About Sardar Patel

• Born: 31^st October,1875
• He pursued law and became an accomplished lawyer known for his sharp legal skills.
• He went to London in 1910 to study law, following the death of his wife.
• Career in Ahmedabad: After returning to India, Patel settled in Ahmedabad, where he became a prominent figure in the legal profession.
  • He established himself as a successful criminal lawyer and earned respect for his ability to handle complex legal matters.
• Shift Towards Politics: Initially, Patel had no inclination toward politics, but over time, under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi, he became deeply engaged in the national struggle for independence.
• By 1917, Patel was drawn into the Gandhian movement and adopted Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence and truth (Satyagraha).
• Contributions in India's Freedom Struggle:
  • Kheda Satyagraha (1917):
    • He played a significant role in the Kheda Satyagraha, where peasants in Gujarat were protesting against the unfair taxation policies imposed by the British.
    • He led the movement alongside Gandhi, organizing farmers and pushing for a reduction in taxes and relief for those affected by the famine.
    • His leadership brought him into the national limelight.
  • Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22):
    • He was actively involved in the Non-Cooperation Movement, a nationwide protest against British rule.
    • He took charge of the movement in Gujarat, mobilizing a large number of people, recruiting 300,000 new members to the Indian National Congress.
    • He also played a major role in promoting the boycott of British goods, and in supporting the swadeshi (self-reliance) movement, including the widespread use of Khadi, an emblem of the freedom struggle.
  • Bardoli Satyagraha (1928):
    • The Bardoli Satyagraha, under his leadership, became a landmark event in the Indian freedom struggle.
    • The movement was launched in response to a steep increase in land revenue assessments by the British.
    • Despite severe famine conditions,he led the peasants in a non-violent rebellion, and the British were forced to roll back the tax hikes.
    • This success earned him the title ‘Sardar’ (meaning leader or chief).
• Leadership in Indian National Congress
  • 1931 Karachi Session:
    • His influence in the Indian National Congress was significant, and in 1931, he presided over the 46^th session of the Congress, held in Karachi.
    • This session is particularly notable for its passage of the Fundamental Rights resolution, which became the foundation for India’s future constitution.
  • 1934 Role in the Congress:
• Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34)
  • Salt Satyagraha and Personal Involvement:
    • He was a key participant in the Salt Satyagraha, led by Gandhi, against the British monopoly on salt production and its oppressive taxation.
    • His contribution was crucial in organizing protests, including the famous Dandi March, and later, he was arrested for his involvement in the movement.
    • His efforts were central to spreading the idea of non-violent resistance across the country.
  • Boycott and Non-Violent Protest:
    • During this movement, Patel was instrumental in promoting the boycott of British goods, rejection of taxes, and the spread of the idea of swadeshi.
    • His advocacy for non-violent resistance and civil disobedience became a major aspect of the freedom struggle.
• Quit India Movement (1942)
  • Leadership Role in Quit India Movement: In 1942, he emerged as one of the key leaders in the Quit India Movement, which aimed for the immediate withdrawal of the British from India.
    • He played a pivotal role in organizing protests, strikes, and civil disobedience throughout India.
    • His leadership was critical in mobilizing large sections of the population, urging them to demand independence through mass action.
• National Mobilization and Strategy: He gave powerful speeches urging people to join the movement and led campaigns for the boycott of British goods and the closure of civil services.
  • He also organized financial support for the movement and worked to protect national leaders from being arrested by the British authorities.