History of Assam GS 5
The Tezpur Ryot Sabha was a significant early peasant organization in Assam, founded in 1884 by Haribilash Agarwala.
Prominent figures associated with the Sabha included Lombodar Bora, Lakshmikanta Borkakoti, and Jaidev Sarma.
The Sabha emerged mainly to protest against the increase in land revenue and to highlight the sufferings of the peasants.
It was more well-organized compared to earlier ryot sabhas, marking a shift towards structured rural political activism.
In 1887, the Sabha constructed the Tezpur Town Hall by collecting subscriptions from peasants, making it the first hall of its kind in Assam and serving as a regular venue for political meetings.
The organization played a key role in raising political consciousness among the Assamese peasantry.
By 1886, several other popular associations emerged across Assam, such as the Nagaon Ryot Sabha, Upper Assam Association, Sylhet Association, Habibganj People’s Association, and the Assam Conference. These associations focused on representing public grievances, opposing land revenue hikes, and resisting new colonial taxes.
In response to the growing influence of these local organizations and the rising peasant movements, the British colonial government increased repressive measures, aiming to suppress their activities and diminish their public presence.
Significance:
The Tezpur Ryot Sabha and its allied associations were early indicators of agrarian unrest, grassroots political awakening, and organized resistance against colonial economic policies in Assam.
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