The first signs of peasants’ resistance can be seen on June 3, 1933, when peasants numbering almost a thousand, belonging to Bhuvanagiri in Nalgonda District, came down in a rally demanding reduction in levies, ban on illegal taxation, ownership rights on the land to the cultivator, and irrigation facilities across the State.
In Mondrayi (between Jangaon and Nalgonda), Lambada farmers numbering 3,000 agitated against Kandaru Narsimha Rao, a Deshmukh, under the leadership of the Communist Party and Andhra Mahasabha. They reclaimed seventy acres of land, thus securing the land they had been cultivating.
In the Suryapet area, Jannareddy Pratap Reddy illegally retained lakhs of acres under his control. Almost 3,000 farmers belonging to Edapally, Nutankal and two other villages, led by Gajula Ramachandraiah and Andhra Mahasabha, revolted against the landlord to reclaim the land. Similarly, the Andhra Mahasabha led thousands of farmers to launch a large-scale revolt against Kunduru Lakshmikantha Rao, who had occupied lands belonging to the poor in Old Suryapet. The revolt was successful in reclaiming 1,000 acres of land.
At Huzurnagar, land measuring 500 acres under the illegal occupation of Bhogala Veera Reddy, a landlord in Bakkavntulagudem in Huzurnagar Taluq, was reclaimed by 1,500 armed peasants and people under the leadership of Teegela Linga Reddy of AMS and Balapanoor Bapaiah. The village Patel and Patwari of Mallareddygudem had occupied 600 acres of land under cultivation. The local leaders of AMS guided 4,000 people and reclaimed the land.
In Bethavolu village under Huzurnagar Taluq, the local landlord, Tadakamalla Sitaramachander Rao, occupied 600 acres of land against which Venapally Rangaiah, a leader of Andhra Jana Sangham, led 5,000 farmers in an agitation. The people rose in revolt against such oppressions during 1925–1932 for the first time and again in 1934–35.
In Munagala Samsthanam (estate), the British rulers gave the rulers of this estate the status of zamindars. The Munagala Zamindari, being surrounded by the Nizam’s dominion, had inherited the feudal system and atrocities of the Nizams. The zamindar, Venkata Ranga Rao, collected levies from the farmers even when there was no yield at all. They forcibly annexed lands belonging to the people.
The feud between the zamindar and the farmers reached its peak in Kalkova village, where the farmers, under Nanduri Prasada Rao’s leadership, launched Satyagraha demanding just wages for reaping the harvest. The struggle, which was carried on in three phases during 1930–35, 1937–38, and 1938–39, achieved the abolition of bonded labour (vetti) and reclaimed the farmers’ lands.
The zamindar’s atrocities increased all the more after the resignation of Congress ministers in October 1939. The peasants’ struggle continued until 1947. In Telangana region, even before 1920, there were instances of tenant farmers revolting against the injustice meted out to them, which was settled through an agreement.
In 1951, the region did not witness any agitation
Q. Discuss the causes and consequences of the Telangana Peasants Armed Struggle
| Introduction | Telangana Peasants Armed Struggle was a major uprising led by farmers in the Telangana region against the cruel landowners and the autocratic rule of the Nizam of Hyderabad. This movement brought attention to the suffering of the farmers and had a lasting impact on land reforms and the communist movement in India. |
| Body | Causes of the Telangana Peasants Armed Struggle
Landlord Exploitation: · The Nizam and the elite owned 40% of the land, while the rest was controlled by powerful landlords. Farmers had no security and could be evicted anytime. · Forced Labor (Vetti System): Lower caste families had to work for free for the landlords, performing various tasks daily. · High Taxes and Evictions: Farmers faced heavy taxes and were often evicted from their land with no rights or protection. Social and Political Issues: · Cultural Suppression: Local languages and cultures were suppressed, leading to widespread discontent. · Growth of Andhra Mahasabha and CPI: The Andhra Mahasabha and the Communist Party of India (CPI) gained influence, mobilizing farmers to demand lower taxes, end of forced labor, and use of Telugu in courts. Immediate Reason: · The killing of Doddi Komarayya, a local leader, by the landlord’s men during a protest sparked widespread anger and a large-scale revolt. |
| Consequences of the Telangana Peasants Armed Struggle
· End of Forced Labor: The struggle ended the vetti system and other unfair practices in many areas. · Land Redistribution: Land was redistributed to landless farmers and evicted tenants, setting a model for future land reforms. · Peasant friendly measures: In an effort to co-opt peasant support, the military administration issued the Jagir Abolition Regulation 1949 and set up an Agrarian Enquiry Committee to recommend comprehensive land reform legislation. · Strengthening of CPI: The struggle boosted the Communist Party’s influence, shaping future farmer and labor movements in India. · Integration of Hyderabad into Indian Union : The Nizam’s regime, with the help of the Razakars, used brutal force to suppress the movement. This led to the Indian Army’s intervention in 1948, integrating Hyderabad into India. Long-term Effects: · Highlighting Farmers’ Issues: The movement brought farmers’ issues to the national stage, influencing future policies and reforms. · Organizational Lessons: It showed the importance of strong organizations and grassroots mobilization in fighting against unjust systems. |
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| Conclusion | Telangana Peasants Armed Struggle was a turning point in Indian history, showing the power of united farmers against oppressive systems. It led to important social and economic changes and strengthened the communist movement in India. The struggle highlighted the need to address farmers’ problems and implement fair reforms to ensure justice and equality. |
