Peasant revolts in Telangana have played a crucial role in shaping the region's history, particularly in the fight against feudal exploitation and oppressive land tenure systems. These revolts were largely driven by the hardships faced by the rural population under the Nizam's rule and the exploitation by landlords (doras). Here are some of the key peasant revolts in Telangana:

1. Telangana Peasant Armed Struggle (Telangana Rebellion) (1946-1951)

  • Location: Telangana region, primarily in the districts of Warangal, Nalgonda, and Karimnagar.
  • Leaders: Communist Party of India (CPI) leaders like Puchalapalli Sundarayya, Makhdoom Mohiuddin, Baddam Yella Reddy, and Ravi Narayan Reddy.
  • Causes: The Telangana Rebellion was a major armed peasant uprising against the feudal lords (zamindars or doras) and the oppressive policies of the Nizam's government. The peasants were subjected to heavy taxes, forced labor (veth begar), and exploitation by the landlords. The revolt was also fueled by the demand for land reforms, better living conditions, and an end to the feudal system.
  • Events: The rebellion began in 1946, with peasants taking up arms against the landlords. They seized land, distributed it among themselves, and established their own local governance in some areas. The movement was supported by the CPI, which organized the peasants and provided leadership. The rebels formed village republics in some areas and drove out the landlords, creating a significant challenge to the Nizam's authority.
  • Outcome: The rebellion was eventually suppressed by the Indian government after the annexation of Hyderabad in 1948, when the Nizam's rule ended, and Hyderabad was integrated into the Indian Union. However, the movement forced the government to implement land reforms in the region, leading to the abolition of the jagirdari system and the redistribution of land to the peasants.

2. Mulkhi Agitation (1952)

  • Location: Telangana region.
  • Leaders: Various leaders, supported by the CPI and other local organizations.
  • Causes: After the integration of Hyderabad into India, the local people of Telangana felt marginalized, particularly in terms of employment and education, as non-Mulki (non-local) people were appointed to government jobs and educational institutions. The Mulkhi Rules were in place to ensure that locals were given preference in employment, but these were often violated.
  • Events: The agitation saw widespread protests and demonstrations by peasants, students, and local communities, demanding that the Mulkhi Rules be strictly implemented to protect their rights. The agitation also had an underlying element of peasant unrest, as the local farmers and laborers were also struggling against exploitation.
  • Outcome: The agitation led to the formation of a government inquiry and some concessions to the demands of the protesters. However, it also highlighted the growing discontent among the people of Telangana with the new administrative setup post-independence.

3. Vetti Chakiri Udyamam (Anti-Vetti Movement)

  • Location: Telangana region, particularly in Nalgonda, Karimnagar, and Warangal.
  • Causes: Vetti Chakiri (forced labor) was a practice where peasants were compelled to work on the lands of landlords without any remuneration. This feudal exploitation was rampant in Telangana under the Nizam's rule and continued even after the integration into the Indian Union.
  • Events: The Anti-Vetti Movement was a significant part of the broader Telangana Rebellion, where peasants, led by local leaders and supported by the CPI, refused to engage in forced labor. They organized themselves into groups, resisted the landlords, and demanded the abolition of the vetti system.
  • Outcome: The movement was successful in many areas, leading to the abolition of forced labor. It also contributed to the weakening of the feudal system in Telangana and set the stage for future land reforms.

4. Jagirdari Abolition and Peasant Movements

  • Location: Throughout the Telangana region.
  • Causes: The Jagirdari system in Telangana allowed the jagirdars (feudal lords) to collect taxes and control vast tracts of land, often leading to severe exploitation of the peasants. After India’s independence, there was a strong demand for the abolition of this system.
  • Events: Peasant movements across Telangana demanded the abolition of the Jagirdari system, fair land distribution, and the protection of their rights. These movements were often met with violent repression by the jagirdars and the state.
  • Outcome: The pressure from these movements eventually led to the abolition of the Jagirdari system through legislative reforms, significantly improving the condition of the peasants in the region.

5   5. Naxalite Movement (Late 1960s - Present):

o The Naxalite movement, inspired by Maoist ideologies, gained prominence in Telangana and other parts of India. It represents a form of tribal and peasant resistance against oppressive socio-economic conditions, demanding land reform, fair wages, and an end to exploitation. 

  6. Bhupalpally Armed Struggle (1980s):

o The armed struggle in Bhupalpally, a district in Telangana, was marked by protests and resistance against landlords and oppressive land tenure systems. Peasants and tribals in the region sought better wages and the redistribution of land.

Conclusion

The peasant revolts in Telangana were pivotal in challenging the oppressive feudal structures and demanding social justice. These revolts not only highlighted the issues of land rights, exploitation, and forced labor but also contributed to significant socio-political changes in the region, including land reforms and the weakening of the feudal system. The legacy of these movements continues to inspire agrarian and social justice struggles in Telangana today.