Question

Distinguish between peasent and New Farmenr’s movements.

Answer 1

1. Peasant movements have taken place from pre-colonial days. The movement took place between 1858 and 1914 remained localised, disjointed and confined to particular grievances. The well known movement are :-

• Bengal Revolt of 1859 – 62 against the indigo plantation system.
• Deccan Riots of 1857 against money lenders.
• The Bardoli Satyagraha – 1928 was a non tax campaign started by Gandhi.
• Champaran Satyagraha 1917-18. It was directed against indigo plantations.
• Tebhaga movement (1946-47)
• Telangana movement (1946-51)

2. New farmer’s movement started in 1970s in Punjab and Tamil Nadu. Main Characteristics :-

• Movements were regionally organised.
• Movements were non-party.
• Movements involved farmers rather than peasants.
• Main ideology- Strongly anti-state and anti-urban
• Focus of demand – Price related issues.