Bihar Socialist party l Civil Disobedience Movt. l INDIVIDUAL SATYAGRAHA l Lec #7

Civil Disobedience Movement in Bihar

Introduction to the Lecture

• The lecture begins with an introduction to the importance of the Civil Disobedience Movement, particularly its relevance in exams like BPSC.

• Focus is placed on individual Satyagraha and its connection to Ramgarh, a district that was once part of Bihar.

Historical Context

• A question is posed regarding the formation of the Bihar Socialist Party in 1931, emphasizing its significance for exam preparation.

• Discussion includes dissent against Pandit Nehru's policies and highlights his historical impact on Indian independence movements.

Key Events and Sessions

• The Lahore Session of 1929 is noted as pivotal for raising demands for complete independence (Purna Swaraj).

• Jawaharlal Nehru presided over this session where Purna Swaraj was formally demanded, marking a significant moment in India's struggle for freedom.

Significance of Lahore Session

• On January 26th, the tricolor flag was hoisted at Ravi River, symbolizing a declaration of independence even before August 15th.

• The Lahore Session also decided to boycott the First Round Table Conference, which had implications for future negotiations with British authorities.

Gandhi's Ideology and Actions

• At the Karachi Session, Gandhi famously stated that while one could kill him, they could not kill his ideology. This reflects his commitment to nonviolence.

• Gandhi’s approach emphasized civil disobedience as a means to challenge unjust laws imposed by colonial rule.

Launch of Civil Disobedience Movement

Objectives and Strategies

• The movement aimed at defying laws deemed harmful to humanity; specifically targeting salt taxes imposed by British authorities.

• Gandhi initiated the Dandi March from Sabarmati to Dandi as a direct action against salt laws, covering approximately 350 kilometers.

Impact and Participation

• The Dandi March began on March 12th, 1930, with only 78 followers but quickly grew into a mass movement.

• It lasted until April 6th, highlighting widespread participation across India against oppressive taxation policies.

Conclusion on Civil Disobedience

• Civil disobedience involved refusing compliance with specific laws such as salt tax and chowkidari tax; it represented a collective stand against colonial oppression.

Civil Disobedience Movement in Bihar

Overview of Civil Disobedience

• The speaker discusses the breaking of laws during the civil disobedience movement, emphasizing that certain taxes imposed are unjust.

• A reference is made to historical instances of civil disobedience, such as the refusal to wear British-made clothing by prisoners in jails, highlighting its significance as a form of protest.

Women's Participation

• Women, led by figures like Chandrawati Devi, actively participated in the civil disobedience movement in Bihar, showcasing their crucial role.

• The establishment of a Swadeshi Committee in Patna aimed at promoting indigenous products was noted, with key leaders appointed for this initiative.

Salt Production and Symbolism

• The discussion includes plans to produce salt symbolically at Nakhas Pind near Patna as part of the resistance against British taxation on salt.

• The method described involves using local soil to create salt, which serves as a direct challenge to British authority and taxation policies.

Key Figures and Literature

• Ramvriksh Benipuri is highlighted as a significant literary figure who successfully challenged tax regulations during this period.

• His contributions include writing influential literature that supported the movement and his close association with prominent leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan.

Formation of Political Parties

• The formation of the Bihar Socialist Party in 1931 is discussed, noting its informal beginnings at a meeting hosted by Phoolan Prasad Verma.

• Important figures present at this meeting included Ganga Charan Chintamani and others who played pivotal roles in shaping socialist politics in Bihar.

Legacy and Impact

• The impact of the Bihar Socialist Party extends beyond state boundaries with its evolution into national movements like the All India Socialist Party formed in 1934.

• Jayaprakash Narayan's leadership within these movements is emphasized, marking him as an essential figure in India's struggle for independence.

Bihar Socialist Party and Individual Satyagraha

Overview of the Bihar Socialist Party

• The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bihar Socialist Party, particularly its formation and leadership roles within the All India Socialist Party.

• Key figures in this context include the President and General Secretary, whose identities are crucial for historical comprehension.

Context of Individual Satyagraha

• The concept of Individual Satyagraha is introduced as significant during World War II, highlighting a strategic form of protest against British rule while avoiding direct confrontation.

• Leaders like Gandhi, Patel, and Nehru were involved in strategizing against British forces without openly opposing them to prevent backlash that could undermine their movements.

Strategic Decisions During WWII

• A decision was made to conduct protests subtly through individual actions rather than mass mobilization to conserve energy for more impactful resistance later on.

• This approach aimed to demonstrate dissent without provoking a strong reaction from British authorities during a critical global conflict.

Congress Sessions and Historical Significance

• The 1940 Congress session held in Ramgarh is noted as pivotal for deciding on launching Individual Satyagraha, marking an important moment in Indian political history.

• It is highlighted that this session took place in undivided Bihar, which included present-day Jharkhand, emphasizing regional significance in national politics.

Key Figures in Individual Satyagraha

• Vinoba Bhave is identified as one of the first satyagrahis at the national level; his contributions are recognized with institutions named after him.

• In Bihar specifically, Shri Krishna Singh and Dr. Anugrah Narayan Singh are designated as key local satyagrahis representing state-level leadership during this movement. Their roles reflect broader participation across different regions within India’s independence struggle.

Leadership Dynamics within INC

• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's presidency at a young age (35) over the Indian National Congress (INC) is noted as historically significant; he played a vital role throughout India's freedom movement until 1946.

• His tenure saw critical developments leading up to India's independence; he was succeeded by J.B. Kripalani briefly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad resumed leadership post-independence discussions around August 1947.

Local Participation: Tana Bhagat Movement

• The Tana Bhagat community's involvement during the Ramgarh session illustrates grassroots participation against colonial oppression; they represent local resistance aligned with broader nationalist sentiments against landlords and British rule alike.

• Their unique identity as "true Gandhian" followers showcases how localized movements contributed significantly to India's overall fight for independence amidst larger political strategies being employed by leaders at national levels.( t = 1256 s )