Kheda Satyagraha 1918, Causes, Results, Leaders and Significance

Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 was a peasant movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in the Kheda district of Gujarat against the British government's demand for land revenue despite crop failure. The movement demanded suspension of land revenue collection until farmers recovered from the agricultural crisis. It became an important example of Satyagraha and non-violent resistance in India's freedom struggle.

Causes of Kheda Satyagraha

The Kheda Satyagraha was caused by crop failure, rising prices, a plague epidemic and the British government's refusal to provide land revenue relief.

• Crop failure: Heavy rainfall damaged crops in 1917, leaving many farmers with very little agricultural produce.
• Plague epidemic: The spread of plague caused deaths and added to the suffering of rural families.
• Rise in prices: During the First World War, the prices of essential goods increased, making it difficult for farmers to manage their expenses.
• High land revenue demand: The British government continued to demand land revenue despite the poor harvest and the financial difficulties of peasants.
• Rejection of farmers' demands: The peasants requested a suspension of revenue collection, but the colonial authorities initially refused.

Leaders of Kheda Satyagraha

The movement began with local peasant leaders and later received support from Gandhi and other nationalists.

• Mahatma Gandhi: He provided leadership to the movement and encouraged farmers to resist the revenue demand through peaceful means.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: He played a major role in organising peasants, visiting villages and coordinating the campaign.
• Mohanlal Pandya: He was one of the important local leaders who helped initiate the no-revenue campaign.
• Shankarlal Parikh: He supported the early efforts of local peasants and helped bring their demands to wider attention.
• Narhari Parikh: He worked with Patel and other volunteers to organise the movement.
• Ravi Shankar Vyas: He helped mobilise villagers and strengthen the campaign.

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Events of Kheda Satyagraha

• Initial protest: Local leaders, including Mohanlal Pandya and Shankarlal Parikh, organised peasants against revenue collection after the poor harvest.
• Support from Gujarat Sabha: The leaders sought help from the Gujarat Sabha, which pressed the colonial government to provide relief.
• Gandhi's involvement: Gandhi visited the affected villages and examined the farmers' conditions. He supported their demand for suspension of land revenue.
• Pledge at Nadiad: On 22 March 1918, Gandhi addressed a meeting at Nadiad and encouraged peasants to take a pledge not to pay revenue until their demand was addressed.
• Peaceful resistance: Farmers collectively refused to pay land revenue. The authorities responded with measures including the seizure of property in some cases.
• Government response: The campaign created pressure on the colonial administration, which instructed officials to exercise restraint in collecting revenue from affected peasants.

Outcome of Kheda Satyagraha

The Kheda Satyagraha achieved partial success by putting pressure on the British government to ease revenue collection.

• Revenue relief: The government instructed officials to collect revenue from peasants who could pay and to avoid pressuring those who were genuinely unable to pay.
• Protection of property: Officials were instructed not to confiscate land as part of the restrained collection policy.
• Return of seized property: Some confiscated property was returned to its owners.
• Withdrawal of the movement: Gandhi eventually called off the Satyagraha, although the peasants did not receive every demand they had made.
• Growth of peasant mobilisation: The campaign strengthened the organisation of farmers and encouraged collective action against colonial policies.

Significance of Kheda Satyagraha

• Growth of Gandhi's leadership: The movement helped Gandhi emerge as an influential mass leader in India.
• Rise of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Patel's organisational work during the campaign strengthened his role in the national movement.
• Use of Satyagraha: It demonstrated how peaceful resistance could challenge unjust government policies.
• Peasant participation: The movement brought rural communities into the broader struggle against British rule.
• Strengthening of nationalism: It helped build a base for future nationalist activities in Gujarat.
• Development of mass movements: Along with the Champaran Satyagraha and Ahmedabad Mill Strike, it marked an important phase in Gandhi's early political work in India.

Kheda Satyagraha and Champaran Satyagraha Key Difference

The key differences between the Kheda Satyagraha and Champaran Satyagraha have been highlighted below.