Who viewed Indian peasantry as docile and not capable for independent action ?

The correct answer is - Barrington Moore Jr.

Key Points

• Barrington Moore Jr.
  • Moore, a prominent sociologist and political scientist, explored the dynamics of social revolutions and class structures in his seminal work, "Social Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy."
  • In his analysis, he characterized the Indian peasantry as being docile and lacking the capacity for independent revolutionary action due to structural factors like colonial rule and entrenched social hierarchies.
  • He argued that the absence of a strong, independent peasant movement in India influenced the trajectory of its political and economic development.
  • This perspective highlights the role of external constraints and the lack of cohesive class consciousness among Indian peasants.

Additional Information

• Other Thinkers on Indian Peasantry
  • A.R. Desai
    • A Marxist scholar, Desai viewed Indian peasants as having revolutionary potential but constrained by feudal exploitation and colonial policies.
    • He emphasized the role of class struggle and economic conditions in shaping peasant movements in India.
  • Teodor Shanin
    • Shanin focused on the sociology of the peasantry, emphasizing the agency of rural communities in shaping their economic and social structures.
    • He challenged the idea of peasants being universally passive or incapable of independent action.
  • Partha Mukherjee
    • Known for his insights into Indian rural society, Mukherjee analyzed the complexities of caste, class, and community in shaping peasant behavior.
    • His work contrasts with Moore’s views by recognizing the potential for organized peasant resistance under specific conditions.
• Significance of Peasant Movements
  • Peasant movements in India, such as the Tebhaga Movement and Telangana Rebellion, provide counterpoints to Moore's assessment, showcasing periods of active resistance.
  • These movements demonstrate that, while external conditions often suppressed peasant agency, there were instances of collective action challenging feudal and colonial oppression.