First Non-Cooperation Of Movement Was Kheda Satyagraha 1918

The first non-cooperation of movement was Kheda Satyagraha 1918. Due to the drought situation, crops failed in the Kheda district of Gujarat. The Kheda peasants mainly involved with Patidar peasants. The Patidar peasants have known for their agriculture skill. The land of this district is quite fertile soil for cotton and tobacco.

Causes:

The British government imposed heavy taxation on land as well as tightened its collection.  As per the revenue rule, the farmers were entitled to remission if the produce was less than one-fourth of the normal production.

The Gujarat Sabha, consisting of the peasants, submitted a petition to the provinces’ highest governing authorities requesting to suspend revenue for the assessment year 1919. However, the government rejected any remission from paying tax and said that farmers’ property would be seized if not paid.

The Kheda Satyagraha was launched under the leadership of Gandhiji, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Narahari Parikh, Mohanlal Pandya, Ravi Shankar Vyas and several others. Gandhiji asked the farmers not pay the taxes. The revolt was impressive in that discipline and unity were maintained. If the farmer not paid land taxes, the government started the auction of peasants’ cattle, confiscate their house, and take away their movable property. Also, the government gave notices of fines to peasants.

The success of struggle:

The British government worked out some formula. It was decided that wealthy Patidar peasants would pay the rent, and the poorer ones would be granted remission. It gave relief to the poor peasants. Apart from, confiscated and cattle were returned to original claimants.

This non-violent satyagraha showed successfully. The impact of the success realised among the peasants of the neighbouring area. On the success of satyagraha, Sujahat Chaudhary observes: “The acceptance of peasants’ demand brought a new awakening among the peasantry. The struggle brought home with them some kind of semblance of complete emancipation from justice and exploitation.”