When did the first labour agitation occur in India ?

Correct option is A

The first labour agitation in India occurred in 1875. It was led by workers in Bombay (now Mumbai) to protest against exploitative working conditions, low wages, and long working hours in textile mills. This marked the beginning of organized labour movements in colonial India.

Explanation:

1. The 1875 labour agitation was a reaction to the harsh treatment of workers in the textile mills of Bombay.
2. It was one of the earliest recorded protests against industrial exploitation during British rule.
3. The movement later inspired the formation of trade unions and the strengthening of workers' rights in India.
4. The agitation highlighted issues like unfair treatment, lack of social security, and dismal working conditions.

Information Booster:

• The first organized labour strike occurred in 1889 in Bombay.
• The establishment of the Madras Labour Union in 1918 was another key milestone in Indian labour movements.
• Labour agitations were not just about economic grievances; they also became platforms for political demands against British rule.
• Key leaders like Narayan Meghaji Lokhande are credited with initiating worker mobilization during this period.

Additional Information:

• (a) 1875: The first labour agitation began, particularly in the textile sector of Bombay.
• (b) 1890: The period saw small-scale protests, but no significant agitation comparable to 1875.
• (c) 1900: Labour unrest gained more momentum, but this period is more notable for the groundwork of unionization.
• (d) 1921: A major year in labour history when the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) was formed.

Key Points:

• Early labour movements were a response to industrialization under colonial rule.
• They laid the foundation for India's labour rights legislation, including the Factories Act of 1881.
• Over time, these movements grew into larger social and political movements against colonial exploitation.