Peasant Uprising in Bobbili Estate, 1922

Severe exploitation at the hands of Zamindars and colonial rulers caused deep seated resentment and unrest amongst the peasants in different parts of the nation. The peasant uprising against the Bobbili Zamindars in 1922 was led by Simhadri Suryanarayana. It took place in the present day district of Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, where several small scale farmers came together to vehemently oppose the unfair system of taxation. The uprising soon gained momentum. The rioters were imprisoned and their properties confiscated by the authorities of the Estate. The Zamindars also tried to suppress the revolt with help of the British, by imprisoning the rebels. However, the revolt had already spread to the other areas. In a meeting held at Vishakhapatnam, a popular political leader of north coastal Andhra, Bhupathi Raju Venkatapathi Raju, strongly criticized the policies adopted by the Zamindars. Several important figures emphasized on the need for an amendment in the Estate Land Act. Eventually, a resolution was passed reducing the land tax.