Peasant Movements in India: Historical Trajectories, Class Struggles, and Contemporary Challenges
Sarfaraz Ahmad Rather
Ph.D Research Scholar, Department of History, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar- 608 002
R.Rajeshwari
Assistant Professor, Department of History, Thanthai Periyar Govt. Arts and Science College, Tiruchirappalli, India
This article explores the historical evolution, ideological foundations, and socio-political dimensions of peasant movements in India. It traces agrarian unrest from colonial exploitation, which transformed land into a commercial commodity and destabilized rural livelihoods, through the rise of organized movements in the twentieth century and the radicalization seen in post-independence uprisings. Examining landmark struggles — from the Santhal Rebellion and Champaran Satyagraha to the Telangana and Naxalite movements — the study highlights peasants' shift from spontaneous resistance to ideological militancy. The analysis also reflects on post-liberalization farmer agitations, which articulate new demands amid globalization, land acquisition, and neoliberal reforms. The emergence of middle-class farmers’ movements alongside radical leftist struggles marks a diversification in agrarian mobilization.
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