Account Books Are Burnt
In 1875, a wave of unrest swept through the Deccan region, specifically at Supa in the Poona district, as ryots revolted against moneylenders who imposed exorbitant debt conditions. On May 12, 1875, groups of agitated peasants gathered, attacking moneylender shops and demanding the return of their bahi khatas (account books) and debt bonds.
The Revolt's Catalysts
The revolt was sparked not only by extreme debt burdens but also by the oppressive practices of sahukars (moneylenders), who refused to acknowledge payments and charged excessive interest rates that pushed peasants into deeper financial crises.
Events of the Revolt
Peasants looted granaries, destroyed property, and set fire to moneylender houses, leading to widespread fear among moneylenders who fled their establishments. Over the next two months, the uprising spread to neighboring villages, demonstrating a deep-rooted frustration within the rural economy influenced by colonial policies.
Colonial Response
The British authorities, fearful of larger insurrections reminiscent of the 1857 rebellion, intervened with police and military actions. Thousands of arrests were made, but the root causes of discontent, such as exploitative debt practices, were deeply embedded in the agrarian landscape, hinting at systemic failures within colonial governance.
Conclusion
The incidents at Supa symbolize the broader struggles of rural peasants against colonial economic policies, highlighting the consequences of financial exploitation and the subsequent social upheaval it can engender.