INSIGHT UPSC QUIZ

GS History Modern India
Q.

Which of the following statements are correct regarding the Pabna movement?

1. The main cause of the movement was the oppression of the peasantry by the zamindars.

2. The peasants organised no rent unions.

3. The main form of struggle was that of legal resistance.

4. It lead to the enactment of Bengal Tenancy Act 1885.

Select the correct answer using the code given below

Explanation:
  • During the 1870s and 1880s, large parts of Eastern Bengal witnessed agrarian unrest caused by oppressive practices of the zamindars. The zamindars resorted to enhanced rents beyond legal limits and prevented the tenants from acquiring occupancy rights under Act X of 1859. To achieve their ends, the zamindars resorted to forcible evictions, seizure of cattle and crops and prolonged, costly litigation in courts where the poor peasant found himself at a disadvantage. Having had enough of the oppressive regime, the peasants of Yusufshahi Pargana in Patna district formed an agrarian league or combination to resist the demands of the zamindars. The league organised a rent strike—the ryots refused to pay the enhanced rents, challenging the zamindars in the courts. The main form of struggle was that of legal resistance; there was very little violence. Though the peasant discontent continued to linger on till 1885, most of the cases had been solved, partially through official persuasion and partially because of zamindars’ fears. Many peasants were able to acquire occupancy rights and resist enhanced rents. The government also promised to undertake legislation to protect the tenants from the worst aspects of zamindari oppression. In 1885, the Bengal Tenancy Act was passed.

Thus, Option D is Correct.

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