Important Revolts and Movements

In the Indigo Revolt (1859–60), peasants in Bengal opposed planters because they were compelled to grow indigo instead of profitable food crops. Low payments, unfair advances and harsh contracts caused severe economic exploitation. Opposition to the annexation of princely states is more closely linked with the Revolt of 1857, not the Indigo Revolt. Exam tip: associate the Indigo Revolt with Bengal, forced indigo cultivation and 1859–60.

Nil Darpan was a Bengali play written by Dinabandhu Mitra. It portrayed the harsh treatment of indigo cultivators by European planters and the pressure placed on peasants to grow indigo under exploitative conditions. Because literature gave readers a vivid picture of suffering, the play helped people understand the human side of the Indigo Revolt. It was not an official government report, but it became an influential representation of the peasants’ experience.

Option B is correct because the play showed the suffering of indigo peasants through literature. Option A refers to a naval revolt, which is unrelated. Option C belongs to a much later environmental movement, and option D concerns the Simon Commission, not the indigo struggle. The question tests how newspapers, writings, and drama could expose injustice and build public awareness during colonial rule.

The Deccan Riots of 1875 occurred in a setting where many peasants faced heavy debt and dependence on moneylenders. Poor harvests, revenue demands, and difficult credit conditions could make repayment hard. Moneylenders often controlled loan records and demanded repayment under terms that peasants considered oppressive. Anger over these debts and the loss of land or property contributed to attacks on moneylenders and the destruction of account books.

Option C is correct because debt and moneylender exploitation were central economic causes of the unrest. Deforestation was not the main issue, and the Simon Commission came much later, in the twentieth century. Princely integration describes a different political process, not the financial pressure behind the Deccan events. The year 1875 is a useful historical marker, but the key concept is rural indebtedness and unequal credit relations.

After Deccan Riots attention went to the peasant debt problem. Exam tip: remember the riots and relief act together.

The Pabna Movement was an example of peaceful peasant organisation. Exam tip: remember Bengal peasant movements.

The Eka Movement was linked with unity of Awadh peasants and revenue protest. Exam tip: remember local demands of peasant movements.

The Awadh Kisan Sabha gave peasants a collective platform through which they could express common grievances and organise action. Peasants in Awadh faced problems such as high rents, illegal exactions, and the demands of landlords and landlords’ agents. An organised association could bring individuals together, spread information, and make their protest more visible and effective.

The Sabha is associated with the peasant mobilisation in Awadh and with Baba Ramchandra, who helped raise issues affecting tenants and cultivators. Its importance lies in organisation and collective voice, not in forcing indigo cultivation, starting a naval revolt, or leading the Chipko movement. Those alternatives belong to different historical contexts. Therefore, option C correctly states that it provided an organised platform for peasants.

Haji Shariatullah is considered the founder of the Faraizi Movement. Exam tip: remember Eastern Bengal.

Dudu Miyan gave the Faraizi Movement a rural base. Exam tip: remember both Haji Shariatullah and Dudu Miyan.

The Wahabi Movement was linked with religious reform and anti-British resistance. Exam tip: remember Patna centre.

The Kuka Movement was linked with the Namdhari Sikh tradition of Punjab. Exam tip: remember Ram Singh Kuka.

Titu Mir was linked with peasant and religious resistance in Bengal. Exam tip: remember the bamboo fort.

The Moplah Rebellion was linked with complex socio-economic situation of Malabar. Exam tip: do not understand it through one cause.

The Rampa Rebellion was linked with opposition to British policies in tribal areas. Exam tip: remember the Andhra region.

The Tana Bhagat Movement was linked with reform and resistance among the Oraon community. Exam tip: remember Jatra Bhagat.

In Champaran Gandhi combined fact-finding and Satyagraha. Exam tip: remember the Tinkathia system.

Ahmedabad Satyagraha was linked with wages of mill workers. Exam tip: remember differences among Gandhi's early movements.

During the Bardoli Satyagraha (1928), the British increased land revenue. Vallabhbhai Patel successfully organised the peasants to refuse payment, remain united and maintain non-violent discipline. The government ultimately withdrew the increase, and Patel earned the title ‘Sardar’. The INA trials were a later event. Exam tip: remember Bardoli—1928—Gujarat—Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The Rowlatt Act was seen as a symbol of colonial repression. Exam tip: study events of 1919 in order.

On 13 April 1919, General Dyer ordered firing on an unarmed gathering at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. The massacre exposed the repressive nature of British rule and created deep anger and distrust among Indians. Option B is the opposite of the historical reaction: support for British rule declined rather than increased. Exam tip: remember Jallianwala Bagh with Amritsar, 1919, and General Dyer.