Popular Freedom Movements in Himachal Pradesh

Popular Freedom Movements in Himachal Pradesh at a Glance

The weakening of Mughal rule led to the strengthening of Hindu rulers in the hill states. The Sikh community that emerged in the Punjab plains gradually became an important force in the hill states.

Over time, people in different princely states raised their voices against heavy taxation, begar, administrative problems, revenue demands, political restrictions and other forms of injustice. These regional movements gradually became important expressions of popular and political awakening.

The popular freedom movements in the history of Himachal Pradesh includes the Doom Movement, Suket Movement, Praja Mandal movements, Mass Movement in Nalagarh, Land Movement in Sirmaur, Jugga Movement, Farmers' Mass Movement in Chamba, Mandi Farmers' Movement, Mandi Conspiracy, Kunihar Movement, Dhami Satyagraha and Pajhota Movement.

National movements also reached the hill areas through the Indian National Congress, Individual Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement. The formation of the Himalayan Hill States Regional Council in 1946 further connected the political activities of different princely states.

Regional Movements in Himachal Pradesh

Regional movements developed in different princely states in response to revenue demands, taxation, begar, administrative policies and other local grievances.

Doom Movement in Bushahr

In 1859 AD, farmers revolted against the ruler of Bushahr. This revolt was known as the Doom Movement. The main cause of the protest was the introduction of analysis of revenue and the measurement (Paimaish) system.

Farmers earlier gave 1/5th of their produce to the state along with oil, ghee, milk, wool and cattle. Later, taxes were imposed in the form of cash. Farmers were unable to pay cash and revolted when the ruler forced them to do so.

Rohru was the main centre of the movement. When the British found misadministration in the state, they intervened in the revolt. The demand for tax in cash was described in the source as having been passively introduced by British officials.

Suket Movement

In Suket state, the revolt occurred two times. The first revolt took place in 1862–76 AD against the ruler and his Wazir Narottam. It ended after the removal of Wazir Narottam from his post.

The second revolt occurred in 1924 AD under the leadership of Ratan Singh. People were harassed by heavy taxes and begar. The ruler of Suket escaped to Dehradun.

Later, the Suket Praja Mandal was organised in 1945 under the leadership of Mian Ratan Singh. It started movements for the fulfilment of its demands.

Suket Satyagraha

In February 1948, the Himachal Hill States Regional Council formed the Interim Government. Its head was Pandit Shivanand Ramaul of Sirmaur and its headquarters was at Shimla.

Leaders of the Interim Government gathered at Sunni and Bhajji and made strategies to merge the state with the Indian Union. They first targeted Suket. About 1,000 Satyagrahis marched into Suket territory under the leadership of Pandit Padam Dev on 18 February 1948. This was known as Suket Satyagraha.

Praja Mandal Movement

Praja Mandal was basically a people's movement in the princely states. The people fought against corrupt princes and unjust Britishers. Praja Mandals were social as well as political organisations that emerged in various hill states.

These organisations protested for democratic, economic and social reforms and the overall development of the area. They later became important movements of mass struggle.

Praja Mandals were formed in Chamba, Mandi, Bilaspur, Jubbal, Sirmaur, Bushahr and Kunihar. They organised public meetings, refused to pay taxes to unjust rulers, demanded abolition of begar and worked against injustice.

Mass Movement in Nalagarh

In 1876–77 AD, people of Nalagarh revolted against the ruler because of his tyranny. Ishwar Singh later succeeded to the throne and carried out reforms, including releasing prisoners and removing corrupt officials.

He reappointed the old Wazir Gulam Kadir Khan, who levied taxes and raised the tax on land. People requested exemption because they could not pay the tax. They organised assemblies and marched against the ruler and Wazir. The British intervened and peace was established.

Land Movement in Sirmaur

A movement started against Raja Shamsher Singh of Sirmaur over land management in 1878 AD. The people started the movement because they did not understand the actual policy of the state.

Jugga Movement in Bilaspur

The Jugga Movement was a non-violent mass movement that started in Bilaspur in 1883 AD. People raised their voice against the atrocities of ruler Amar Chand and wanted to end dictatorship in the state.

The people requested Brahmins and priests to raise their voices against the atrocities. The leader of the movement, Gulab Ram Nadda, was imprisoned in the Sariun Fort.

In 1884 AD, the ruler realised his mistakes and recalled the priests and Brahmins and returned their seized property. A pension was promised to the widows of martyred revolutionaries. Begar was removed and land revenue was converted into cash.

Farmers' Mass Movement in Chamba

A Farmers' Mass Movement took place in 1895 AD against Raja Shyam Singh and Wazir Govind Ram. The causes included high land revenue, high demand of begar from British officials and six months of bonded labour.

In 1932, people banished from the state formed the Chamba Praja Suraksha League (Chamba People's Defence League) under MA Ahmed, with headquarters at Lahore. In 1936, the Chamba Sewak Sangh was formed.

Revolt in Baghal and Keonthal

In 1897 AD, a revolt against excessive revenue demand arose in Baghal and arose again in 1905. The British eventually suppressed the movement.

A land movement also started in 1897 AD in Keonthal against orders concerning Lagaan and begar.

Dodra-Kwar Revolt

A revolt occurred in Dodra-Kwar in 1906. The Wazir was Ram Bahadur Singh, who attempted to declare himself ruler of the region. The people also participated in the revolt. It was crushed with the help of police force under the Political Assistant Commissioner of Shimla.

Mandi Farmers' Movement

The Mandi agitation of 1909 took place against the malpractices and begar policy of ruler Bhawani Sen. The movement was headed by Shobha Ram with 20,000 revolutionaries.

The movement was suppressed by Colonel Davies, the Commissioner of Kullu. Shobha Ram was tried for betrayal and sent to Andamans.

Mandi Conspiracy

The source states that the Gadar Party was formed by Lala Hardayal. Under its influence, the famous Mandi Conspiracy took place in 1914–15 AD.

Mian Jawahar Singh and Rani Khairgarhi of Mandi helped the movement. Plans included murdering the Superintendent and Wazir of Mandi, looting the treasury and blowing up the Beas bridge.

A famous Ghadar Party leader in Mandi was Hardev, who raised volunteers for the party. The conspiracy could not succeed. Bhai Hirdey Ram became his follower, was caught in the Lahore Conspiracy Case and was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Hardev later assumed the name Swami Krishnanand, joined the Indian National Congress and went to Sindh to work for the party. Several Ghadar Party leaders were arrested, including Mian Jawahar Singh, Badri Sidhu Kharara, Jawahar Naryal and Sidhu-II.

Kunihar Movement

The Kunihar Movement was directed against Rana Hardev Singh of Kunihar in 1920 AD. Its leaders were Babu Kanshiram and Gauri Shankar. They were arrested on charges of rebellion and later released in 1928 and shifted to Shimla.

In 1939, they organised the Kunihar Praja Mandal. On 13 June 1939, the Rana declared it an unlawful body.

On 8 July 1939, the leaders presented demands including:

• Recognition of the Praja Mandal.
• Release of party workers.
• Formation of a governance reform committee.
• 25% reduction in tax (lagaan).

On 9 July 1939, Rana accepted these conditions and the Praja Mandal received legal status. The source describes this as the first victory of democracy.

Movements in Theog and Baghal

During 1926–28, many movements took place in Theog and Baghal. The British Government called the Baruchi police, who mercilessly beat the people.

The ruler of Theog, along with his wife Dev Vati and his subjects, operated the movement. Baghal and other small states such as Kumhar Sen, Khaneti and Ghoont also took part in mass movements.

On 15 August 1947, when India became independent, Praja Mandal captured Theog state and formed an independent government. Ram Surat Prakash was elected its first Prime Minister.

Bhoomi Bandobast Andolan

In Bilaspur, an agrarian development took place during the settlement of 1930. People of Bhadarpur Purgana refused to supply free firewood to settlement staff in protest.

The protest was linked to high rates of Nazrana, increased fishing licence fees and other taxes perceived as unbearable and unfair impositions.

On 9 January 1933, Raja Anand Chand became ruler and used a dual policy. Revolutionaries also used a similar policy and formed religious organisations such as the Sanatan Dharam Sabha while continuing political activities. The Bhoomi Bandobast Abhiyan is also known as the Dandra Movement.

Dhami Satyagraha and Firing Case

The Prem Pracharini Sabha of Dhami decided to join the Riyasati Praja Mandal of Shimla because of its popularity and to avoid suppression by the State Government.

A conference was organised on 13 July 1939 at Kasumpti in Shimla under the chairmanship of Bhagmal Sautha. The Prem Pracharini Sabha was renamed Dhami Praja Mandal and Pandit Sita Ram was appointed its President.

The charter of demands presented to Rana Dilip Singh included:

• Grant of civil liberties.
• Abolition of begar or forced labour.
• 50% reduction of land revenue.
• Recognition of the Dhami Riyasati Praja Mandal.
• Establishment of a responsible government.
• Removal of restrictions on people exiled from the state.
• Restoration of confiscated property to legitimate heirs.

When no response was received, a commission of the Himalayan Praja Mandal and Dhami Praja Mandal led by Bhagmal Sautha submitted the charter of administrative reforms.

Three important leaders of Dhami Satyagraha — Bhagmal Sautha, Mansa Ram and Dharam Das — were arrested. Their supporters marched to Rana Dilip Singh's palace. The Rana ordered open firing in which many people were seriously injured. Durga Das and Uma Dutt died on the spot.

The source describes this as the first firing tragedy in Himachal Pradesh. Later, the Indian National Congress organised an investigation committee under the chairmanship of Lala Duni Chand.

Pajhota Kisan Sabha

The people of Pajhota formed a Kisan Sabha to protect themselves against the Maharaja of Sirmaur, who supported the British and forcibly took agricultural produce from farmers.

The Chairman was Laxmi Singh and the Secretary was Vedya Surat Singh. Important leaders included Mian Chunchoo, Madan Singh, Mehar Singh, Kali Ram, Dhyan Singh, Padma Ram and Kanlagu.

These leaders were known as Ring Leaders. The Kisan Sabha began with non-cooperation. Later, because the Raja refused to address grievances, the movement established a parallel government.

The protest was suppressed, but the Sabha was relaunched as the Pajhota Movement in 1942, which became an alliance of the Quit India Movement.

Sirmaur Praja Mandal Movement

Influenced by the proposals of the All India States People Conference, the first Praja Mandal of Himachal was set up in Sirmaur in 1939 AD.

The first conference of the Punjab and Hill States Praja Mandal was held in October 1939 at Ludhiana. Sardar Bhagat Singh of Paonta (Sirmaur) and two other members represented Sirmaur.

The Sirmaur Praja Mandal Movement was led by Chaudhary Sher Jung, Dr Devender Singh, Shivanand Ramaul and Yashwant Singh Parmar, then District and Session Judge of Sirmaur state.

In 1944, another Sirmaur Riyasati Praja Mandal was founded by Dr Devender Singh, Nagender Ram Nath and Aatma Ram.

National Movements in Himachal Pradesh

National political movements also reached the hill regions. The Indian National Congress became active in Shimla and other areas, followed by Individual Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement.

Indian National Congress in the Hills

During 1920–23 in Shimla, Congress was prominent and led movements in Shimla and its outskirts. Leaders included Pandit Gainda Mal, Maulana Mohammed Nauni, Abdul Ghani, Ghulam Mohammed Nagbi, Thakur Bhagirath Lal and Hakim Trilok Nath.

Under the presidentship of Maulana Gulam Muhammad of Shimla, Congress's first representative organisation was held in May 1921.

In 1927, a conference was held at Tal in Sujanpur. Leaders including Thakur Hazara Singh, Kanshi Ram, Gopal Singh and Chatur Singh were arrested and imprisoned for a long time.

Baba Kanshi Ram took an oath to wear only black clothes until the country became free. He received the title Pahari Gandhi from Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru at Gadriwala Jan Sabha and the title Pahari Bulbul from Sarojini Naidu.

Other leaders from the hills included Dr YS Parmar, Padam Dev, Shivanand Ramaul, Purnanand, Satya Dev, Sada Ram Chandel and Daulat Ram.

Individual Satyagraha

In 1940, Gandhiji started Individual Satyagraha. Important Satyagrahis in Shimla included Pandit Padam Dev, Shyam Lal Khanna and Saligram Sharma.

Padam Dev was arrested and sent to Kaithu prison. In November 1940, a committee was organised for Individual Satyagraha in Kangra. Its members included Thakur Hazara Singh, Pandit Parsa Ram and Brahma Nanda. Lala Mangal Ram Khanna was an important Satyagrahi in Kangra town.

Quit India Movement

On 14 July 1942, the Congress Executive Assembly passed the resolution of the Quit India Movement at Wardha. Shimla, Kangra, Kullu and other hill areas actively participated.

Bhagmal Sautha, Pandit Hari Ram, Chaudhary Divan Chand, Nand Lal Verma, Tufel Ahmad, Om Prakash Chopra, Sant Ram and Hari Chand were arrested from Shimla and sent to Punjab prison.

Rajkumari Amrit Kaur led the Quit India Movement from Shimla. She was the editor of Mahatma Gandhi's magazine Horizon during the period when Gandhiji was in jail.

Shimla Conference and Wavell Plan

On 14 May 1945, the Secretary of State for India, LS Amery, declared a plan to address the constitutional deadlock in India. This plan became known as the Wavell Plan, associated with Viceroy Lord Wavell.

The conference between the British Government and political parties was held in Shimla and therefore became known as the Shimla Conference. Representatives attended the Wavell Conference on 25 June 1945.

Himalayan Hill States Regional Council

The Himalayan Hill States Regional Council (HHSRC) was formed by integrating the Praja Mandals of various princely states in 1946. Its headquarters was at Shimla.

Swami Puran Chand from Mandi was the head, Pandit Padam Dev from Rampur Bushahr was the Secretary, and Pandit Shivanand Ramaul was the Deputy Secretary.

The first conference of HHSRC was held on 8–10 March 1946 at Mandi. Later, the Himalayan Hill States Sub-Regional Council (HHSSRC) was formed in 1947 at Sangri in Shimla.

Popular Movements in Himachal Pradesh: Important Timeline

How to Study Popular Movements of Himachal Pradesh

Start by learning the movements state-wise and then connect each movement with its year, leader, place and major cause. This makes the large number of movement-related facts easier to revise.

Pay special attention to Praja Mandal, Mandi Conspiracy, Kunihar Movement, Dhami Satyagraha, Pajhota Movement, Quit India Movement and HHSRC.

Revise the important dates and leaders from the timeline before attempting practice questions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Popular Movements in Himachal Pradesh