The Freedom Struggle in the Hills

The Indian independence movement, while centered in the plains, found significant echoes in the hill states of Himachal Pradesh. The struggle here took various forms, from early revolutionary sparks and participation in national agitations to organized Praja Mandal movements demanding democratic rights and an end to feudal oppression.

A. Early Sparks of Resistance and Influence of National Movements

Even before the widespread Praja Mandal agitations, the seeds of anti-colonial sentiment and political awakening were being sown in Himachal Pradesh, often influenced by broader national and international movements.

• Influence of National Movements: The spirit of nationalism, championed by the Indian National Congress and figures like Mahatma Gandhi, gradually permeated the hill states. National calls for action, such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and particularly the Quit India Movement of 1942, found resonance and inspired local participation. The Pajhota Andolan in Sirmour, for instance, is widely regarded as an extension of the Quit India Movement, demonstrating the interconnectedness of local grievances with the larger national struggle.
  
• Mandi Conspiracy (1914-1915): This was one of the earliest organized attempts at revolutionary activity in the region, heavily influenced by the nationalist and revolutionary ideals of the Gadhr Party. Meetings were held in Mandi and Suket states in December 1914 and January 1915, where plans were hatched to assassinate the British Superintendent and the Wazirs of Mandi and Suket, loot the state treasuries, and blow up the strategic bridge over the Beas River. However, the conspiracy was uncovered, and the individuals involved were apprehended and sentenced to long terms of imprisonment. Though unsuccessful, the Mandi Conspiracy signaled a growing discontent and a willingness to challenge both British authority and the allied princely rulers.
  
• Early Activism and Revolutionary Connections: Several individuals from the hill states were involved in revolutionary activities even before the mass-based Praja Mandal movements. Lala Lajpat Rai, a prominent national leader, visited Mandi in 1906 to help organize such activities. Hardev Ram of Mandi, inspired by the nationalist fervor, joined a revolutionary group in 1913 and even traveled abroad, meeting figures like Lala Hardayal (a key Ghadarite leader) and Dr. Mathura Singh. Bhai Hirda Ram, also from Mandi, became active in revolutionary circles around 1914. In Una, Rishikesh Lath initiated a revolutionary movement in 1915. These early efforts, though perhaps small in scale, were crucial in disseminating nationalist ideas and fostering a spirit of resistance. The ability of international revolutionary movements like the Gadhr Party to inspire action in relatively remote princely states like Mandi underscores the deep-seated desire for change and the networks through which revolutionary ideas traveled. The oppressive policies of both the British and some local rulers created fertile ground for such ideologies to take root. These early acts of defiance, even when suppressed, contributed to the political awakening that would later fuel the larger Praja Mandal agitations.
  

B. The Praja Mandal Movements: A Fight for Rights and Responsible Government

The Praja Mandal movements were the most significant form of popular political activity in the princely states of Himachal Pradesh during the freedom struggle. These “People’s Associations” aimed to secure civil liberties, end feudal exploitation, and establish responsible, democratic governments in the states.

• Formation and Aims:
  The idea of forming Praja Mandals gained momentum in the late 1920s and 1930s, inspired by the Indian National Congress and the All India States Peoples’ Conference (AISPC). The first Praja Mandal in Himachal was established in Suket State in 1936. A crucial decision to set up Praja Mandals in all princely states in Himachal Pradesh was taken at the Ludhiana session of the AISPC in 1939.
  Their primary objectives included:
  
  • Abolition of feudal practices like begar (forced labor), arbitrary and high taxation, and other forms of exploitation by rulers and jagirdars.
  • Establishment of democratic institutions, such as representative assemblies, and the right for people to participate in governance.
  • Securing civil liberties like freedom of speech, press, and assembly.
  • Ultimately, the integration of princely states into an independent and democratic India.
• Coordinating Bodies:
  
  • Himalayan Riyasti Praja Mandal (HRPM): Formed in December 1939, the HRPM aimed to coordinate and direct the activities of various Praja Mandals across the numerous hill states. Pandit Padam Dev served as its secretary , and Bhagmal Sautha was another key leader associated with it.
  • Himalayan Hill States Regional Council (HHSRC): Established in January 1946 by merging various Praja Mandals, the HHSRC provided a more unified platform to run the movements smoothly. Swami Purnanand of Mandi was its head (with the office in Mandi), Pandit Padam Dev was the chief secretary (office in Shimla), Shyam Singh Negi was the deputy chief secretary, and Shivanand Ramaul served as the joint secretary. The first conference of the HHSRC was held in Mandi in March 1946. This council later saw a split between a pro-confederation group (favoring people’s power with an advisory role for princes) led by Bhagmal Sautha, and a pro-merger group (wanting complete elimination of princely administration) led by Dr. Y.S. Parmar.
• “Bhai Do, Na Pai” Movement (1938/39):
  This significant movement, meaning “give neither recruits nor money,” was launched by the Himalayan Riyasti Praja Mandal. It was primarily a call to boycott contributions to the British war efforts during World War II and was an extension of the broader civil disobedience strategy. The movement led to the imprisonment of many Praja Mandal workers and demonstrated growing anti-British and anti-feudal sentiment.
  
• Key Agitations and Praja Mandal Activities in Specific States:
  
  • Dhami Firing Tragedy (July 16, 1939):
    
    • Context: The Dhami Riyasati Praja Mandal, formed on July 13, 1939, from the Prem Pracharini Sabha (est. 1937, led by Sita Ram), presented a charter of demands to Rana Dalip Singh of Dhami. Demands included the abolition of begar, a 50% reduction in land revenue, restoration of civil liberties, recognition of the Praja Mandal, and establishment of a responsible government.
    • Events: When the Rana refused these demands, a delegation led by Bhagmal Sautha proceeded towards Dhami to present the charter directly. At Ghanahatti, on the border of the state, the peaceful procession of about 1500 people was met with a police lathi charge and then firing, ordered by the Rana.
    • Casualties & Arrests: Two individuals, Uma Dutt and Durga Das, were killed in the firing, and many others were injured. Bhagmal Sautha was arrested.
    • Aftermath: This incident, the first firing tragedy in the freedom struggle of Himachal Pradesh, drew national condemnation. Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru denounced it, and the Indian National Congress appointed an investigation committee chaired by Duni Chand of Punjab. Despite this, the Rana of Dhami, with British support, suppressed the movement by arresting activists, confiscating property, and exiling leaders.
  • Pajhota Andolan (Sirmour, 1942):
    
    • Causes: This movement stemmed from oppressive policies of the Raja of Sirmour, Maharaja Rajendra Prakasha, including heavy taxes like Pasture Tax and Animal Tax, corruption by state officials, and forceful recruitment of people for World War II.
    • Leadership and Organization: Farmers of the Giripar area formed the Kisan Sabha at Jadol-Taproli to voice their grievances. Key leaders included Lakshmi Singh (Chairman), Vaid Surat Prakash (Secretary), Mia Chuchu, Basti Ram Pahari, Sunhari Devi, Matha Ram, Atma Devi, Daya Ram, and Sita Ram. Vaid Surat Singh (also referred to as Vaid Surat Ram) became particularly prominent when martial law was imposed. Shivanand Ramaul was also actively involved with the Sirmour Praja Mandal and the Pajhota agitation.
    • Demands: The Kisan Sabha demanded the removal of oppressive taxes, permission for open trading of crops, removal of corrupt state employees, establishment of an elected representative body in Sirmour, and expressed zero tolerance towards British rule.
    • Activities and Impact: The movement involved non-cooperation and, significantly, the formation of a parallel government in parts of Sirmour, challenging the Maharaja’s authority. The Pajhota Andolan is widely regarded as an extension of the Quit India Movement of 1942, highlighting the deep agrarian distress and anti-colonial sentiment in the region. The Raja responded with suppressive measures, including the imposition of martial law.
  • Suket Satyagraha (February 18, 1948):
    
    • Leadership: Led by Pandit Padam Dev, a prominent leader of the Himalayan Hill States Regional Council.
    • Aim and Outcome: The primary aim of the Satyagraha was the merger of Suket state with the Indian Union and the establishment of a responsible government. Under immense public pressure generated by the Satyagraha, Raja Laxman Singh of Suket signed the instrument of accession.
    • Significance: The Suket Satyagraha was a “bloodless revolution” that acted as a major catalyst for the integration of other princely states and the subsequent formation of Himachal Pradesh on April 15, 1948.
  • Praja Mandal Activities in Other States:
    
    • Bushahr: The Bushahr Praja Mandal was reactivated with the help of the Bushahr Sudhar Sammelan and Bushahr Prem Sabha. Key leaders included Pandit Padam Dev (working from Shimla), and Ghanshyam, Satyanand Bushehri (possibly Satyanand Stokes, though Stokes is more associated with agricultural reforms rather than direct Praja Mandal leadership in these snippets), and Thaku Ram active within the state. Satyadev Bushehri became its head in November 1946 and led a Satyagraha movement, resulting in arrests. The Praja Mandal demanded responsible government, and the People’s Party under Satyadev Bushehri won elections in October 1947.
    • Mandi: The Mandi Praja Mandal was established in 1936, with Swami Purnanand as President. Other leaders included Ram Chand, Baldev Ram, Harsukh Rai, Sunderlal, and Motiram. It likely focused on raising awareness against maladministration. Mandi hosted the first conference of the HHSRC in March 1946, signifying its importance as a center for regional Praja Mandal activities.
    • Chamba: The Chamba People’s Defence League (Lahore, 1932) and Chamba Servant Association (Chamba, 1936) were precursors or allied bodies. The Chamba Praja Mandal fought against the Diwan’s misrule and nepotism, demanding popular government, and received support from Mahatma Gandhi. Daulat Ram Gupta was a key leader who also participated in the Quit India Movement and raised the slogan “Na Bhai Do, Na Payi Do”.
    • Baghat: While a specific “Baghat Praja Mandal” with distinct agitations is not extensively detailed, the Bhagal Praja Mandal was formed in August 1938, led by Jeevan Ram Chauhan and Mansa Ram, focusing on rights awareness. The ruler of Baghat, Raja Durga Singh, later played a highly significant role as president of the Prajamandals of Himachal Pradesh in the integration process. This suggests that while internal agitations might have been less prominent or less documented in these snippets, the leadership was eventually aligned with the broader goals of integration.
    • Kunihar: The Kunihar Praja Mandal was established in 1939, led by Babu Kanshi Ram (distinct from Pahari Gandhi Baba Kanshi Ram) and Gauri Shankar. Their demands included the release of political workers, a 25% reduction in land tax, an end to government repression, and the formation of a reform committee. Negotiations with Rana Hardev Singh on July 9, 1939, led to the acceptance of these demands, a significant victory for the democratic movement.
    • Nalagarh (Hindur): The Punjab Riyasti Praja Mandal, affiliated with the All India States People’s Conference, was active in the Punjab Hill States, which included Nalagarh. Its general demands focused on civil liberties, peasant welfare, and the establishment of representative bodies. The organization lapsed after the creation of PEPSU in 1948, which Nalagarh joined. Specific local leaders or distinct agitations for a Nalagarh-specific Praja Mandal are not detailed in the provided snippets.
    • Other Small States (Ghund, Theog, Balson, Bhajji, Beja, Darkoti, Keonthal, Mahlog etc.): Rulers of these smaller states often banned the entry of Praja Mandal workers. However, the movement had an impact, as seen in Theog, which was the first princely state to establish a responsible government after its Rana, Karam Chand, was forced to concede power.
• The Praja Mandal movements, varying in intensity and approach across different states, collectively created an undeniable pressure for political reform and integration. The rulers’ responses ranged from outright suppression (Dhami, Sirmour) to negotiation and concession (Kunihar, Suket eventually). The British authorities generally supported the rulers in quelling these movements, viewing them as a threat to the stability of the princely order and their own paramountcy. However, the growing strength of the Indian nationalist movement and the clear aspirations of the hill people for democratic rights ultimately paved the way for the dissolution of princely rule and the formation of Himachal Pradesh.
  

C. Prominent Freedom Fighters of Himachal Pradesh

The freedom struggle in Himachal Pradesh was spearheaded by numerous dedicated individuals who, through their leadership, activism, and sacrifice, mobilized the populace and challenged both British colonial rule and the autocracy of the princely states.

• Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar:
  Born on August 4, 1906, in Chanhalag village, Sirmour district, Dr. Y.S. Parmar is widely regarded as the Architect of Himachal Pradesh.. A lawyer by training, he was actively involved in the Praja Mandal movements, particularly in Sirmour, where his strong views led to his exile from the state by the ruling Raja. He played a pivotal role in the Himalayan Hill States Regional Council (HHSRC), advocating for the merger of the hill states and the formation of a unified Himachal Pradesh. Dr. Parmar represented Himachal Pradesh in the Constituent Assembly of India. After the formation of Himachal Pradesh, he became its first Chief Minister in 1952, a position he held for multiple terms (1952-56, 1963-77). His leadership was instrumental in laying the administrative and developmental foundations of the new state, with a strong focus on road connectivity, education, agriculture, and horticulture.
  
• Bhagmal Sautha:
  Born on September 23, 1899, in Dhar village, Jubbal (Shimla district), Bhagmal Sautha was a prominent figure in the Praja Mandal movements. An engineer by training, he joined the freedom movement in 1922.237 He was a founding member of the Himalayan Riyasti Praja Mandal (HRPM) and served as its secretary. Sautha is most famously associated with leading the procession during the Dhami Firing Tragedy in 1939, for which he was arrested. He was a leading voice in the “Bhai Do, Na Pai” movement. Within the HHSRC, he led the pro-confederation group that favored popular rule with an advisory role for princes. He also served as the Chief Minister of the local representative government in Jubbal State and was part of the committee that proposed the name ‘Himachal Pradesh’.
  
• Pandit Padam Dev (“Kaviraj”):
  Born on January 26, 1901, in Bhamnol village, Shimla district, Pandit Padam Dev was a key figure in the freedom struggle and Praja Mandal movements. He actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1930) and was a founder member of the Himalayan Riyasti Praja Mandal. He campaigned against social evils like Reet, Begar, and untouchability. A significant achievement was his leadership of the Suket Satyagraha in 1948, which was instrumental in the merger of Suket state with the Indian Union. After the formation of Himachal Pradesh, he became its first Home Minister in 1952. He was later elected to the Lok Sabha (1957), the Territorial Council (1962), and the Vidhan Sabha (1967). He was popularly known as “Kaviraj”.
  
• Baba Kanshi Ram (“Pahari Gandhi”):
  Born on July 11, 1882, in Dehra Gopipur, Kangra district, Baba Kanshi Ram was a poet and a fervent nationalist. Deeply affected by the execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev in 1931, he took a vow to wear only black clothes until India attained independence, earning him the affectionate title “Siyahposh Jarnail” (The Black General). In 1937, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, impressed by his dedication, gave him the title “Pahari Gandhi”. Sarojini Naidu also called him “Bulbul-i-Pahar” (Nightingale of the Hills) for his soulful patriotic songs in the Pahari dialect. His activism was primarily centered in the Kangra region and adjoining hill areas.
  
• Shivanand Ramaul:
  Hailing from Sirmour district, Shivanand Ramaul was a fearless freedom fighter and social reformer. He actively participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement and endured imprisonment for his beliefs. He was instrumental in organizing the Sirmour Praja Mandal and played a significant role in the Pajhota Andolan. He also served as the Joint Secretary of the Himalayan Hill States Regional Council (HHSRC).
  
• Daulat Ram Sankhyan:
  Born on December 16, 1919, in Panchayatan village, Bilaspur district, Daulat Ram Sankhyan was a key figure in the Praja Mandal movement in Bilaspur. He led agitations against the Raja of Bilaspur, Anand Chand, and was jailed multiple times for his activities. He faced exile (‘Desh Nikala’) from Bilaspur due to his opposition to the Raja. After independence, he became the state president of the Congress party in 1957 and served as a minister for a number of years.
  
• Raja Durga Singh of Baghat:
  The last ruler of Baghat princely state, Raja Durga Singh, played a unique and crucial role in the integration of the princely states. Despite being a king himself, he took a decisive step towards the unification of the Himalayan princely states into what became Himachal Pradesh. He was appointed as the chairman of the constitution assembly (likely referring to a regional body for the hill states) and president of the Prajamandals of Himachal Pradesh. He presided over the Solan meeting in January 1948 where the name ‘Himachal Pradesh’ was proposed and where the merger of 30 princely states was decided.
  
• Freedom Fighters from Kinnaur:
  The official government portal mentions Jangi Ram Negi and Bhag Saran Negi from Kinnaur district as having played an important role in the freedom movement. Dayanand Negi, also from Kinnaur, was honored as a freedom fighter. Specific details of their activities within the Bushahr Praja Mandal or other movements are not extensively covered in the provided snippets but their recognition points to Kinnaur’s participation.
  
• Freedom Fighters from Solan Region:
  Arjan Singh from Kasauli (Solan district) is noted for his contribution. He was a soldier in the British army who later joined the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, rebelling against British rule. He was imprisoned for his anti-British activities and settled in Kasauli after independence.
  
• Other Prominent Leaders:
  The list of important freedom fighters also includes Purnanand, Satya Dev, Sada Ram Chandel, Daulat Ram (distinct from Daulat Ram Sankhyan unless specified), and Thakur Hazara Singh. Their specific contributions and regions of activity would require further detailed study beyond these snippets.
  

The following table summarizes the key freedom fighters and their primary associations/contributions:

Freedom Fighter	Region/State Association	Key Movements/Contributions	Snippet References
Dr. Y.S. Parmar	Sirmaur, Himachal	Praja Mandals, Integration of States, Architect of HP, First CM
Bhagmal Sautha	Jubbal (Shimla)	Dhami Praja Mandal, Dhami Firing Tragedy, HRPM, “Bhai Do, Na Pai”, HHSRC (Pro-Confederation), CM of Jubbal representative govt
Pandit Padam Dev	Rohru/Jubbal (Shimla)	Non-Cooperation, Himalaya Riyasti Praja Mandal, Suket Satyagraha, First Home Minister of HP, “Kaviraj”
Baba Kanshi Ram	Kangra	Poetry, Activism, Vow of black clothes, “Pahari Gandhi” (by Nehru), “Bulbul-i-Pahar” (by Sarojini Naidu)
Shivanand Ramaul	Sirmaur	Civil Disobedience, Pajhota Andolan, Sirmour Praja Mandal, HHSRC Joint Secretary
Daulat Ram Sankhyan	Bilaspur	Bilaspur Praja Mandal, Agitation against Raja of Bilaspur, State Congress President, Minister
Raja Durga Singh	Baghat (Solan)	Integration of Princely States, President of Prajamandals of HP, Proposed name ‘Himachal Pradesh’
Jangi Ram Negi	Kinnaur	Freedom Movement
Bhag Saran Negi	Kinnaur	Freedom Movement
Dayanand Negi	Kinnaur	Freedom Movement
Arjan Singh	Kasauli (Solan)	Indian National Army (INA)

This collective leadership, driven by diverse motivations ranging from anti-feudal sentiments to strong nationalist ideals, was crucial in mobilizing the people of the hill states and steering the region towards democratic governance and integration with independent India.