Author:

Khagesh Singha
Independent Research Scholar
Department of History
University of North Bengal
Darjeeling,West Bengal,India

Email: khageshsingha2@gmail.com

Abstract::The present work attempts a detailed study of the Socio-Economic Condition of the Surjapuri peasants and their Movement in the Uttar Dinajpur District with special reference to Islampur Subdivision.‘More food should be Produced and food is Brahmin’- Taittiriya Uponishada.The food sustains human life. Agriculture gave permanent residence to people. Before agriculture human life was based on food gathering. Human beings became food producers as a result of agriculture. The agricultural system, land revenue and peasants community were influenced by different rulers. The Surjapuri Peasants community here were ruled by the Nawab of Bogra, the Nawab of Purnea, the Benali estate and Zamindars of Kishanganj. Many Surjapuri peasants had to face the oppression of Nawab, zamindars, Jotdars and Tahoshildars. Additional burden of tax was imposed on Surjapuri Peasants. Even after paying tax or revenue, many Surjapuri peasants did not get any receipt. At one time, the peasants became impatient with the oppression and exploitation and took to the path of revolt. From 1938 to 1946 AD, a vigorous peasants united movement emerged. Bataidar and Tebhaga Movement were important among them.

Key Words::Bataidar, Tebhaga Movement, Islampur, Peasants, Surjapur, Zamindars etc