Account books are burnt
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Peasant Revolts Lead-Up
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Today, we're exploring the significant revolt that occurred in the Deccan region. Can anyone tell me why these revolts happened? What were the peasants really protesting against?
They were angry because of the debt they owed to the sahukars.
Exactly, Student_1! The loan conditions imposed by moneylenders were very oppressive. Can you all remember the term sahukar?
Yes! They're the moneylenders.
Great! Now, what specifically triggered the revolt in Supa?
The ryots attacked moneylenders and demanded the return of their account books.
Right again! They burned the account books, which was a powerful statement against their oppressors. Now, remember, the act of burning signifies more than just anger—it represents a refusal to remain bound by debt.
In summary, this revolt was rooted in financial desperation and a profound sense of injustice among peasants.
Impact of Revolt
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Now, let's talk about the aftermath of the riots. What do you think the British government’s response was to the revolt?
They sent in the police and military, right?
Yes, Student_4! They were concerned about maintaining control. Many individuals were arrested, but what does this tell us about the relationship between the colonial government and the ryots?
It shows there was a lot of tension and mistrust.
Exactly! The rift between the peasants and colonial authorities was growing. And what do you think was the long-term effect of these revolts?
Maybe it brought more awareness to their struggles?
Absolutely! In conclusion, these events highlighted the urgent need for reform in how colonial systems operated.
Colonial Economic Policies
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Let's analyze the economic policies implemented by the British. How did these policies affect the ryots’ ability to pay their debts?
The revenue demands were too high, especially after bad harvests.
Great point! This raised the question of sustainability in agriculture. What happens when peasants can't pay their debts?
They end up losing their land to the moneylenders.
Exactly! This highlights the cycle of debt and poverty. Can anyone summarize what we've learned about the consequences of colonial economic pressures?
It led to revolts, suffering, and ultimately awareness of their rights.
Well put! This all connects back to the bigger picture of colonialism and its impact on local economies.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
The narrative highlights the events surrounding the peasant revolts in the Deccan, describing how ryots (peasants) reacted to oppressive debt conditions enforced by moneylenders. The burning of account books and the revolt's broader implications for agrarian society are examined, showcasing underlying tensions between colonial authorities and local farmers.
Detailed
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.
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Overview of the Revolt
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
On 16 May 1875, the District Magistrate of Poona wrote to the Police Commissioner: On arrival at Supa on Saturday 15 May I learnt of the disturbance. The movement began at Supa, a large village in Poona (present-day Pune) district. It was a market centre where many shopkeepers and moneylenders lived. On 12 May 1875, ryots from surrounding rural areas gathered and attacked the shopkeepers, demanding their bahi khatas (account books) and debt bonds.
Detailed Explanation
This segment introduces the event of revolts that occurred on May 12, 1875, originated from Supa, a significant market hub in Pune. The ryots, or agricultural laborers, reacted to the oppressive financial practices of local moneylenders and shopkeepers. They demanded access to financial documents relating to their debts, indicating a larger issue of dissatisfaction among the ryots with their financial situations.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a community where people who are struggling financially decide to come together to confront the local bank or lenders that they feel are unfairly treating them. Just like in this case, where the ryots were tired of oppressive debt terms, people today might gather to demand fair treatment from banks or utility companies.
Escalation of the Revolt
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
They burnt the khatas, looted grain shops, and in some cases set fire to the houses of sahukars. From Poona, the revolt spread to Ahmednagar. Then over the next two months, it spread even further, over an area of 6,500 square km. More than thirty villages were affected. Everywhere the pattern was the same: sahukars were attacked, account books burnt and debt bonds destroyed.
Detailed Explanation
Here we see the revolt's escalation, where ryots began to take more aggressive actions. They not only destroyed the account books but also looted grain stores and attacked properties of the sahukars, indicating their growing anger and desperation. The uprising quickly spread over a vast area, reflecting widespread unrest and dissatisfaction among the agricultural community.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a protest that starts as a peaceful march but escalates as frustrations grow. Similar to how the ryots felt justified in escalating their actions after feeling ignored, sometimes peaceful protests can turn into more aggressive actions when people feel their voices are not being heard.
Response of Authorities
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
As the revolt spread, British officials saw the spectre of 1857 (see Chapter 11). Police posts were established in villages to frighten rebellious peasants into submission. Troops were quickly called in; 951 people were arrested, and many convicted. But it took several months to bring the countryside under control.
Detailed Explanation
In this part, the response from the British authorities highlights their fear of widespread rebellion reminiscent of earlier uprisings. The British response was to enforce stricter law and order with police forces and troops. The arrest of nearly a thousand individuals signifies the serious threat that the insurgency posed to British authority.
Examples & Analogies
This can be likened to how governments might respond to any mass uprising by intensifying security measures, including deploying additional police or military personnel. Just as cities may react with increased police presence to quell unrest, the British acted decisively to reestablish their control over the situation.
Impact and Aftermath
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
The estimated loss is over Rs 25,000. Moneylenders claim it is over 1 lakh. The chief constable apprehended 50 persons. Stolen property worth Rs 2000 was recovered.
Detailed Explanation
The aftermath of the revolt shows significant economic impacts, resulting from the disturbances. The monetary losses indicate the revolt’s scale and the financial stress it placed on the local economy. Both the ryots and the moneylenders suffered, showcasing the extensive repercussions of social unrest.
Examples & Analogies
Consider how riots can lead to economic losses for businesses, much like what was experienced during the ryots' revolt. In cities today, a sudden protest may lead to shop closures and property damage, affecting the local economy and creating a rift between communities and law enforcement.
Key Concepts
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Peasant Revolt: A process where rural farmers rise against oppressive control.
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Debt Cycle: A repeating cycle wherein peasants borrow and are unable to repay, leading to deeper financial woes.
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Colonial Economic Policies: Governmental measures that heavily impacted land revenue and farmer incomes.
Examples & Applications
The uprising in Supa, driven by the extreme financial burden on the ryots
Burning of account books as a form of protest against land revenue oppression
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
For ryots with debts that climb, their freedom's spark, it fades with time.
Stories
Once, a ryot sought peace from his sahukar's grip. In anger, he burned the books, feeling the weight lift.
Memory Tools
R-S-B: Remember Sahukar, the Bahi khata binds the ryot.
Acronyms
BRD
Burning of Records led to the Deccan revolt.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Ryot
A peasant or tenant farmer in India, particularly in the context of debt and land ownership.
- Sahukar
A traditional moneylender, often associated with oppressive debt practices.
- Bahi Khata
A ledger or account book maintained by a moneylender.
- Revolt
An act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler.
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