Best History Notes on Bihar’s Role in the JP Movement (1974) for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025

JP Movement

Best History Notes on Bihar’s Role in the JP Movement (1974) for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025

History of Bihar-24

Here is a detailed explanation of Bihar’s role in the JP Movement (1974)  one of the most defining mass movements in India’s post-independence political history , focusing on causes, key events, leaders, and impact.

What Was the JP Movement

  • Also known as “Sampoorna Kranti” (Total Revolution).
  • A mass protest movement initiated in 1974 by Jayaprakash Narayan (JP).
  • Aimed at ending corruption, misrule, price rise, unemployment, and political authoritarianism.
  • Originated in Bihar and later spread across India, becoming a national movement.

Historical Context

AspectDescription
Political backdropDiscontent with Congress-led governments (both Centre and Bihar), allegations of misrule and corruption.
Economic issuesSharp price rise, unemployment, and economic stagnation post-1971 war and oil crisis.
Student agitationIn March 1974, Bihar students protested against rising fees, unemployment, and lack of facilities. This led to the formation of the Bihar Chhatra Sangharsh Samiti (BCSS).
Appeal to JPStudents invited Jayaprakash Narayan, a Gandhian leader, to guide the movement.

Key Role of Jayaprakash Narayan

RoleDetails
Moral authorityJP had renounced politics in the 1950s, giving him moral credibility as a selfless leader.
Mass mobilizerHe transformed a student agitation into a people’s movement against misgovernance.
Gandhian methodsEmphasized non-violence, civil disobedience, and satyagraha.
Call for “Total Revolution”Advocated change in education, politics, economy, morality, administration, and culture.

Major Events in Bihar (1974–75)

DateEvent
18 March 1974Students in Patna launched protests against misgovernance and inflation.
8 April 1974Formation of Bihar Chhatra Sangharsh Samiti (Lalu Prasad Yadav was a key student leader).
5 June 1974JP addressed a massive rally at Gandhi Maidan, Patna , formally launched the “Total Revolution”.
June–Sept 1974Strikes, gheraos, hartals across Bihar and other states, demand for Bihar govt’s resignation.
Nov 1974JP launched rail roko and civil disobedience; called for peaceful revolution.

Major Leaders and Participants from Bihar

LeaderRole
Jayaprakash Narayan (JP)Supreme leader of the movement, ideologue and strategist.
Lalu Prasad YadavStudent leader from Patna University, key in organizing protests.
Nitish KumarActive youth participant in JP movemen, later became CM.
Sharad YadavBecame MP as a product of the JP wave (Jabalpur by-election, 1974).
Sushil Kumar ModiStudent activist, later BJP leader.
Ravi Shankar PrasadStudent leader and later Union Minister.
Jai prakash narayan

Government Response

  • CM of Bihar: Abdul Ghafoor (Congress) during peak unrest.
  • Bihar government tried to suppress the protests, leading to mass arrests, police lathi charge, and censorship.
  • Central government under Indira Gandhi saw it as a threat to national stability.

Role of Bihar in the National Movement

FeatureImpact
Epicentre of JP MovementThe movement began and remained strongest in Bihar.
Student mobilizationBihar’s youth led the call for change, gave birth to a generation of political leaders.
Catalyst for national unrestInspired similar agitations in Gujarat, UP, Punjab, Delhi.
Reason for EmergencyThe mass civil unrest from the JP Movement directly contributed to Indira Gandhi declaring Emergency (June 1975).

Impact and Legacy

AreaImpact
New political leadershipGave rise to Lalu, Nitish, Sushil Modi, Ram Vilas Paswan, etc.
End of Congress dominanceCongress weakened in Bihar, set stage for Janata Party victory in 1977.
DemocratizationMovement encouraged grassroots participation and awareness.
Link to EmergencyJP’s criticism and mass protests led to Emergency (1975–77) and suspension of civil liberties.

Quick Revision Table

TopicKey Points
Name of MovementJP Movement or Total Revolution
Year1974–75
State of OriginBihar
Main OrganizationBihar Chhatra Sangharsh Samiti (BCSS)
Key Date5 June 1974 – Patna Gandhi Maidan rally
LeaderJayaprakash Narayan (JP)
Main Slogan“Sampoorna Kranti ab nahin, to kab?”
OutcomeMass mobilization, indirect cause of Emergency

Important Quote

Sampoorna Kranti ab nahin to kab?
Jayaprakash Narayan, Patna, 5 June 1974

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