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

Which of the following 19th-century peasant movements in colonial India was specifically directed against the extortionate practices of Gujarati and Marwari moneylenders (Saukars) and directly led to the enactment of the Deccan Agriculturists' Relief Act of 1879?

  1. Deccan Riots of 1875Answer
  2. B
    Indigo Revolt of 1859–1860
  3. C
    Pabna Peasant Movement of 1870s
  4. D
    Santhal Rebellion of 1855–1856

Answer

The Deccan Riots of 1875
The Deccan Riots of 1875 were triggered by systemic indebtedness to Marwari and Gujarati moneylenders in the Pune and Ahmednagar districts of Maharashtra. The social boycott and subsequent destruction of debt bonds by peasants compelled the British government to appoint the Deccan Riots Commission and enact the Deccan Agriculturists' Relief Act of 1879 to restrain moneylenders and protect peasant land tenure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary target of the agrarian grievance
The movement directly targeted oppressive moneylenders (Saukars) in Western India (Maharashtra region).
Peasants faced severe distress due to falling cotton prices post-American Civil War combined with high land revenue demands, forcing them into debt traps with moneylenders.
2
Link the peasant unrest to its legislative consequence
The colonial administration appointed the Deccan Riots Commission, which resulted in the passage of the Deccan Agriculturists' Relief Act of 1879.
The Act aimed to prevent land transfers from peasant cultivators to non-agricultural moneylenders.

Key Concept

Deccan Riots of 1875 and agrarian debt legislation
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Revolt of 1857, Peasant Struggles, and Tribal Uprisings

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