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Difficulty: MediumRevolt of 1857, Peasant Struggles, and Tribal Uprisings

Consider the following statements regarding the Pabna Agrarian Revolt (1873–1876) in Bengal:

1. The peasants formed an Agrarian League to resist enhanced rents and illegal cesses (abwabs) levied by local zamindars.
2. The movement was predominantly legalistic and non-violent, with ryots frequently appealing to courts and declaring themselves subjects of the British Crown.
3. The agrarian agitation directly influenced the colonial government to enact the Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. A
    1 and 2 only
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3Answer

Answer

All three statements (1, 2 and 3) are correct.
The Pabna Agrarian Revolt (1873–1876) witnessed the formation of peasant leagues in Eastern Bengal to resist zamindari extortion. The ryots employed non-violent legal strategy, raised funds for court battles, and pledged loyalty to the British Crown to seek legal relief against landlords. Their sustained resistance compelled the administration to enact the landmark Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885, establishing legal safeguards for tenant rights.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding the origin and organization of the Pabna uprising.
In 1873, in the Yusufshahi Pargana of Pabna district (Bengal), peasants formed an Agrarian League to challenge zamindari harassment, illegal cesses (abwabs), and arbitrary rent increases. Statement 1 is correct.
The formation of agrarian leagues was the primary mechanism of collective bargaining used by the ryots.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 concerning the nature and methods of the struggle.
The Pabna movement was marked by legal resistance, rent-strikes, and court challenges. Peasants raised funds for litigation and declared they wished to be 'ryots of Her Majesty the Queen' to claim protection under existing laws (like Act X of 1859). Statement 2 is correct.
The movement avoided violent anti-colonial warfare and operated within legal frameworks.
3
Assess Statement 3 regarding legislative consequences.
The widespread agrarian unrest in Eastern Bengal prompted the colonial administration to appoint an inquiry commission, which ultimately resulted in the enactment of the Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885 to protect tenant rights and occupancy status. Statement 3 is correct.
The 1885 Act was designed to prevent further agrarian unrest by defining landlord-tenant relations.

Key Concept

Pabna Agrarian League and Peasant Movements of 19th Century Bengal
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Topics

Revolt of 1857, Peasant Struggles, and Tribal Uprisings

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