Image: Gandhi and the Kheda movement, historical archive.
The Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 was an important early campaign in Gandhi’s Indian political career. Farmers in Kheda district, Gujarat, faced severe crop conditions while the colonial government continued to demand land revenue.
The farmers’ demand
Farmers argued that crop losses had made it difficult to pay the assessed revenue. They sought suspension or relief from collection.
Gandhi’s role
Gandhi supported the farmers’ demand and encouraged them to remain united and nonviolent. Vallabhbhai Patel also became a prominent organiser during the campaign.
Non-payment as civil resistance
The campaign encouraged eligible cultivators to withhold payment while maintaining discipline and avoiding violence.
The government’s response
Authorities eventually made concessions affecting revenue collection and enforcement, although the precise scale and interpretation of the settlement have been discussed by historians.
Historical significance
Kheda demonstrated how local economic grievances could become part of a broader political movement through organised nonviolent resistance.
Read NewsNationOnline’s Champaran Satyagraha feature and explore the Gandhi Heritage Portal.
आपके लिए सुझाव
