BEGAR: Forced Labor in Addition to Land Revenue

Introduction

• Definition: Begar is a Persian word, referring to the unpaid exploitation of labor.
• Nature: It involves compelling individuals to work against their will.

Historical Context

• Origins: Initially tied to cultivation, requiring individuals to provide labor during the state or government’s times of need.
• Evolution: Developed into a social practice, extending to Zamindars and eventually, under Sanad, to fulfill obligations to British authorities.
• Activities: Encompassed tasks beyond land cultivation, often involving carrying loads and meeting state obligations.

Types of Begar

1. Athwara Begar:
   • Personnel Begar to the ruler.
   • Compulsory unpaid labor for various purposes.
   • Includes services at the ruler’s darbar, supplying firewood, grass, and cultivating the ruler’s land.
2. Sanad Begar:
   • Arranged by hill chiefs for British authorities.
   • Tasks included carrying luggage, round development, public works, and collection of grass and fuel.
3. Batrawal (Hallah ke Begar):
   • Equitable system for public works.
   • Tasks like carriage of stones, wood construction, and repairs in state buildings.
4. Jaddi-Baddi (Hela-Mela):
   • Occasional Begar for special reasons or occasions (marriage, death, ruler’s installation).
   • Personal tribute reflecting respect for the ruler.
5. Begar during Tour:
   • Providing labor for carrying loads and camp arrangements during the chief’s territorial visits.
   • Equitable and not frequently imposed.
6. Political and High Begar:
   • Involves carrying loads and camp arrangements for state officials during their visits.
   • Paid form of labor in some states.
7. State Guests Begar:
   • Provided when a chief visits a state.
   • Labor for carrying luggage and arranging the chief’s tour and camp.
8. Geonsar Begar:
   • Villages carrying officials’ bundles on their tours.
9. Road Begar:
   • Repair of roads and bridle tracks by begaris in their respective territories.
10. Shikar Begar:
    • Beating jungles for game, disapproved by settlement officers.
    • If engaged, individuals had to pay for the labor.
11. Religious Begar:
    • Involves labor related to ceremonies and festivals of local deities.
    • Considered a religious obligation, contributing to community celebrations.

Nature of Begar 

Historical Significance

• Pre-British Era: Chief’s goods transported by subjects from one village to another.
• Land Possession: Begar linked with land possession; an integral part of the revenue system.
• Revenue Payment: People preferred paying revenue and dues in the form of labor due to a lack of cash.

Begar under British Government

• Recognition: British government acknowledged and incorporated the Begar system.
• Quota Requirement: Hill chiefs, when reinstalled, had to furnish a quota of begaris in proportion to their revenue.
• Increased Burden: Intensified during the construction of Shimla-Tibet road and the growth of Shimla as a British hill station.

Social Implications

• Social Structure: Integral to the social hierarchy involving land, labor, and living.
• Influence on Classes: Rich and strong often escaped Begar obligations, burdening the poor and lower castes.
• Exemptions: Brahmins, certain Rajput classes, officials, and influential individuals exempted; Bania families could commute Begar to cash.

Corruption and Idleness

• Corruption: Bribes given to officials for exemption, leading to corruption within the society.
• Idleness: Begar fostered idleness as laborers received no compensation for their work.

Cultural and Religious Influence

• Cultural Acceptance: Deeply ingrained belief that Begar was part of their destiny.
• Religious Backing: Supported by the philosophy of “Karma,” accepted by both rich and poor.

Economic Impact

• Economic Dependency: Integral part of the economic system of hill states.
• Adverse Effects: Small peasants adversely affected; Zamindars mitigated impact by sending substitutes.
• Employment Hindrance: Hindered employment opportunities, making individuals quasi-permanent laborers.

Reform and Abolition

• Stokes’ Initiative: Samuel Evan Stokes initiated efforts against Begar, forming an informal vigilance committee.
• Wage Increase: Representation to authorities resulted in doubling wages for Begar coolies.
• Abolition: Due to efforts led by Stokes, the system was abolished in Shimla in 1921.

Social Movements

• Agrarian Movements: Movements like Dhum, Pajotha, and revolts targeted the Begar system.
• Socio-Economic Structure: Begar had become a fundamental pillar of the socio-economic structure in hill states.