Bardoli Satyagrahno Itihas

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bardoli Satyagraho no Itihas" by Mahadev Haribhai Desai:

The book "Bardoli Satyagraho no Itihas" by Mahadev Haribhai Desai, published by Navjivan Prakashan Mandir, chronicles the historical Bardoli Satyagraha, a significant non-violent resistance movement in India.

Core of the Satyagraha: The Bardoli Satyagraha was a protest against the unjust increase in land revenue imposed by the British government. The farmers of Bardoli, facing escalating taxes that were disproportionate to their earnings, decided to resist through non-violent civil disobedience, known as Satyagraha.

Mahadev Desai's Role and Perspective: Mahadev Desai, the author, was not a direct participant in the fight as a soldier but served in a non-military capacity, gaining valuable insights through his close association with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and his observations of the Satyagraha. He aims to present a factual history, acknowledging that a soldier's account or Sardar Patel's own narrative might differ in style and detail. He highlights that while Sardar Patel and his companions were fighters rather than writers, he undertook the task of documenting this struggle for Gujarat and future generations.

The Changing Face of Bardoli: Desai notes that the Bardoli of 1928, which transformed the entire taluka into an invincible fortress and disrupted the government's machinery, was different from the Bardoli of his time. He observes a potential dilution of the spirit and a possible return to seeking favor with government officials, a stark contrast to the defiance shown during the Satyagraha. The challenging task of maintaining the intensity of a wartime struggle during peacetime and gracefully handling victory is highlighted. Despite the potential for memory to fade, Desai asserts that the history of Bardoli remains a source of inspiration for other talukas and a valuable reminder for future generations. The fundamental value of the Satyagraha lies in its application of non-violence as a weapon in public affairs.

Key Aspects and Chapters (based on the Table of Contents provided):

The book is divided into two main parts: "Klesh" (Suffering/Struggle) and "Phal" (Fruit/Result).

Part 1: Klesh (Suffering/Struggle) - Chapters 1-30

• Chapter 1: Bardoli: Introduces Bardoli, its geography, population (predominantly farmers), and social structure, including various communities like Kanbi, Anavla, Brahmin, Vania, Rani-Praj (Scheduled Tribes), Muslims, and Parsis. It touches upon the unique living practices of farmers.
• Chapter 2: Bhakshan Niti (Exploitative Policy): Details the land revenue policies, the debate over whether land revenue is a 'tax' or 'rent', and criticizes the government's claim of land ownership and maximizing revenue. It discusses the historical precedents and the oppressive clauses in land revenue laws that allowed for the confiscation of land.
• Chapter 3: What Happened in Bardoli? - Government's Side: Explains the government's perspective on the revenue assessment process, citing the railway and road improvements, population increase, and agricultural advancements as justifications for the tax hike.
• Chapter 4: What Happened in Bardoli? - People's Side: Presents the farmers' counter-arguments, refuting the government's claims by highlighting the lack of actual road improvements, the decline in agricultural productivity in some areas, the impact of price fluctuations, the increase in labor costs, and the artificial inflation of land prices due to emigration.
• Chapter 12: February 12th: Marks a significant date, indicating the initiation of a decisive phase or event in the Satyagraha.
• Chapters covering various aspects: The index reveals numerous chapters detailing specific events, government actions, public responses, the role of key individuals (like Sardar Patel), strategies employed, the contribution of women, and the overall impact and lessons learned from the movement. Some chapter titles include: "The Policy of Exploitation," "Bardoli's Situation," "Government's Version," "People's Version," "The Constitution," "Clarifications," "Gandhi's Blessings," "Lessons in Pride," "A Lame Defense," "Nadirkahi" (Tyranny), "The Farmer's Sardar," "Lessons in Shyness," "Me and the Hammer," "The Great Furnace," "More Burning," "A Balm on a Wound," "Bardoli is Being Sung," "Thunder and Lightning," "People's Education," "Bardoli Day," "RP Became the Judge," "Comedies of Justice," "Heroines of Bardoli," "The Forced Laborer," "Impartial Companions," "Waking from Sleep," "Terrible Kali," "Whom God Protects," "Victory to Satyagraha," "Congratulations," and "Fresh Pen."

Part 2: Phal (Fruit/Result) - Chapters 1-5

• Chapters focusing on the aftermath and results: These chapters likely delve into the outcomes of the Satyagraha, the government's response, the concessions made, the long-term impact on the region, and the broader implications for the Indian freedom struggle. Specific chapter titles include: "With the Bardoli Inquiry Committee," "The Beginning Days," "The General Situation of the Taluka," "The Profit of Farming!", "The Knot Untangled?", "Appendices" (detailing the reasons for the struggle, correspondence, government threats, and the summary of the Munshi Committee's findings), "Picture Index," and "Map."

Key Themes and Observations:

• Injustice of Revenue Policies: The book extensively criticizes the British government's land revenue policies, highlighting how they were often arbitrary, exploitative, and failed to consider the ground realities of farming and the farmers' economic conditions.
• Peasant's Resilience and Strength: It celebrates the unwavering spirit, resilience, and courage of the Bardoli farmers, who, despite facing immense pressure and hardship, remained united and committed to non-violence.
• Leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: The text emphasizes the crucial role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as the leader and strategist of the movement, his deep understanding of the farmers' plight, and his ability to mobilize and inspire them.
• Importance of Organization and Discipline: Desai underscores the meticulous planning, effective organization, and strict adherence to discipline and non-violence as key factors in the Satyagraha's success.
• Moral Victory: Beyond the economic gains, the book highlights the moral victory achieved by the Bardoli farmers and the inspiration it provided to the wider Indian independence movement.
• The Power of Satyagraha: It serves as a testament to the effectiveness of Satyagraha as a tool for social and political change.

Overall Significance: "Bardoli Satyagraho no Itihas" is presented as a crucial historical document that not only narrates the events of the Bardoli Satyagraha but also analyzes its causes, progress, and significant outcomes. It is a tribute to the courage of the common people and the effectiveness of Gandhian principles in achieving justice through non-violent resistance. The book aims to preserve the memory of this pivotal movement for future generations and to draw lessons from its strategic and moral underpinnings.