IRON MAN OF INDIA
SARDAR VALLABH BHAI PATEL
Sardar Patel's Satyagraha in Gujarat: A Year-by-Year Breakdown
1917:
September: In Borsad, Patel fires up Indians nationwide to sign Gandhi's self-rule (Swaraj)
movement from Britain.
October: Meets Gandhi for the first time and becomes his right-hand man in Gujarat by taking on
the secretary role of the Gujarat Sabha.
Rest of 1917: Fights against forced servitude ("veth") imposed on Indians by Europeans and
organized crucial relief efforts during a plague and famine in Kheda.
Wins election as sanitation commissioner of Ahmedabad.
Organizes grassroots campaigns in Kheda, educating farmers about British atrocities and
encouraging tax resistance.
1918:
Kheda Satyagraha: Patel leads a non-violent tax resistance movement for farmers facing a harsh
tax hike in Kheda district. He travels from village to village, building support and emphasizing
unity and non-violence.
Government crackdown: Despite peaceful protests, the government sends police to seize
property and arrest activists. However, Patel organizes volunteers to protect villagers and the
movement gains national attention.
Victory for justice: After months of struggle, the government negotiates with Patel and agrees to
suspend tax collection for a year, reducing the rate in the future. Patel emerges as a hero in
Gujarat.
1920-1922:
Non-cooperation movement: Patel supports Gandhi's call for nationwide non-cooperation with
British rule, adopting khadi clothing and rejecting British ways.
He recruits thousands in Gujarat and raises funds for the cause Satyagraha movement.
Ahmedabad's municipal president: Elected three times (1922, 1924, 1927), Patel works on
infrastructure improvements and education reforms, and fights for teachers' rights, even
addressing sensitive Hindu-Muslim issues.
Social reforms: Patel actively tackles issues like alcoholism, untouchability, and caste
discrimination, promoting women's empowerment.
1923:
Nagpur flag satyagraha: With Gandhi in prison, Patel leads a successful campaign against a ban
on raising the Indian flag. He organizes mass flag processions and negotiates the release of
prisoners and public flag hoisting.
Borsad dacoit tax resistance: Exposing police collusion with criminals, Patel helps villagers resist
an unfair "dacoit tax." He mobilizes hundreds, organizes information networks, and leads
peaceful protests, forcing the government to withdraw the tax.
1928:
Bardoli Satyagraha: A famine and an even steeper tax hike hit Bardoli. Patel again organizes a
complete tax refusal, setting up volunteer camps and information networks.
Intensified struggle: Despite arrests and property seizures, the movement gains momentum
across Gujarat. Villagers unite under Patel's leadership, refusing to back down.
Triumphant settlement: Through negotiations, Patel secures victory for Bardoli. The tax hike is
repealed, village officials reinstated and seized land returned.
The women of Bardoli begin calling him "Sardar" (chief) for his remarkable leadership.
1931:
Salt Satyagraha: As Gandhi launches the famous Dandi Salt March, fueling the independence
movement, Patel gets arrested in Gujarat. His absence sparks an anti-tax rebellion in the
state, demanding his release.
Congress president: Once released, Patel briefly serves as Congress president, organizing land
return for farmers in Gujarat.
Karachi Congress session: Elected president for the 1931 session, Patel leads Congress in
ratifying the Gandhi-Irwin Pact and advocating for fundamental rights, a secular nation, and
social reforms.
1932:
Imprisoned with Gandhi: Following the Round Table Conference's failure, both Gandhi and Patel
were re-arrested in Bombay and imprisoned in Yeravda Central Jail in Pune.
Deepening bond: During their imprisonment, Gandhi and Patel developed a close
relationship, discussing national issues, reading scriptures, and even learning Sanskrit from
Gandhi.
Struggle continues: Patel cares for Gandhi during his fast-unto-death for separate electorates
and remains committed to the independence movement.
1934:
Released in 1934 after a term of imprisonment, continuing his role in India's struggle for
Independence.
