The Triveni Sangh, formed in Bihar in the 1930s to fight for political representation and against upper-caste domination, was an alliance of which three backward castes?

The Triveni Sangh was an alliance of three large backward (peasant) castes of Bihar: the Yadavs (Ahirs), the Koeris and the Kurmis.

Background:

• In Bihar in the early 20th century, political power, land and government jobs were largely controlled by the upper castes, such as the Bhumihars, Rajputs, Brahmins and Kayasthas.
• The backward castes were mostly peasants and tenants, who faced social discrimination and economic exploitation.
• Caste associations of the Yadavs, Kurmis and Koeris had been formed in the early 20th century, to improve the social status of their communities.

Formation of the Triveni Sangh:

• The Triveni Sangh was formed in 1933-34 at Shahabad (now Bhojpur district) in Bihar.
• The name "Triveni" refers to the confluence of three rivers, and symbolised the coming together of the three castes.
• Leaders included Yadunandan Prasad Mehta, Shivpujan Singh and Sardar Jagdev Singh Yadav.

Aims:

• To unite the backward castes for political representation in the legislatures and local bodies.
• To oppose the domination of the upper castes, and resist practices such as forced labour (begar).
• To promote education and social reform among the backward castes.

Activities:

• It contested the elections of 1937, but performed poorly.
• It was opposed both by the upper-caste leaders and by the Congress, which saw it as a rival.
• It declined by the 1940s, partly because many of its leaders joined the Congress, and because of rivalries among the three castes.

Significance:

Although short-lived, it was an early attempt to unite the backward castes politically, and it prepared the ground for the rise of backward-caste politics in Bihar after Independence.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Jats, Gujjars and Meenas are communities of north-western India; Nadars, Ezhavas and Vanniyars are communities of the south; Malis, Telis and Kunbis are communities of Maharashtra and other areas.