Understanding the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928

The question asks about the leader who launched the Bardoli Satyagraha on February 4, 1928. The Bardoli Satyagraha was a significant peasant movement that took place in the Bardoli taluka of Surat district, Gujarat, India.

Background of the Bardoli Satyagraha Movement

The movement was a protest against the arbitrary increase in land revenue by the British government. In 1928, the Bombay Presidency government raised the land revenue rates by 22% in the Bardoli taluka. The peasants found this increase unjust and excessive, especially considering the economic conditions and natural calamities that had affected the region.

The local leaders and peasants appealed to the government to reconsider the hike, but their pleas were ignored. This led to the decision to launch a mass protest in the form of a Satyagraha, a non-violent resistance movement.

Leadership of the Bardoli Satyagraha

The movement needed a strong leader to guide the peasants and organize the resistance effectively. Several prominent figures were involved in the initial stages and mobilization efforts.

• Farmers in Bardoli contacted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to lead their protest.
• After carefully assessing the situation and ensuring the peasants were committed to non-violent resistance, Vallabhbhai Patel accepted the leadership role.
• He arrived in Bardoli and took charge of organizing the Satyagraha.

The Bardoli Satyagraha, under the leadership of Vallabhbhai Patel, became a model for future peasant movements in India. He effectively mobilized the people, instilled discipline, and negotiated with the government.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the given options in the context of launching the Bardoli Satyagraha:

1. Mahatma Gandhi: While Mahatma Gandhi was the pioneer of Satyagraha and a guiding figure for many movements, he did not directly launch or lead the Bardoli Satyagraha initially. He advised Vallabhbhai Patel and later praised the success of the movement and Patel's leadership.
2. Vallabhbhai Patel: As discussed, Vallabhbhai Patel was invited by the peasants and took the lead in launching and organizing the Bardoli Satyagraha from February 1928 onwards. His strong leadership was crucial to the movement's success.
3. Rajendra Prasad: Rajendra Prasad was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement, but he was not directly involved in launching or leading the Bardoli Satyagraha. His work was primarily focused in other regions and national politics.
4. Kalyanji Mehta: Kalyanji Mehta, along with other local leaders like Kunwarji Mehta and Dayalji Desai, played a significant role in the initial organization and mobilization of the peasants in Bardoli before Vallabhbhai Patel took over the leadership. However, the launch and overall command of the full-scale Satyagraha from February 4, 1928, is attributed to Vallabhbhai Patel.

Based on historical accounts, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the leader who launched and effectively led the Bardoli Satyagraha in 1928.

Outcome of the Bardoli Satyagraha

The Bardoli Satyagraha was a success. The government was forced to set up an inquiry committee (the Maxwell-Broomfield Commission) to look into the revenue hike. The committee found that the revenue increase was unjustified and recommended a significant reduction. The land revenue increase was subsequently reduced to 6.03%. This success greatly boosted the morale of the Indian independence movement and solidified Vallabhbhai Patel's reputation as a strong leader, earning him the title "Sardar" (chief or leader) from the women of Bardoli.

Therefore, the correct answer is Vallabhbhai Patel.

Revision Table: Key Figures and Movements

Additional Information on Bardoli Satyagraha 1928

The Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928 is a crucial event in India's struggle for independence. It demonstrated the effectiveness of non-violent resistance, particularly in peasant movements.

• The movement involved not only refusal to pay taxes but also social boycott of those who collaborated with the government.
• Women played a very active role in the movement, participating in protests and resisting government pressure.
• The successful outcome of Bardoli boosted the confidence of peasants across India and highlighted the potential of organized non-violent action against unjust policies.
• The term 'Sardar' was famously bestowed upon Vallabhbhai Patel by the women of Bardoli, recognizing his firm and effective leadership during the Satyagraha.

Understanding the Bardoli Satyagraha provides insight into the various strategies employed during the freedom struggle and the emergence of strong regional leaders who complemented the national leadership.