After the 1857 revolt, the Awadh taluqdars had got back their lands. This strengthened the hold of the taluqdars or big landlords over the agrarian society of the province.
The majority of the cultivators were subjected to high rents, summary evictions (bedakhali), illegal levies, renewal fees or nazrana.
The First World War had hiked the prices of food and other necessities. This worsened the conditions of the UP peasants.
Mainly due to the efforts of the Home Rule activists, kisan sabhas were organised in UP.
The United Provinces Kisan Sabha was set up in February 1918 by Gauri Shankar Mishra and Indra Narayan Dwivedi. Madan Mohan Malaviya supported their efforts. Other prominent leaders included Jhinguri Singh, Durgapal Singh and Baba Ramchandra.
In June 1920, Baba Ramchandra urged Nehru to visit these villages. During these visits, Nehru developed close contacts with the villagers.
The movement declined soon, partly due to government repression and partly because of the passing of the Awadh Rent (Amendment) Act.
