The Mahad Satyagraha is a very important part of the history of Dalit movement. In the 1920s, the Dalit movement gained momentum as a structured and conscious force in India’s social and political sphere. A pivotal event during this period in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s journey was the ‘Mahad Satyagraha,’ which became a milestone in the fight for equality.
Mahad, a small yet historically significant town in Maharashtra’s Konkan region, was formerly known as ‘Kolaba.’ This town was an integral part of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Maratha Empire, serving as its capital. The iconic Raigad Fort, where Shivaji Maharaj’s samadhi is located, stands as a testament to its legacy. Situated on the banks of the Savitri River, Mahad also holds ancient roots, once known by the name Mahikavati.
Background of Mahad Satyagraha
The 1920s played a pivotal role in shaping the backdrop of the Mahad Satyagraha. This decade was a period of turbulence on both national and global fronts. The echoes of the great proletarian October Revolution resonated in India, inspiring new ideas and movements. Efforts to establish a new Communist Party on a stronger foundation were also taking shape during this time.
Simultaneously, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the Congress and the Muslim League actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement. The wave of public awareness generated by this movement sparked a growing outcry against the caste system. This awakening led to significant social and political unrest, paving the way for movements challenging the deeply entrenched caste hierarchy.
During this period, in August 1923, social reformer S.K. Bole introduced a resolution to grant access to all water facilities constructed with public funds. The objective of this resolution was to allow the untouchables to use water and water reservoirs.
In September 1923, the Bombay government approved S.K. Bole’s resolution. By January 1924, the Mahad Municipal Council implemented the resolution. However, due to resistance from the upper castes, it could not be effectively enforced.
S.K. Bole’s proposal remained unimplemented for three years, existing only on paper. In 1926, he introduced a new provision recommending the withdrawal or reduction of financial assistance to public places and institutions that failed to enforce the proposal. However, despite these measures, the proposal never materialized in practice.
Frustrated by the continued inaction, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar took a decisive step in March 1927 by launching the Mahad Satyagraha, aimed at securing the fundamental rights of the untouchables.Ambedkar was suggested to hold a conference in Mahad by RB More of Dasgaon.
Sitaram Keshav BoleThe First Phase of the Mahad Satyagraha
The Mahad Satyagraha began on March 19, 1927, with a historic conference held at Veereshwar Theater in Mahad under the leadership of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. Approximately 3,000 individuals gathered for this landmark event. The conference also saw the participation of notable upper-caste social reformers, including Gangadhar Nilkanth Shastrabuddhe, Anant Chitre, Shankar Bhai Dharia, and Surendra Nath Tipnis.While addressing the Dalits and the so-called untouchables at the conference, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar said:
“You must renounce three things: first, you must give up the so-called “unclean professions” that have led to your social stigma. Second, you must stop consuming the flesh of dead animals. And third, and most importantly, you must rid yourself of the mindset that “I am untouchable.”…………………….Did we come here because we don’t have water to drink? Did we come here because we, who are called thirsty for the flavorful waters, are being deprived? No, we came here to claim our right to be human.”
On March 20, 1927, a meeting of selected individuals from the conference was held at the residence of Surendra Nath Tipnis. Besides Dr. Ambedkar, Gangadhar Nilkanth Shastrabuddhe and Anand Chitre were also present. It was here that the decision was made to go to the Chavdar Lake after the formal conclusion of the conference and to act on the proposal put forward by S. K. Bole.The issue of going to Chavdar tank was not initially included in the agenda.
After the formal conclusion of the conference, while addressing the vote of thanks, social activist Anand Chitre remarked, “This conference cannot be considered complete without achieving a significant task.” He went on to say, “At Chavdar Lake, which is a public water source, Dalits are prohibited from drawing water due to the practice of untouchability, despite the fact that the Mahad Municipal Corporation has implemented the proposal put forward by S. K. Bole. This conference must take a stand to end this injustice.”
Anand Chitre’s words had a powerful effect. On the afternoon of March 20, 1927, the entire crowd, led by Dr. Ambedkar, marched towards Chavdar Lake. At that moment, around 4,000 people were following Dr. Ambedkar.
Upon reaching Chavdar Lake, Bhimrao Ambedkar filled his hands with water from the lake and drank it. Following this, thousands of his followers, who had accompanied him, did the same. This act was a symbolic protest aimed at challenging the pervasive system of untouchability and the caste-based hierarchy in society.
Mahad Satyagraha The Reaction to Mahad Satyagraha
After this event, a rumor spread that the untouchables were planning to enter the Veereshwar Temple in the city. As a result, the upper-caste people attacked and beat the untouchables. This incident is mentioned by Ashok Gopal, who wrote the biography of Dr. Ambedkar, in his book A Part Apart: The Life and Thought of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The media’s response to the historic revolt of the Dalits was also influenced by a casteist mindset. The newspaper Bhala wrote, addressing the Dalits:
” You people should immediately stop trying to touch temples and water bodies. And if this is not done, we will teach you a lesson.”
In reply to this, B. R. Ambedkar wrote-
“Those who are talking about teaching us a lesson, we will deal with them as well.”
The biased attitude of the media inspired Dr. Ambedkar to establish a newspaper to amplify the voice of Dalits and reach the masses. The publication of the newspaper “Mooknayak”, launched by Dr. Ambedkar in 1920, had ceased. Therefore, on April 3, 1927, Dr. Ambedkar started a new newspaper named “Bahishkrit Bharat”. In the April 22 issue of the newspaper, Dr. Ambedkar wrote:
“Like Mahatma Gandhi, we too have always believed that untouchability is a stigma on Hinduism. But now our eyes have opened, and we realize that it is a blemish on our own selves. As long as we considered it a stain on Hinduism, we entrusted the task of its removal to you. However, now that we understand it to be a mark on us, we have taken up the sacred duty of eradicating it ourselves.”
On the other hand, on the second day of the Mahad Satyagraha, March 21, 1927, upper-caste Hindus undertook the “purification” of the Chavdar Tank. They removed water from the tank in 108 earthen pots, mixed it with cow dung, milk, urine, and curd, and then submerged the pots back into the tank. This act was intended to purify the tank and declare it fit for use by the upper castes again. This incident angered Dr. Ambedkar, leading to the initiation of the second phase of the Mahad Satyagraha.
Preparation for Mahad Satyagraha
The next phase of the Mahad Satyagraha was scheduled for 25th and 26th December 1927. A comprehensive awareness campaign was launched to prepare for it. The Kokanastha Mahar Samaj Seva Sangh worked to mobilize Mahar villagers from the Mahad region and educate them about the movement. To spread awareness, several conferences were organized in different locations. During one such gathering on 3rd July 1927, held in preparation for the Mahad Satyagraha, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar stated:
“Satyagraha means fight. But this fight is not to be done with swords, guns, cannons and bombs but without weapons. The way people did Satyagraha in places like Patuakhali, Vaikom, we have to do Satyagraha in Mahad in the same way. During this, it is possible that the government may be ready to put us in jail in the name of disturbing peace, so we have to be ready to go to jail as well. For Satyagraha, we need people who are fearless and self-respecting. Untouchability is a stigma on our body and only those people who are committed to eradicate it should register their names for Satyagraha.”
Pamphlets were also distributed to encourage participation in the Mahad Satyagraha. One such Marathi pamphlet read:
“All those planning to join the Mahad Satyagraha, scheduled to begin on December 25, 1927, are kindly requested to bring the following items with them: a plate, a pot, a blanket, and sufficient food supplies to last for three days. While food arrangements will be made at the site, it would be ideal if each participant can manage their own provisions.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other members of the Satyagraha Committee will depart from Mumbai on December 24, 1927, by steamer. Those wishing to travel with them must deposit ₹5 for travel expenses at the office of the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha, so that arrangements for a separate boat can be made. Participants who do not travel with the committee members should directly reach Dasgaon.
A large gathering is anticipated at the Mahad Satyagraha. To ensure easy identification in the crowd, all volunteers participating in the event must wear the badge of the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha. The Satyagraha Committee will not take responsibility for the safety or any other concerns of those without this badge. The badge is priced at only two annas and can be purchased from the office of the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha.”
Yours sincerely
Sitaram Namdev Shivtarkar
Secretary, Satyagraha Committee
Syrian Civil War – https://infowebindia.com/history/history-of-the-syrian-civil-war/
Muslims and Chavdar Tank
The Chavdar Tank is often discussed as a site of conflict between upper-caste Hindus and untouchables. However, a detailed analysis of this satyagraha shows that the touchable group also included Muslim families residing near the tank. These Muslim families not only had the right to fetch water from the tank but also contributed both financially and through labor to its upkeep. It remains unclear, however, when and under what circumstances they gained access to the tank. While Muslims could use the tank, its ownership continued to rest with the upper-caste Hindus.
The Second Phase of Mahad Satyagraha
As the proposed date for the Mahad Satyagraha, December 25-26, drew closer, the activity in Mahad intensified. During this time, the upper-caste individuals filed a claim in court on December 12, 1927, stating that the Chavdar Tank was private property and that S.K. Bole’s resolution could not be implemented there.
On December 14, 1927, the court issued a temporary injunction that prohibited Dr. Ambedkar and the Dalit community from accessing the Chavdar Tank and using its water.
However, the court’s order had little impact on the Mahad Satyagraha. A large number of people gathered in Mahad to participate in the conference. On December 24, 1927, Dr. Ambedkar also arrived at the venue. That evening, the District Magistrate handed Dr. Ambedkar a copy of the court’s order and requested him to postpone the Mahad Satyagraha. However, Dr. Ambedkar was allowed to address the conference.
On December 25, 1927, at 4:00 PM, the Mahad Satyagraha conference commenced in the presence of thousands of people. A grand pavilion was set up at the venue, featuring only one prominent photograph — that of Mahatma Gandhi. This reflected the continued influence and support Gandhi’s leadership held within the Dalit movement.
In front of the pavilion, a symbolic pyre had been prepared, surrounded by poles and enclosed on three sides. It bore powerful slogans, declaring:
- Manusmriti Dahan Sthal
- Eradicate Untouchability
- Bury Brahmanism
While addressing the conference, Dr B.R. Ambedkar said:
“It is not as if drinking water from the Chavdar Tank will make us immortal. We have lived well for so long even without drinking its water. We are not going to the Chavdar Tank merely to drink its water; we are going there to assert that we, too, are human beings like everyone else. Clearly, this gathering has been convened to establish the principles of equality.”
On the night of December 25, 1927, at 9:00 PM, Dr. Ambedkar ceremoniously burned the Manusmriti at the same venue. He was joined in this historic act by six Dalit monks and a progressive Brahmin scholar, Gangadhar Neelkanth Sahastrabuddhe, who stood in solidarity with the cause.
Manusmriti Dahan Divas 25 December On December 26, 1927, respecting the court’s order, the plan for the satyagraha at the Chavdar Tank was postponed. During this time, Dr. Ambedkar said:
“I am aware of your strength. However, I believe that strength should be used wisely, considering the time and place. Postponing a struggle does not mean abandoning it.”
Although the Mahad Satyagraha was temporarily halted, it proved to be a turning point in the history of the Dalit movement. On December 25, 1937, the Bombay High Court delivered a verdict granting Dalits the right to access the water of the Chavdar Tank. Thus, after a decade, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Mahad Satyagraha emerged victorious.
Wikipedia – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahad_Satyagraha