The period 1858-1914, on which this book focuses, comprises several disparate and localized struggles which are significant in revealing wider unities that existed among the Indian peasantry. In his introduction, the author first traces changing trends in the way the peasantry has been viewed by historians, from the colonial era until very recently. He then emphasizes the "community" consciousness of peasants, which gets redefined within the context of their specific struggle. He demarcates particular "areas of resistance" ...
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The period 1858-1914, on which this book focuses, comprises several disparate and localized struggles which are significant in revealing wider unities that existed among the Indian peasantry. In his introduction, the author first traces changing trends in the way the peasantry has been viewed by historians, from the colonial era until very recently. He then emphasizes the "community" consciousness of peasants, which gets redefined within the context of their specific struggle. He demarcates particular "areas of resistance" based on specific relationships of domination and subordination, each with a distinct character and chronology. Each localized, isolated resistance is thus unified in being directed against those outside the peasant community. The essays in this collection fit into a broad pattern defined as "community" resistance. The assertion implicit in these resistances is that the peasant communities had the right to oppose the ruling classes, as well as the right to override wider needs in favour of local interests.
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Add this copy of Peasants and Resistance in India, 1858-1914 (Themes in to cart. $20.46, very good condition, Sold by Halcyon Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from LONDON, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1992 by OUP India.
