Archive · 15 Aug 2025
Adivasi Freedom Fighters' Overlooked Role in Bardoli
In 1927, the British government raised taxes in Bardoli, a region in India.
Farmers protested this unfair tax increase.
They refused to pay the higher rates.
This protest, called the Bardoli Satyagraha, was led by Vallabhbhai Patel and lasted for six months.
The protest worked!
The government lowered the taxes and gave back the land.
Many people helped, but the Adivasi community’s contributions weren’t acknowledged.
The Adivasi community faced challenges like working under bonded labor.
They were promised a better life after India gained independence, but the promises were not kept.
The British government increased land tax rates in Bardoli, Gujarat in 1927, sparking local opposition.
The Bardoli Satyagraha, led by Vallabhbhai Patel, launched on February 4, 1928, and lasted six months.
The Satyagraha was successful; the government reduced the tax rate and returned seized lands.
Adivasi communities played a key role in the movement but received little recognition in historical accounts.
Adivasis, who were often trapped in bonded labor, faced economic hardship and unfulfilled promises post-independence.
- Who
- Vallabhbhai Patel, Adivasi communities, and other local leaders and farmers.
- What
- The Bardoli Satyagraha was a peasant revolt against increased land taxes.
- When
- The Bardoli Satyagraha was launched on February 4, 1928.
- Where
- Bardoli taluka of Surat district in South Gujarat.
- Why
- To protest increased land tax rates imposed by the British government.
Adivasi Perspective
Other Perspective
Recognition
Adivasi Perspective
Adivasis played a key role in the freedom struggle.
Other Perspective
The role of the Adivasi people in the movement was not properly recognized.
Land Return
Adivasi Perspective
They were promised land in return if seized but some did not have lands returned after independence.
Other Perspective
It was largely the upper caste landed communities who had their land returned.
Economic Status
Adivasi Perspective
Adivasis faced oppression and were often trapped in the hali system, a form of bonded labour.
Other Perspective
Though independence was achieved and taxes reduced, the quality of life did not improve. The Adivasi community's economic situation remained poor.
- Event
- Bardoli Satyagraha
- Year
- 1928
- Location
- Bardoli, Gujarat
- Tax Increase
- 22%
- Key Figure
- Vallabhbhai Patel