Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel emerged as a national level leader through his leadership of which of the following peasants movements in Gujarat?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Bardoli Satyagraha

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on the political rise of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who later became known as the Iron Man of India and played a crucial role in integrating princely states after independence. Before that national role, he first gained wide recognition by leading a successful peasants movement in a region of Gujarat, where farmers resisted an unjust increase in land revenue.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- The leader is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- The question asks about the movement through which he emerged as a major leader.
- The options list Bhoodan Movement, Rowlatt Satyagraha, Bardoli Satyagraha, Swadeshi Movement and Dandi March.
- The movement in question is described as a peasants movement in Gujarat.


Concept / Approach:
The main concept is to connect Sardar Patel with Bardoli, a taluka in Gujarat. In 1928 the colonial government announced a steep increase in land revenue in Bardoli. Under the leadership of Patel, peasants launched a non violent campaign refusing to pay the enhanced tax until it was reduced. This movement is known as Bardoli Satyagraha and its success earned Patel the title Sardar, meaning leader or chief. Other movements listed in the options are associated with different leaders or regions.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Bardoli Satyagraha was a peasants movement in Gujarat against a revenue hike in 1928.Step 2: Recognise that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the main organiser and leader of this movement.Step 3: Understand that his firm yet disciplined leadership at Bardoli brought him national fame and the honorific title Sardar.Step 4: Compare this information with the options and identify Bardoli Satyagraha as the correct match.Step 5: Rule out other movements that either took place elsewhere or were led by different leaders.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by recalling typical exam pairs, such as Vinoba Bhave Bhoodan Movement, Mahatma Gandhi Rowlatt Satyagraha and Dandi March, and early nationalists Swadeshi Movement. Bardoli, however, is always associated with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Many textbooks specifically state that he rose to prominence through his leadership of Bardoli Satyagraha.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Bhoodan Movement: This land donation movement was led mainly by Acharya Vinoba Bhave after independence, not by Sardar Patel.
- Rowlatt Satyagraha: A country wide protest against the repressive Rowlatt Act in 1919, led by Mahatma Gandhi.
- Swadeshi Movement: Connected with the anti partition agitation after 1905, involving many leaders but not particularly marking Patels rise.
- Dandi March: Part of the Salt Satyagraha in 1930, led by Gandhi; Patel supported it but his leadership fame had already been established through Bardoli.


Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates misassociate Patel with every Gandhian movement in Gujarat, which can lead to confusion between Bardoli and Dandi. The safe method is to remember that Dandi March highlighted Gandhis leadership on the national stage, while Bardoli Satyagraha specifically brought Patel into the limelight and earned him his title Sardar.


Final Answer:
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel first emerged as a major national leader through his leadership of the Bardoli Satyagraha in Gujarat.

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