With 78 years having passed since its independence, India joyfully commemorates the triumphs that have defined its journey to freedom. Many movements have been documented in the annals of history that contributed to the attainment of independence from British rule. The struggle of Munshiganj farmers in Raebareli district of Uttar Pradesh is a prime example of the same. Infact, Munshiganj, is known for the farmers’ movement and the massacre perpetrated by the colonial power.
The Jallianwala Bagh incident of 1919 stands as a grim episode during the freedom struggle and a similar instance was recorded in Munshiganj. 104 years ago, Imperial Police fired upon over 2,000 unarmed farmers in this area. A memorial has been erected to honor their memory, reminding us of the severe atrocities and inhumanity committed by the British. Many experts even believe that it surpassed the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy in scale.
The fateful occurrence took place on 7th Jauary 1921 and encapsulated a tale of sacrifice and renunciation, as farmers bravely resisted the oppressive and cruel actions of the British regime. The origins of this incident can be traced back to Bhagwantpur Chandniha hamlet, located within the Deenshah Gaura development block. Police, under the command of the oppressive government, shot hundreds of unarmed and innocent farmers. As a result, the waters of the Sai River ran red with the blood of the farmers, many of whom gave their lives and made the supreme sacrifice for the country.
During British rule, the landlords and ration dealers exerted significant influence over Raebareli. They granted land to the farmers and were responsible for collecting taxes for the Britishers. On 5th January 1921, farmers, distressed by the tormenting actions of the talukdar Tribhuvan Bahadur Singh at the time, convened a public meeting led by Pandit Amol Sharma and Baba Jankidas. The agitated farmers from the village attended the public meeting and encircled the residence of the talukdar. Alarmed by the sight of thousands of farmers surrounding his place, he promptly notified the District Magistrate AG Sharif of the situation.
Sharif arrived at the scene with a police contingent and summoned the leaders of the Kisan Sabha, including Pandit Amol Sharma, Baba Jankidas and Badri Narayan Singh, into the palace to negotiate a resolution. However, it was a conspiracy and they were subsequently detained and transported to Rae Bareli jail, from where they were swiftly moved to Lucknow, in a bid to thwart the gathering. Despite Baba Ram Chandra’s (a trade unionist who organised the farmers of Awadh into forming a united front to fight against the abuses of landlords in 1920s and 1930s) absence at that time, the farmers began their march towards Rae Bareli to liberate their beloved leaders, arriving at Munshiganj on the evening of 6th January.
The news of the arrest of the influential leaders rapidly disseminated throughout the Awadh province and people began to converge on Raebareli. Workers and farmers flocked to the town from all directions. The District Magistrate, witnessing the encirclement of the town, became anxious and sought to prevent further influx. He blocked the road to Munshiganj bridge with bullock carts to impede their progress. The farmers’ unwavering attitude prompted the British authorities to step in and halt them at the Sai River. The farmers sent a telegram to Martand Vaidya, informing him of the matter and requesting the presence of Pandit Motilal Nehru. His son Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru received the message in his absence and left for Raebareli immidiately.
The following day, rumors circulated throughout the village claiming that the jail administration in Lucknow had murdered both leaders. A considerable number of farmers began to assemble on the banks of the Sai River 7th January, to show their solidarity with their leaders. A large police force was deployed on the river bank, in response to the growing crowd. Observing the escalating situation, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru made his way towards Munshiganj, however, he was intercepted near the collectorate premises and prevented from reaching the location.
The British authorities had already formulated a plan to use firearms. They were apprehensive that Nehru’s presence at the riverbank could lead to an assassination attempt, which would exacerbate the already tense atmosphere and he was placed under house arrest. The protests commenced, and the police responded by firing upon the farmers. A farmer was struck by a bullet fired by Sardar Birpal Singh. The moment Badlu Gaur collapsed to the ground, the British soldiers interpreted this as a signal to unleash their assault. It is reported that many of the victims fell into the Sai River after being shot, causing the water to turn crimson with their blood.
The farmers were vociferously expressing their dissent against the British government. They raised slogans demanding an end to unlawful tax collection and the cessation of abuses directed at farmers. The sight instilled fear in the British government officials who ordered the bloodshed in their panic. Over ten thousand rounds of ammunition were fired. This incident claimed the lives of at least 750 farmers farmers and injured more than 1500, yet the gunfire continued unabated. Those who were captured were subjected to a fine of Rs 100 and a rigorous six-month labor sentence.
According to Anil Mishra, who oversees the organization dedicated to the legacy of freedom fighters, the Munshiganj firing incident represents a pivotal episode in the historical framework of the Indian freedom struggle, enriched by the sacrifices of numerous farmers. As a result, this incident has transformed into a timeless tale of the freedom movement from that period. Vijay Vidrohi, a local political authority, emphasized that the Munshiganj firing incident is remarkable in several ways. It is not fitting to compare it with other movements. However, it is true that this incident did not achieve the historical significance it merited within the freedom struggle. Nonetheless, it was instrumental in shifting the focus and direction of the movement.
The aftermath of the Munshiganj firing incident led to a transformation within the Congress party. The party evolved from being an entity primarily representing talukdars and landlords to one that embraced the interests of farmers and laborers. This movement catalyzed greater involvement of ordinary citizens in the freedom struggle.
