Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement

26.02.2025

Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement

Why in the news? 

          Recently, farmers protesting at the Punjab and Haryana borders are observed February 23 as Pagri Sambhal Diwas, in honour of Ajit Singh, paternal uncle of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.

About Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement:

• It was started by Ajit Singh in 1907, to protest against three agricultural laws imposed by the British.
• ‘Pagri Sambhal Jatta’ literally translates to ‘take care of your turban, o farmer’, and invokes self respect and honour.
• The slogan “Pagri Sambhal Jatta” was coined by Banke Dayal, a nationalist poet, and it became a symbol of resistance.
• The three laws were: The Punjab Land Alienation Act, 1900; The Punjab Land Colonisation Act, 1906; and The Doab Bari Act, 1907.
• Ajit Singh and Kishan Singh (Bhagat Singh’s father) formed the Bharat Mata Society, a revolutionary group for farmers.
• Lala Lajpat Rai and other leaders also supported the movement.

• • The Punjab Land Alienation Act restricted the rights of farmers to sell or mortgage their land freely. It favored moneylenders and landlords, making it difficult for peasants to escape debt.
  • The Punjab Land Colonisation Act gave the British control over land ownership in the newly developed Chenab Colony (now in Pakistan). Farmers had to transfer their land to the British government upon death instead of passing it to their heirs.
  • The Doab Bari Act, 1907, too, took away farmers’ ownership rights over their lands, effectively reducing them to contract workers.
  • Along with this, the British raised taxes on agricultural land and water for irrigation, increasing the financial burden on farmers. Many small farmers and peasants were forced into debt.

Impact of the movement:

• Pagri Sambhal Jatta was one of the first major farmer movements against British rule, laying the foundation for future resistance in Punjab.
• The agitation led to mass protests and civil disobedience. Due to intense pressure, the British government withdrew some of the oppressive clauses of the laws.
• The movement inspired future protests, including the Ghadar Movement and Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary activities.

                                                              Source: Indian Express

With reference to Pagri Sambhal Jatta movement, consider the following:

1. It was started in Punjab to protest against three agricultural laws imposed by the British

2. It was started by Bhagat Singh by providing a slogan “Pagri Sambhal Jatta” to this movement.

3. It was supported by the famous freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C.All three

D.None

Answer B