Why in News? 

The anniversary of the Muzhara Movement was recently commemorated on March 19 to mark the historic struggle and confrontation between Muzhara tenant farmers and authorities. 

About the Muzhara Movement 

• Genesis 
  • Originated in the princely state of Patiala during the 1930s. 
  • Rooted in the Praja Mandal Movement of the 1920s. 
• Background 
  • Led by tenant farmers (known as Muzharas) of pre-Partition Punjab, who demanded ownership rights over the land they cultivated. 
  • Their struggle was against the exploitative biswedari system (a form of land tenancy). 
    ➤ Under this system, Biswedars (landlords) held shares in the land worked by Muzharas and paid a portion to the British, leading to the exploitation of peasants. 
• Purpose of Commemoration: Observed annually to remember the violent clashes between Muzharas and the authorities over land rights and justice. 
• Notable Leaders: Buta Singh, Kirpal Singh, and others played key roles in the movement.