Who is Ajit Singh?

Ajit Singh is historical figure in the context of farmers’ rights and resistance against oppressive agricultural laws in India. His legacy is especially relevant as farmers continue to advocate for their rights. Born on February 23, 1881, in Punjab, he emerged as a prominent freedom fighter and nationalist leader. His actions inspired future generations, including his nephew, Bhagat Singh.

Background of Ajit Singh

Ajit Singh was the elder brother of Kishan Singh, Bhagat Singh‘s father. He became a target of British authorities due to his revolutionary activities. From 1909 until India’s independence in 1947, he lived in exile, advocating for farmers’ rights and resisting colonial rule. His life ended on August 15, 1947, the day India gained independence.

The Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement

In 1907, Ajit Singh initiated the Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement. This movement protested against three oppressive agricultural laws imposed by the British. The phrase “Pagri Sambhal Jatta” translates to “take care of your turban, o farmer,” symbolising self-respect and dignity for farmers. The movement addressed the following laws:

1. Punjab Land Alienation Act, 1900: Restricted farmers’ rights to sell or mortgage land.
2. Punjab Land Colonisation Act, 1906: Gave the British control over land ownership in new colonies.
3. Doab Bari Act, 1907: Undermined farmers’ ownership rights, reducing them to contract workers.

These laws increased farmers’ financial burdens, forcing many into debt and land loss.

Impact of the Movement

The Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement marked one of the first farmer uprisings against British rule in Punjab. It laid the groundwork for future resistance movements. The agitation led to mass protests, civil disobedience, and public pressure that forced the British to withdraw some oppressive clauses. Ajit Singh, alongside other leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, faced arrest and exile due to their activism. Despite this, Singh continued his revolutionary work in various countries, collaborating with other freedom fighters.

Legacy and Commemoration

In 2021, February 23 was declared Pagri Sambhal Diwas to honour Ajit Singh’s contributions and the ongoing struggles of farmers. This date coincided with protests against farm laws in India. Presently, farmers continue to demonstrate for legal guarantees on Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and other rights. Ajit Singh’s legacy remains alive in contemporary farmer movements, symbolising resilience and the fight for justice. The slogan “Pagri Sambhal Jatta” continues to resonate, representing the ongoing struggle for farmer rights in India.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of the Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement on the Indian independence struggle.
2. What are the challenges faced by farmers in India ? Explain with suitable examples.
3. Comment on the role of Ajit Singh in shaping modern farmer protests in India.
4. With suitable examples, explain the historical significance of the Punjab Land Alienation Act, 1900.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of the Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement on the Indian independence struggle.

1. It was one of the first major farmer movements against British colonial rule, mobilizing agrarian communities.
2. The movement laid the foundation for future resistance, influencing subsequent uprisings like the Ghadar Movement.
3. It raised awareness about farmers’ rights and self-respect, symbolized by the slogan “Pagri Sambhal Jatta.”
4. Ajit Singh’s activism inspired future leaders, including Bhagat Singh, linking agrarian issues to the broader independence struggle.
5. The agitation resulted in some retraction of oppressive laws, showcasing the power of collective action.

2. What are the challenges faced by farmers in India? Explain with suitable examples.

1. Debt – Many farmers are trapped in cycles of debt due to high input costs and low returns, leading to suicides.
2. Land Ownership – Laws like the Punjab Land Alienation Act restrict farmers’ rights, making it difficult to sell or mortgage land.
3. Market Access – Farmers often lack direct access to markets, leading to exploitation by middlemen.
4. Climate Change – Erratic weather patterns and natural disasters severely impact agricultural productivity.
5. Policy Neglect – Government policies often favor large agribusinesses, sidelining small and marginal farmers.

3. Comment on the role of Ajit Singh in shaping modern farmer protests in India.

1. Ajit Singh’s leadership during the Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement established a legacy of farmer activism in Punjab.
2. His emphasis on self-respect and dignity for farmers resonates in contemporary protests against agricultural policies.
3. The slogan “Pagri Sambhal Jatta” continues to be a rallying cry for farmers advocating for their rights.
4. His collaboration with other revolutionary figures inspired a collective movement against colonial oppression.
5. Ajit Singh’s life and struggles are commemorated in modern farmer protests, linking past and present struggles for justice.

4. With suitable examples, explain the historical significance of the Punjab Land Alienation Act, 1900.

1. The Act restricted farmers’ rights to sell or mortgage their land, benefitting landlords and moneylenders.
2. It increased the financial burden on farmers, leading to widespread agrarian distress and protests.
3. By limiting land ownership rights, it contributed to the loss of agricultural autonomy for many peasants.
4. The Act’s oppressive nature galvanized movements like Pagri Sambhal Jatta, denoting agrarian grievances.
5. Its historical significance lies in its role as a catalyst for farmer activism and the fight for land rights in India.