Question

What was the meaning of Swaraj to plantation workers in Assam?

Answer 1

Condition of Assam workers - Under the Inland Emigration Act of 1859, plantation workers were not permitted to leave the tea gardens without permission, and in fact they were rarely given such permission.

Interpretation of Swaraj –

1. For plantation workers in Assam, Swaraj meant the right to move freely in and out of the confined space in which they were enclosed.
2. It meant that they’ll be able to make contact with the people of the villages from which they had come.
3. When they heard of the Non-Cooperation Movement, thousands of workers defied the authorities, left the plantations and headed home.
4. They believed that Gandhi Raj was coming and everyone would be given land in their own villages.