Q.4 Write a short note on Bundi farmers movement
बूंदी किसान आंदोलन पर संक्षिप्त टिप्पणी लिखिए।
Ans.
Bundi Farmers’ Movement (बूंदी किसान आंदोलन)
The farmers of Bundi state were burdened with around 25 types of taxes, forced labor (begar), and high land revenue rates. Inspired by the Bijolia and Begun farmers’ movements, the farmers of Barad region launched an agitation against the Bundi administration in April 1922. The movement was led by Nainuram, an activist of the Rajasthan Seva Sangh. The Bundi state responded with repression, which further intensified the movement.
On April 2, 1923, during a farmers’ gathering at Dabi village, the police resorted to lathi charge and opened fire, resulting in the martyrdom of Nanak Bhil and Devalal Gurjar. This incident was widely condemned across Rajasthan.
Following the incident, the Bundi government provided partial relief by reducing some taxes and forced labor. However, the farmers remained dissatisfied. Due to the withdrawal of support from the Rajasthan Seva Sangh, the movement weakened and gradually ended by the end of 1923.
In 1936, the farmers reignited their struggle. On October 5, 1936, around 500 Gurjar and Meena farmers from 90 villages held a conference at the Hoodeshwar Mahadev Temple (Hindoli). They submitted a charter of demands to the government, which was ignored. The farmers launched a prolonged agitation. Eventually, the government reduced grazing taxes, stopped the forceful collection of war loans, and released the arrested farmers, marking the end of the movement.
| Source: New RBSE : Class 9th : History : Page 31 |