Sirmaur Land Movement (1878)
Era of Raja Shamsher Prakash
In 1878, the first-ever land settlement in Sirmaur State was initiated. While intended to modernize the state, it triggered a violent reaction in the Renuka region.
Key Officials Involved
| Settlement Officers | Munshi Nandlal & Munshi Fateh Singh |
| Field Tehsildar | Munshi Jeet Singh |
The Revolt in Renuka
Actions:
- Physically fought with the settlement staff to halt land measurements.
- Attempted to capture Tehsildar Munshi Jeet Singh.
- Landlords refused to believe the King’s assurances that taxes wouldn’t rise unfairly.
Suppression & Results
The settlement staff retreated to Nahan to report the violence. The King’s response was swift:
- Soldiers were dispatched from Nahan to capture the rebels.
- The British Superintendent in Shimla was coordinated for assistance.
- Leaders Achbu and Pritam Singh were apprehended by the Shimla Superintendent and imprisoned at Nahan.
SIRMAUR MOVEMENT (1929)
Protest Against Arbitrary Land Settlement
In May 1929, the people of Sirmaur rose again, but this time with a more organized political strategy. The movement centered on the Ponta (Paonta Sahib) and Nahan regions.
Centers of Agitation
Paonta Sahib NahanTactics & Methods
- Advertisements/Petitions: Formally sent to King Amar Prakash and the British Government to list grievances.
- Processions: Organized public marches through the streets of Paonta to demonstrate strength.
- Civil Resistance: Targeted the “arbitrary” nature of the new land settlement.
The Result
At the behest of the British Government, the State Administration took measures to suppress the agitation. Due to the combined pressure of the state and British authorities, the movement eventually subsided after some time.
SIRMAUR PRAJA MANDAL (SPM)
Established: 1939 | The Organized Political Struggle
Founding Leaders
State Repression & Concocted Cases
The SPM’s popularity became an “eyesore” to state authorities, leading to the fabrication of two false cases against workers:
- Conspiracy to murder the Raja.
- Throwing stones at the Raja with intent to kill.
Accused: Devinder Singh, Harish Chander, Nahar Singh, and Jagbandan Singh.
Judicial Proceedings & Dr. Y.S. Parmar
The Session Judge, Dr. Y.S. Parmar (future first CM of HP), courageously discharged the accused in the conspiracy case due to lack of evidence.
- Transferred the case to a Special Tribunal.
- The Tribunal overturned the decision and convicted the accused.
To crush the resulting Satyagraha, the state deployed the Jehlami Police, known for their harsh methods of suppression.
PAJHOTA MOVEMENT (1942-43)
The “Quit India” Extension in Sirmaur State
Historical Context
- Location: Pacchad (Pajhota), Upper Sirmaur.
- King: Rajendra Prakash.
- Revenue Minister: Ram Gopal Abhi (System: Gopalshahi).
Core Grievances
- Forced grain sale to Govt. Co-ops at low prices.
- Ban on exporting grain for better value.
- Unfair taxes on marriage, customs, and livestock.
Establishment of “Pajhota Kisan Sabha” (Oct 1942)
Formed in Taproli Village to challenge the state’s atrocities.
• Mian Madan Singh (Later President)
• Lakshmi Singh (Initial President)
• Shiva Nand Ramaul
• Mian Chu-Chu & Gulab Singh Its chief Lakshmi Singh village Kotla and secretary Vaidya Surat Singh were elected. Apart from this, Mian Gulab Singh and Attar Singh of Jadol, Mehar Singh of Pankufar, Madan Singh of Dhamla, Jamal Singh of Vaghote, Kaliram Shavani of Neri etc.
Key Confrontations
1. Lala Badhva Mal was assaulted; villagers captured DSP Thakur Jagat.
2. Dr. Y.S. Parmar joined the movement, lending legal and political weight.
3. King Rajendra Prakash refused to meet the people due to court flattery.
MARTIAL LAW IMPOSED
May 14-15, 1943: Military rule was established in Pajhota. For two months, people lived under ‘Marshal Law’. A man named Kamna was killed in police firing.
The Final Suppression
- Vaid Surat Singh’s house was demolished; he and others were arrested.
- The Exile: Protesters fled to Jubbal State, where King Bhakta Chand provided them refuge.
- Punishment: A Special Tribunal in Nahan sentenced leaders like Vaidya Surat Singh, Mian Gulab Singh, Amar Singh, Madan Singh, Kaliram to 10 years of imprisonment.
Later Developments (1944–1948)
1944:
- Formation of the Sirmauri Association and the Sirmaur Riyasti Praja Mandal.
1946:
The Praja Mandal office and General Secretary Shri Shiva Nand Ramaul were shifted to Nahan.