The 20th century marked a turning point in the history of Rajasthan — a period of awakening, resistance, and reform. During this time, the tribal and peasant communities of Rajasthan rose against exploitation, feudal oppression, and colonial injustice. These movements not only reflected the growing social consciousness among the oppressed but also played a significant role in the formation of modern Rajasthan and its democratic ideals.
Socio-Economic Conditions in Early 20th Century Rajasthan
Before India’s independence, Rajasthan (then known as Rajputana) consisted of nearly two dozen princely states and Jagirs under the British supervision: The agrarian and tribal classes suffered from:
- Feudal exploitation by Jagirdars, landlords, and princely rulers.
- High taxes, forced labor (begar), and unfair land policies.
- Illiteracy, social discrimination, and lack of rights.
These conditions gave rise to a series of tribal and peasant uprisings that laid the foundation for rural awakening and social justice in Rajasthan.
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1. The Bijolia Peasant Movement (1913–1941)
Location: Bijolia (Bhilwara District, Mewar Region)
Leaders: Vijay Singh Pathik, Sadhu Sitaram Das, and Manik Lal Verma
Causes
- Excessive land taxes and illegal levies by Jagirdars.
- Forced labor and arbitrary confiscation of crops.
- Denial of basic rights to peasants.
Course of the Movement
- Began under Sadhu Sitaram Das in 1913.
- Gained strength under Vijay Singh Pathik, who gave it an organized and ideological shape.
- Peasants boycotted the Jagirdars courts, refused to till land, and protested peacefully.
- Spread awareness through pamphlets, newspapers, and public meetings.
Outcome and Impact
- The Bijolia Movement became the first organized peasant movement in Rajasthan.
- Led to reforms in land taxation and greater awareness of agrarian rights.
- Inspired similar movements across Rajasthan and India.
2. The Begun Peasant Movement (1922–1923)
Location: Begun (Chittorgarh District)
Leader: Vijay Singh Pathik
Causes
- The peasants protested against unjust land revenue collection and the failure of the ruler to address grievances.
Course of the Movement
- Organized meetings and peaceful protests demanding tax reduction.
- The movement was supported by the All India Kisan Sabha and national leaders.
Impact
- The princely administration was forced to negotiate with the peasants.
- It strengthened the unity and confidence of the peasantry in collective struggle.
3. The Eki Movement (1920–1929)
Location: Southern Rajasthan (Banswara, Dungarpur, Udaipur regions)
Leaders: Motilal Tejawat, Govind Guru (earlier inspiration)
Meaning of “Eki”
The word Eki means unity — symbolizing the collective power of tribal groups, especially the Bhil community, to fight injustice.
Causes
- Exploitation of Bhils by local jagirdars, moneylenders, and British agents.
- High taxes, forced labor, and social discrimination.
- Religious and cultural suppression.
Course of the Movement
- Motilal Tejawat, inspired by Gandhian ideals, mobilized Bhil tribals to demand equality, land rights, and an end to begar (forced labor).
- Massive gatherings were organized in villages to promote “Eki” (unity) and self-respect.
- The British and princely authorities brutally suppressed the movement.
Impact
- Though repressed violently, the Eki movement awakened political and social consciousness among the Bhils.
- It laid the foundation for tribal rights movements in Rajasthan’s southern districts.
4. The Dungarpur–Banswara Bhil Movement (1920s–1940s)
Leaders: Govind Guru, Motilal Tejawat, and Mangilal Mehta
Key Events
- Govind Guru earlier initiated reform among Bhils through his Samp Sabha, advocating truth, non-violence, and abstinence from alcohol.
- The Mangadh Hill Tragedy (1913) in the neighboring Banswara region, where hundreds of Bhils were killed by British forces, became a symbol of tribal resistance.
Impact
- The movement transformed Bhils from isolated forest dwellers into an organized community aware of their rights.
- It contributed to the growth of tribal education, self-respect, and political participation in post-independence Rajasthan.
5. The Sikar and Shekhawati Peasant Movements (1930s–1940s)
Leaders: Gopal Singh Khalsa, Kishan Singh, and Nathmal Pahalwan
Causes
- Exploitation by Jagirdars and moneylenders.
- Denial of land rights and forced labor.
Course
- Peasants organized under the Praja Mandal movement and demanded abolition of feudal practices.
- Demonstrations and strikes were held against oppressive taxes and unpaid labor systems.
Impact
- These movements merged with the larger nationalist and Praja Mandal movements, linking agrarian reform with freedom and democracy.
6. The Praja Mandal and Kisan Sabha Movements
Organizations Involved
- Rajasthan Seva Sangh (1921)
- Praja Mandal organizations in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Mewar
- All India Kisan Sabha
Objectives
- To fight for civil rights, responsible governance, and fair land policies.
- To educate peasants about political and economic justice.
- To unify tribals, peasants, and urban reformers under a common cause of equality and freedom.
Results
- Brought rural and tribal issues to the forefront of national politics.
- Laid the groundwork for land reforms and social justice policies in independent Rajasthan.
7. Key Leaders and Their Contributions
| Leader | Movement/Area | Major Contribution |
| Vijay Singh Pathik | Bijolia, Begun | Led first organized peasant movement; founded Rajasthan Seva Sangh |
| Motilal Tejawat | Eki Movement (Southern Rajasthan) | United Bhil tribals; promoted equality and land rights |
| Govind Guru | Bhil Reform Movement | Religious and social reform among tribals; martyrdom at Mangadh Hill |
| Manikya Lal Verma | Mewar Region | Tribal education and welfare reforms |
| Gopal Singh Khalsa | Shekhawati Region | Linked peasant issues with political awakening |
8. Impact of Tribal and Peasant Movements
Foundation for Modern Policies: Influenced post-independence land reforms and welfare policies in Rajasthan.
End of Feudal Oppression: These movements weakened the hold of Jagirdars and feudal lords.
Social Awareness: Created a sense of equality, unity, and political consciousness among peasants and tribals.
Political Mobilization: Linked rural struggles with the Indian National Movement.