Peasant movements in India arose during the 18th to 20th centuries under British colonial rule. They were driven by oppressive land revenue systems, exploitation by zamindars and moneylenders, and destructive colonial economic policies. Though not aimed at ending British rule, these movements reshaped agrarian politics and fueled nationalist consciousness.

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• Emerged during 18th–20th centuries under colonial exploitation
• Triggered by zamindari rents, illegal taxes, evictions, forced labour
• Ryotwari regions faced heavy land taxes
• Moneylenders charged high interest, seized land and livestock
• Peasants reduced to tenants-at-will, sharecroppers, landless labourers
• Rebellions included Indigo Revolt (1859–60), Santhal Rebellion (1855), Deccan Uprising (1875), Bardoli Satyagraha (1926)
• Other key movements: Rangpur Dhing, Narkelberia, Mappila, Tebhaga, Telangana, Munda Ulgulan
• Causes: land confiscation, rising rent, debt traps, destruction of handicrafts
• Impacts: peasants demanded rights, formed Kisan Sabhas, resisted exploitation
• Strengthened nationalism, restructured agrarian struggle, promoted unity of farmers