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Who took over the Eka Movement started by the Congress in Awadh during 1921-1922?
Explanation
The Eka Movement (Unity Movement) emerged in late 1921 in the northern districts of Awadh, such as Hardoi, Bahraich, and Sitapur. While the movement was initially supported by the Indian National Congress and the Khilafat leaders to integrate peasant grievances into the Non-Cooperation Movement [3], it soon developed its own distinct character. The leadership was taken over by Madari Pasi, a low-caste leader, and other grassroots activists who did not strictly adhere to the Congress's principle of non-violence [1]. Unlike the earlier Awadh Kisan Sabha led by Baba Ramchandra and Jawaharlal Nehru, which focused on legalistic reforms [2], the Eka Movement under Madari Pasi became more militant, involving symbolic rituals and oaths against paying more than recorded rents. By March 1922, the movement was suppressed by the British authorities through severe repression [1].
Sources
- [3] India and the Contemporary World – II. History-Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Nationalism in India > Activity > p. 35
- [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 31: Peasant Movements 1857-1947 > Eka Movement > p. 579
- [2] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 31: Peasant Movements 1857-1947 > The Kisan Sabha Movement > p. 578