The period 1858-1914, on which this book focuses, comprises several disparate and localized struggles which are significant in revealing the wider unities that existed among India's peasantry. In his detailed Introduction, David Hardiman first traces changing trends in the way peasants have been viewed by historians - from the colonial era to more recent times. He then emphasizes the 'community consciousness' of peasants, a form of consciousness which gets redefined within the context of their specific struggles. Hardiman thus demarcates particular 'areas of resistance', based on specific relationships of domination and subordination, each with a distinct character and chronology. Each localized, isolated resistance is shown as being unified in its direction against those outside the peasant community. The articles included in this volume are representative of the five areas of resistance demarcated by the editor: (1) peasants against European planters; (2) peasants against landlords; (3) peasants against moneylenders; (4) revolts against the land-tax bureaucracy; (5) resistance to forest officials. The essays in this important new collection fit into the broad pattern of 'community' resistance. The assertion implicit in these resistances is that peasant communities have the right to oppose the ruling classes, and that they have the right to override wider or 'national' needs in favour of local interests. This volume, as part of a series, also surveys the historiography on peasants, peasant movements, and peasant resistance, showing as well as analysing the range of questions asked on this major theme within Indian history. It will interest all teachers and students of this country's history and politics.

Hardman, David

Oxford Institute for Energy Studies

German Historical Institute London

Oxford in India readings., Delhi, New York, India, 1992

United Kingdom and Ireland, United Kingdom

Oxford in India readings, Delhi, 1993

Includes bibliographical references (p. [296]-304).

Focusing on a period of Indian history which saw several disparate and localized struggles amongst the peasant communities, this study defines a broad pattern of community resistance and asserts that the peasants had the right to oppose the ruling classes and to protect their local interests.

2020-08-16