Peasant Struggle

The peasant struggle of the Warli tribe occurred in the year 1945 in the Thane district of Maharashtra. Thane became a site of struggle primarily with its huge tribal population among whom the Warlis comprised approximately 55% of the population. The demands of the struggle were also related to their contemporary problems which were largely feudal atrocities. The practice of lagnagadi (bonded married servants who were not allowed to migrate) and vethi (customary free labor) were the main issues. Another issue was the demand for a rise in wages for grass-cutting in the fields of landlords. The nature of work was such that both the men and women were employed in these activities by the landlords. Hence, this struggle also saw active and aggressive participation of women ranging from adolescents to the elderly. Further, the visionary contribution of leaders like Godavari Parulekar and Shamrao Parulekar gave an impetus to the movement. As expected, the colonial British government ruthlessly suppressed by unleashing violence on the agitators. But the outcome of the movement was fruitful and transformative for Warli tribals who became more aware and awakened of their rights.