara

Understanding Parallel Governments in India's Freedom Struggle

During India's fight for independence, especially in critical phases like the Quit India Movement of 1942, various regions saw the rise of 'parallel governments' or 'Prati Sarkars'. These were local administrations set up by Indian nationalists that defied British authority and aimed to establish their own rule.

The Prati Sarkar of Satara District

The question specifically asks about a parallel government established in 1943 by young leaders in a district of Maharashtra, featuring volunteer corps (Seva Dals) and village units (Tufan Dals). This description precisely matches the historical events in the Satara district of Maharashtra.

The parallel government in Satara was one of the most significant and long-lasting during the Quit India Movement period. It was active primarily between 1943 and 1946. Key aspects of the Satara Prati Sarkar included:

  • Leadership: While led by prominent figures like Krantisinh Nana Patil, the movement also involved many young local leaders and activists who mobilised the masses.
  • Structure: It had a structured administration covering hundreds of villages. It performed governmental functions such as maintaining law and order, resolving disputes, imposing taxes, and even running people's courts (Nyayadan Mandals).
  • Volunteer Corps: The 'Seva Dals' acted as a volunteer force for maintaining order and carrying out directives.
  • Village Units: The 'Tufan Dals' (Storm Bands) were more militant units that engaged in activities like disrupting communication lines (cutting telegraph wires, derailing trains) and seizing government property.

This movement in Satara was a powerful symbol of resistance, demonstrating the people's capacity for self-governance even under foreign rule.

Why Satara is the Correct Answer

Historical records confirm the establishment of a robust parallel government, known as 'Prati Sarkar', in the Satara district of Maharashtra in 1943. This government was characterized by the active participation of young leaders, the formation of Seva Dals and the impactful operations of Tufan Dals. The description provided in the question accurately reflects the details of the Satara parallel government.

While other areas also witnessed resistance and uprisings during the Quit India Movement, the specific combination of 'Prati Sarkar', the year 1943 as a significant period of its functioning, and the mention of 'Seva dals' and 'Tufan dals' strongly points to Satara.

Comparing Options

Let's briefly look at the other options:

  • Pune: Pune was a significant center for political activities but did not host a parallel government comparable in scale or structure to the one in Satara during this specific period.
  • Nasik: Nasik was also involved in the freedom struggle, but historical accounts of a parallel government with the characteristics described are not primarily associated with Nasik in 1943.
  • Nagpur: Located in the Vidarbha region, Nagpur had its share of freedom movement activities, but the prominent example of a parallel government fitting this description is not linked to Nagpur.

Based on historical evidence, Satara is the district in Maharashtra where a parallel government (Prati Sarkar) with Seva Dals and Tufan Dals was notably active from 1943, led by young leaders.

Conclusion

The parallel government known as 'Prati Sarkar', active in 1943 with components like Seva Dals and Tufan Dals and led by young leaders, was a significant development in the Satara district of Maharashtra during the Indian independence movement.

District Parallel Government Activity (1943) Associated Groups
Pune Resistance activities, but not a prominent parallel government structure as described. Varied local groups.
Nasik Involved in freedom struggle, but not the primary location for this specific type of parallel government. Various groups.
Nagpur Freedom struggle activities, but not known for the described Prati Sarkar structure in 1943. Various groups.
Satara Yes, prominent 'Prati Sarkar' active from 1943. Seva Dals, Tufan Dals.

Revision Table: Parallel Government in Satara

Key points to remember about the Satara Prati Sarkar:

  • Location: Satara district, Maharashtra.
  • Period: Primarily active from 1943 to 1946.
  • Movement: Associated with the Quit India Movement.
  • Key Leaders: Krantisinh Nana Patil and others.
  • Components: Included administrative bodies, volunteer corps (Seva Dals), and militant units (Tufan Dals).
  • Activities: Law & order, dispute resolution, taxation, sabotage against British rule.

Additional Information: Parallel Governments in India

Parallel governments were established in several parts of India during the Quit India Movement (1942) as a form of resistance. They represented an attempt by nationalists to seize control locally and administer areas independent of British authority. Notable parallel governments were set up in:

  • Ballia (Uttar Pradesh): Led by Chittu Pandey for a short period.
  • Tamluk (Midnapore, Bengal): Known as Tamralipta Jatiya Sarkar, it lasted longer and had its own police, courts, and even a militia (Vidyut Vahini).
  • Satara (Maharashtra): The longest-lasting and perhaps the most effective among these, covering a large area and establishing a significant administrative structure.

These parallel governments demonstrated the depth of nationalist sentiment and the willingness of the people to take direct control, even temporarily, contributing significantly to the momentum of the Indian independence movement.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. The call for ‘renunciation of (all) voluntary associations with the (British) Government’ was given during

  2. Which one among the following was not a part of the action programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement?

  3. Consider the following statements about the Salt March:

    1. The Salt March was deliberately ignored by the European media.

    2. The Salt March was widely covered by the American and European press.

    3. The Salt March was the first nationalist activity in which women participated in large numbers.

    4. The Salt March impressed upon the British the urgent need to devolve more power to Indians.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?
  4. In the elections to the provincial legislatures in 1937 in British India:

    1. Only about 10 to 12 percent of the population had the right to vote

    2. The untouchables had no right to vote

    3. The Congress won an absolute majority in five out of eleven provinces

    4. The Muslim League won more than 80 percent of the seats reserved for Muslims

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
  5. On 31st December 1929, in which of the following Congress Sessions was the proclamation of Purna Swaraj made?

  6. The socialist idea of Sapta Kranti (Seven Revolutions) was proposed by

  7. Where was the headquarters of the Ghadar movement/party?

  8. Who among the following formed the National Liberation Federation (Liberal Party)?

  9. Which of the following statements about the Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931 is correct?

  10. After the First World War, the Triveni Sangh was formed by


Important Questions from National movement (1919 - 1939)

  1. Chauri Chaura incident occurred in which year ______.

  2. In which year did Motilal Nehru (Chairman) and eight other Congress leaders draft a constitution for India?

  3. C. Rajagopalachari led the Salt Satyagraha in which of the following states?

  4. Match the following events of 1920 with their dates before the Non- Co-operation Movement.

    a.Political Conference of Raipuri.April 1920
    b.Anti Rowlatt Act Black
    Day in Bilaspur
    ii.September 1920
    c.First Labour Movement started
    in Rajnandgaon
    iii.17 March 1920
    d.Meeting of leaders of Dhamtari
    in Kandel Village
    iv.20 March 1920
  5. Consider the following statements :

    1. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 recommended granting voting rights to all the women above the age of 21.

    2. The Government of India Act of 1935 gave women reserved seats in legislature.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Need Expert Advice?
Test Series
CDS img
Defence
UPSC CDS 2026 Mock Test Series
536 Tests 4 Tests Free
1673 Attempts
4.3(174)
English, Hindi
More Questions from CDS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App