Eka Movement

Towards the end of 1921, peasant discontent resurfaced in some northern districts of the United Provinces—Hardoi, Bahraich, Sitapur. The issues involved were:

(i) high rents—50 per cent higher than the recorded rates;

(ii) oppression of thikadars in charge of revenue collection; and

(iii) practice of share-rents.

The meetings of the Eka or the Unity Movement involved a symbolic religious ritual in which the assembled peasants vowed that they would

● pay only the recorded rent but would pay it on time;

● not leave when evicted;

● refuse to do forced labour;

● give no help to criminals;

● abide by panchayat decisions.

The grassroot leadership of the Eka Movement came from Madari Pasi and other low-caste leaders, and many small zamindars.

By March 1922, severe repression by authorities brought the movement to an end.