Image: Gandhi and Vallabhbhai Patel, historical photograph.
The Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 was an important early campaign in Gujarat. Farmers affected by crop failure sought relief from land revenue demands.
The farmers’ demand
Crop conditions had created serious difficulties for cultivators. Gandhi and his associates argued that revenue collection should be suspended for farmers unable to pay.
Vallabhbhai Patel’s role
Vallabhbhai Patel emerged as an important organiser during the campaign. His work in villages helped build support for the revenue-relief demand.
Nonpayment as protest
Farmers were encouraged to withhold revenue where the conditions for suspension were met, while maintaining nonviolence and discipline.
The government response
The campaign continued through negotiations and administrative measures. Relief was eventually extended to sections of the affected population.
A foundation for later politics
Kheda strengthened Gandhi’s experience with rural mobilisation and helped establish Patel as a major organiser in Gujarat.
Read NewsNationOnline’s Ahmedabad Mill Strike feature and the Gandhi Heritage Portal.
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