With which movement is Trench Commission associated?

The correct answer is Begun Peasant Movement.

Key Points

• The Trench Commission was established to investigate and address grievances related to the oppressive practices of landlords and princely state authorities during the Begun Peasant Movement.
• The Begun Peasant Movement occurred in the princely state of Mewar (present-day Rajasthan) in the early 20th century.
• It was sparked by excessive land revenue demands and the exploitation of peasants by jagirdars (feudal landlords).
• The Trench Commission was tasked with identifying and reducing exploitative practices, which became a critical step in addressing the grievances of the agitating peasants.
• The movement is significant in Indian history as it highlighted the plight of peasants under feudal systems and contributed to the broader freedom struggle by exposing socio-economic injustices.

Additional Information

• Begun Peasant Movement:
  • The movement originated in the Begun region of Mewar, Rajasthan, during British colonial rule.
  • It was one of the earliest peasant uprisings against oppressive taxation and feudal exploitation in India.
  • The peasants demanded a reduction in land revenue and the abolition of exploitative practices like begar (forced labor).
  • The movement inspired similar peasant struggles in other parts of India.
• Trench Commission:
  • It was formed by the British authorities as a response to the grievances raised during the Begun Peasant Movement.
  • The commission's primary objective was to investigate complaints against landlords and recommend reforms to alleviate the peasants' hardships.
  • Its recommendations led to some reduction in revenue demands and curbed the most exploitative practices.
• Jagirdari System:
  • The jagirdari system was a feudal land revenue system prevalent in princely states under British India.
  • Under this system, jagirdars (landlords) collected taxes from peasants and retained a portion for themselves, often leading to exploitation.
  • Movements like the Begun Peasant Movement sought to challenge the injustices of this system.
• Peasant Movements in Colonial India:
  • Peasant movements were a significant aspect of India's freedom struggle, aiming to address socio-economic exploitation.
  • Notable movements include the Bardoli Satyagraha (1928), Champaran Satyagraha (1917), and Telangana Rebellion (1946-51).
  • These movements highlighted issues like high taxation, forced labor, and lack of land rights, pushing for systemic reforms.