Swami Sahajanand Saraswati l Lec14 l Kisan sabha Movement l BPSC I 67thBPSC I

Modern History Update: Bihar's Role in Freedom Struggle

Introduction to Modern History of Bihar

• The speaker introduces the series on modern history, emphasizing its relevance for new viewers and highlighting a playlist that covers various aspects of Bihar's history.

• An update is prompted due to recent government publications related to the Amrit Mahotsav, indicating a tendency for BPSC (Bihar Public Service Commission) questions to be derived from these sources.

Key Figures in Bihar's Agricultural Movement

• Discussion centers around significant figures like Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, who played a crucial role in advocating for farmers' rights in Bihar.

• The speaker notes that Sahajanand was born as Naurang Rai in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, on February 22, 1889, and became prominent during India's freedom struggle.

Historical Context and Contributions

• Emphasis is placed on how Sahajanand viewed the soil of Bihar as sacred and dedicated his efforts towards uplifting farmers.

• The speaker reflects on Mahatma Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran Satyagraha and its significance in shaping his identity as "Father of the Nation."

Movements Involving Swami Sahajanand

• A brief overview of various movements such as the Salt March and Civil Disobedience Movement where Sahajanand actively participated is provided.

• The narrative highlights how these movements were pivotal during India's struggle against colonial rule.

Regional Influence and Activities

• Shahabad region is identified as a key area where Sahajanand operated; it was known for its agricultural output which contributed significantly to local economies.

• The speaker discusses how historical events like Tilak's death impacted political mobilization within Bihar.

Impactful Events During Freedom Struggle

• On August 1, 1920, Gandhi initiated an impression movement coinciding with Tilak’s passing; this led to widespread strikes across India.

• The establishment of the Tilak Swaraj Fund aimed at raising funds for constructive work during the independence movement is discussed.

Conclusion: Legacy of Swami Sahajanand

• Responsibilities during this period fell upon leaders like Naurang Rai (Sahajanand), who were tasked with mobilizing resources for ongoing movements.

• The discussion concludes by reiterating Sahajanand’s influence across regions including Uttar Pradesh and his contributions towards civil disobedience efforts.

Overview of the Agricultural Movement in Bihar

Historical Context and Development

• The discussion begins with the establishment of an IT park near Patna, indicating a shift towards modernization while referencing historical agricultural movements.

• The speaker highlights the significance of farmers' movements in Bihar, particularly during Gandhi's time, emphasizing that without farmer support, national progress is hindered.

• A local farmers' assembly was organized to educate villagers about resisting British rule, showcasing grassroots mobilization efforts led by key figures in Bihar.

Key Figures and Events

• Notable leaders like Shrikrishna Babu and Mohammad Zubair are mentioned as pivotal in rallying farmers from regions like Munger to raise awareness against colonial oppression.

• A significant meeting took place in November 1969 at Sonpur, marking a crucial moment for local farmer assemblies aimed at uniting agricultural workers against exploitation.

Establishment of Farmer Organizations

• The Bihar Provincial Kisan Sabha was officially formed during this period, with its first meeting held at Sonpur—a location known for its historical cattle fair.

• Swami Sahajanand Saraswati emerged as a prominent leader within the movement, advocating for farmers' rights and organizing collective actions.

Leadership Dynamics

• Swami Sahajanand became president of the Bihar Provincial Kisan Sabha while Anil Kumar Singh served as general secretary; their leadership marked a turning point for organized agriculture advocacy.

• Other influential figures included Karayanand Sharma and Rahul Sankrityayan, who played vital roles across various regions in promoting farmer rights and mobilizing support.

Challenges Faced by Farmers

• The transcript discusses how land ownership issues created divisions among farmers—landlords versus smallholders—and how these dynamics influenced political alignments over time.

• By 1978, landlords began aligning with the Indian National Congress, reflecting changing power structures within rural communities amid ongoing struggles for land rights.

Movements and Protests

• The narrative shifts to describe protests where farmers demanded recognition of their rights against oppressive landlord practices; this reflects broader themes of social justice within agrarian contexts.

• The speaker notes that many farmers were unaware of their legal rights regarding land ownership which fueled further activism aimed at educating them on these matters.

This structured summary captures essential insights from the provided transcript while maintaining clarity and coherence. Each bullet point links back to specific timestamps for easy reference.

Historical Context of Bihar's Political Movements

Emergence of Political Laboratories in Bihar

• The discussion begins with the establishment of a political laboratory in Bihar during 1965, highlighting its significance in the context of Indira Gandhi's authoritarianism.

• Jayaprakash Narayan is mentioned as a key figure, emphasizing his role in creating a platform for farmers' voices amidst political turmoil.

Criticism and Internal Conflicts

• The narrative addresses criticisms faced by leaders like Swami Sahajanand Saraswati regarding their choice to hold meetings outside Bihar, particularly in Lucknow.

• The All India Kisan Sabha meeting held in 1936 is discussed, noting Swami Sahajanand as president and the challenges faced by farmer leaders during this period.

Electoral Politics and Farmer Representation

• The Government of India Act 1935 is introduced, which set the stage for elections in 1937; farmer leaders aimed to represent agricultural interests politically.

• It highlights that despite efforts from farmer organizations, the Indian National Congress dominated the political landscape at that time.

Struggles Against Zamindari System

• A significant movement against zamindari (landlord system) began around 1936, showcasing farmers' demands for land rights and social justice.

• As Congress formed a government later on, they were pressured to abolish zamindari systems but faced resistance due to existing power structures.

Key Events Leading Up to Resignations

• By February 1968, tensions escalated leading to resignations within Congress over issues related to governance and treatment of prominent figures like Yogendra Sharma.

• The narrative discusses how these events reflect broader struggles within Bihar’s political framework during this tumultuous period.

Legacy of Swami Sahajanand Saraswati

• Swami Sahajanand's legacy is emphasized through his contributions to farmers' movements; he was celebrated posthumously on April 19th as an influential leader.

• His imprisonment under British rule symbolizes the struggle against colonial oppression and resonates with contemporary discussions about justice and representation.

Conclusion: Impact on Future Movements

• The ongoing impact of these historical movements is noted as foundational for future protests against injustices faced by farmers across India.

• This segment concludes with reflections on how past struggles inform current socio-political dynamics within Bihar and beyond.

Historical Context of Swami Sahajanand Saraswati

The Role of Political Parties in India

• Discussion on the differences between various political parties, particularly Congress, during a significant period leading up to 1945. Emphasis on the unity among diverse groups for the benefit of farmers and against British rule.

• Mention of the All India Forward Bloc led by Subhas Chandra Bose, highlighting its establishment and significance in Indian politics around April 28, 1945.

Declaration and Leadership

• Reference to Subhas Chandra Bose declaring Swami Sahajanand Saraswati as a prominent leader within Indian history. This statement underscores his influence and recognition among millions.

• Notable acknowledgment from Bose that positions Swami Sahajanand as an undisputed leader, reflecting his impact on contemporary movements and ideologies in India.

Literary Contributions

• Insight into Swami Sahajanand's literary contributions, including his book "Mera Jeevan Mera Shankar," which is mentioned as part of a broader educational context related to modern history studies in Bihar.