Understanding the Bardoli Satyagraha

The Bardoli Satyagraha was a significant peasant movement that took place in 1928 in the Bardoli taluka of Gujarat. The main cause of the movement was the arbitrary increase in the land revenue assessment by the Bombay Presidency government, which amounted to a substantial 22%.

Farmers in Bardoli were facing economic hardship due to famine and floods, and they found this increase unjust and oppressive. They refused to pay the enhanced revenue and demanded that the assessment be reduced.

Leadership of the Bardoli Satyagraha

Initially, local leaders tried to negotiate with the government, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The situation escalated, and the peasants decided to resort to a non-violent resistance movement, a form of Satyagraha.

Recognizing the need for strong leadership to guide the movement, the local leaders and farmers invited a prominent national leader to take charge. The leader who eventually took the helm and successfully organized and led the Bardoli Satyagraha was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

• Vallabhbhai Patel: He accepted the invitation and arrived in Bardoli. He organized the non-violent resistance, instructed the farmers to refuse payment of land revenue, and faced severe government repression with remarkable resilience. His leadership, organizational skills, and determination galvanized the peasants and gained nationwide support for the Bardoli cause.
• Other Leaders: While other national leaders were active in the Indian independence movement, their primary roles were not centered around leading the Bardoli Satyagraha.

The Role of Vallabhbhai Patel in Bardoli

Vallabhbhai Patel toured the villages, addressed the farmers, and motivated them to stand firm in their resolve. He set up camps, organized volunteers, and ensured that the movement remained strictly non-violent despite provocations from the authorities. Women also played a crucial role in the movement under his guidance, earning him the title 'Sardar' (leader or chief) from the women of Bardoli.

The government eventually set up an inquiry committee, which found the revenue increase to be unjustified. The enhancement was subsequently reduced, and the confiscated lands were returned to the farmers. The success of the Bardoli Satyagraha was a major victory for the peasant movement and significantly enhanced Vallabhbhai Patel's stature as a national leader.

Based on the historical facts, Vallabhbhai Patel was the leader who spearheaded the Bardoli Satyagraha.

Revision Table: Prominent Leaders and Movements

Additional Information on Bardoli Satyagraha and Leaders

The Bardoli Satyagraha demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance organized effectively at the grassroots level. It was a crucial training ground for future struggles and showcased the potential of peasant movements in the fight for independence.

• The success of Bardoli boosted the morale of the Indian population and strengthened their faith in the method of Satyagraha.
• The title 'Sardar' bestowed upon Vallabhbhai Patel in Bardoli stuck with him and became synonymous with his identity as a strong and resolute leader.
• While Mahatma Gandhi was not directly leading the Bardoli Satyagraha on the ground, he provided guidance and support to Vallabhbhai Patel throughout the movement.

The other leaders mentioned in the options were key figures in different aspects and phases of the Indian independence struggle, each making significant contributions in their respective capacities.