UPSC CSE Prelims
Tribal, Peasant and Civil Uprisings Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Showing solved Previous Year Questions for Chapter: Tribal, Peasant and Civil Uprisings
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Which one of the following statements about the Eka Movement and Bardoli Satyagraha is correct ?
Detailed Explanation:
The Bardoli Satyagraha (1928), led by Vallabhbhai Patel, was launched against a 22% increase in land revenue imposed by the British government in Gujarat.
The Eka Movement (1921–22), led by Madari Pasi, was a peasant protest in Awadh against excessive rents, illegal cesses, and exploitation by landlords and contractors.
Therefore, Option C is correct.
| The Eka Movement was part of the wider peasant unrest in Awadh and focused on reducing rent burdens and ending landlord oppression. |
| The Bardoli Satyagraha became a landmark non-violent movement and earned Vallabhbhai Patel the title "Sardar" due to his successful leadership. |
With reference to the history of India, Ulgulan or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — Birsa Munda's Revolt of 1899-1900
The term "Ulgulan" meaning "Great Tumult" specifically refers to the rebellion led by Birsa Munda during 1899-1900 among the Munda tribes of Chhotanagpur region. This uprising was directed against the British colonial administration and the exploitative jagirdari system that had destroyed the traditional common land holdings of the Mundas. Birsa Munda proclaimed "Abua Raj Seter Jana, Maharani Raj Tundu Jana" (Let the kingdom of the queen be ended and our kingdom be established), making it a movement for self-rule and restoration of tribal rights.
📝 Short Notes: Major Tribal Uprisings in India
| Uprising | Year | Leader | Region | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ulgulan (Great Tumult) | 1899-1900 | Birsa Munda | Chhotanagpur (Jharkhand) | Against British and jagirdari system; proclaimed Munda Raj |
| Santhal Rebellion | 1855-56 | Sidhu-Kanhu | Rajmahal Hills (Bihar-Bengal) | Against zamindars and moneylenders |
| Kol Uprising | 1831-32 | Buddho Bhagat | Chhotanagpur | Against transfer of land to outsiders |
| Khond Uprising | 1846-55 | Chakra Bisoi | Odisha hills | Against British suppression of human sacrifice and land alienation |
| Rampa Rebellion | 1922-24 | Alluri Sitarama Raju | Andhra Pradesh | Against forest laws and forced labor |
After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?
- The territories called `Santhal Paraganas' were created.
- It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Both 1 and 2
After the Santhal Uprising of 1855-56, the colonial government took administrative and legal measures to pacify the region and address some grievances. Both statements correctly reflect the measures adopted by the British administration.
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The Santhal Paraganas district was created in 1855 as a separate administrative unit to isolate and govern the Santhal community more directly.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act of 1876 made it illegal for Santhals to transfer land to non-Santhals (outsiders/Dikus), protecting them from exploitation by moneylenders and landlords.
📝 Short Notes: Santhal Uprising (1855-56)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Leaders | Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav Murmu |
| Region | Rajmahal Hills (present-day Jharkhand) |
| Causes | Exploitation by zamindars, moneylenders (Dikus), oppressive revenue policies, land alienation |
| Nature | Armed rebellion declaring independence from British rule and establishing Santhal governance |
| Suppression | Brutally suppressed by British forces; thousands of Santhals killed |
| Post-Uprising Measures | • Creation of Santhal Paraganas district (1855) • Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act (1876) - restricted land transfer to non-Santhals • Non-Regulation administrative system introduced |
| Significance | One of the first organized tribal resistances; inspired later tribal movements |
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The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 provided for -
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — a system of tribunals and a ban on strikes.
The Trade Disputes Act of 1929 was enacted by the British colonial government to regulate industrial disputes in India. It established a formal mechanism through Courts of Inquiry and Boards of Conciliation (tribunals) to investigate and mediate conflicts between employers and workers. Crucially, the Act imposed severe restrictions on strikes: it banned strikes in public utility services (railways, postal services, water supply, etc.) without 14 days' prior notice, and declared general strikes and political strikes illegal. This legislation was primarily aimed at controlling the growing trade union movement and preventing large-scale labor unrest that could challenge British authority.
The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for:
Detailed Explanation:
The Tebhaga movement (1946-47) was a peasant agitation in Bengal led by the Kisan Sabha.
The core demand was to reduce the landlord's share from one-half (50%) to one-third (33%) of the crop, allowing sharecroppers (bargadars) to retain two-thirds instead of half.