Protest Movement Against Colonial Rule

A sudden fall in international cotton prices in 1870 led to debt crisis and land seizure by mahajans

Step 1: Cotton was the principal product of the Deccan region and the livelihood of the Kunbi peasants depended on it. Step 2: The Kunbi peasants had borrowed money from local mahajans (money-lenders) at high interest rates to invest in cotton cultivation. Step 3: In 1870, the price of cotton in the international market suddenly fell sharply, meaning peasants could not recover their investment. Step 4: Unable to repay loans, their lands were seized (mortgaged) by mahajans, who were not even residents of the village. Step 5: This dispossession led to the revolt of 1875. Options A, C, and D intr

They socially boycotted the money-lenders

Step 1: The Kunbi peasants' protest followed a clear escalation pattern. Step 2: Initially, in Poona and Ahmadnagar districts, the peasants adopted a peaceful measure — they socially boycotted the money-lenders. Step 3: Social boycott meant refusing to interact with, trade with, or acknowledge the mahajans socially, cutting off their influence in the community. Step 4: When this measure failed to bring relief, only then did the Kunbi peasants rise in open revolt — attacking houses, burning debt records along with houses. Step 5: Option D describes what happened AFTER the boycott failed. Option

It restricted loans on mortgage of property and required deed of contract or mortgage to be registered in government offices

Step 1: After the Deccan Riots of 1875, the British government was forced to address the root cause — the exploitative power of money-lenders over peasants. Step 2: The Deccan Land Act was passed with two key provisions mentioned in the chapter. Step 3: First, it restricted (put limits on) loans given on mortgage of property — preventing mahajans from seizing land too easily. Step 4: Second, it made it mandatory for deeds of contract or mortgage to be registered in government offices, creating an official record and preventing fraudulent contracts. Step 5: Option A (debt cancellation and redis

Tomma Dora, hailed as the king of Malkangiri

Step 1: The chapter mentions the Koya rebellion as a separate tribal uprising occurring in 1870-80 in the Eastern Godavari area of present Andhra Pradesh. Step 2: The leader of this movement was Tomma Dora. Step 3: The Koya people hailed Tomma Dora as the king of Malkangiri, showing the symbolic and political significance of his leadership to the tribals. Step 4: The movement collapsed when Tomma Dora was shot dead by the police, demonstrating how the colonial state suppressed tribal revolts by targeting their leaders. Step 5: Kenglia was the leader in the Deccan/Kunbi revolt (not Koya). Birsa