Question

Describe the role of poor peasantry in the ‘Civil Disobedience Movement.’

Answer 1

1. The peasants joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34) because poor peasants wanted not only a reduction in land revenue but also relief from paying rent. Many of them were farming on rented land and were unable to pay the rent due to the economic depression and decreasing cash income.
2. Because of the depression, their income was reduced, and they could not afford the rent. When the movement was called off in 1931 without reducing the revenue rates, the farmers felt very disappointed.
3. In some parts of the country, peasants started a “no rent” campaign. However, the Congress did not support this campaign because it might anger rich peasants and landlords.
4. When the movement started again in 1932, many poor peasants refused to take part. Instead, they joined different radical movements, which were often led by socialists and communists.