How this classic roti became part of India’s freedom struggle

The Indian freedom struggle is a series of glorious events, movements and symbols, many of which are etched in the annals of history. Enveloped in these countless, famous stories is a lesser-known episode – the Chapati movement. This strange event, which took place in the early months of 1857, involved the rapid and inexplicable spread of chapatis (flatbreads) across much of India. While the exact purpose and impact of this movement is still debated, it has become a fascinating part of the narrative of Indian resistance to British colonial rule.

The origins of the Chapati movement
The chapati movement began in 1857, a year later marked by the First Indian War of Independence, also known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857 or the Sepoy Revolt. The movement involved the sudden and widespread distribution of chapatis, which were passed from village to village, often without any clear explanation. These chapatis were usually plain, small and made of wheat, and were exchanged in large quantities throughout northern and central India.

The origins of the movement are unknown. Some historical accounts suggest that the chapatis were first distributed by villagers or community leaders, while others suggest a more organized effort. The chapatis were distributed to travelers, messengers and villagers, who were then instructed to bake more chapatis and distribute them to neighboring villages. The simplicity and widespread nature of this distribution baffled British officials, who were unable to trace its origin or understand its purpose.

The issue of March 5, 1857 states: The Friend of Indiaan English newspaper published in Srirampur, reported that British officers were both baffled and alarmed when chapatis suddenly appeared in all the police stations in the region. The chapatis had travelled far – from Farrukhabad to Gurgaon and from Avadh to Delhi via Rohilkhand. The rapid spread, faster than the British postal system, alarmed the colonial authorities and led to numerous investigations into the origins and significance of this strange movement.

Theories and interpretations
The British colonial government was deeply confused by the chapati movement. Despite all their investigative efforts, they were unable to uncover the real reason or intent behind the spread of the flatbreads. The lack of a clear message or accompanying information added to the confusion. Some British officials feared that the chapatis were a covert means of communication signaling an impending uprising or a call to arms among the Indian population. Others speculated that it was a form of protest or a way to unite people against the colonial regime.

For Indians, chapatis had a symbolic value. In a country where food, especially bread, had cultural and religious significance, passing chapatis could have been seen as a gesture of solidarity and unity. It is also possible that chapatis were used to spread awareness of growing discontent with British rule, and served as a subtle and non-verbal means of communication among the masses.

Connection to the rebellion of 1857
The Chapati movement occurred just months before the outbreak of the 1857 Rebellion, a significant and widespread uprising against British rule. Although there is no direct evidence linking the distribution of chapati to the rebellion, the timing suggests a possible connection. The movement may have been a precursor to the rebellion, reflecting the simmering unrest and willingness of the Indian people to challenge British authority.

Some historians believe that the Chapati movement may have been an early warning system or a way to mobilize people in preparation for the uprising. The widespread nature of the movement and the inability of the British to control or stop it may have contributed to the growing sense of unity and resistance among Indians. Even if the Chapatis themselves did not directly spark the uprising, they may have played a role in fostering a sense of collective identity and purpose.

The legacy
The chapati movement remains one of the most enigmatic episodes in Indian history. Although there is no concrete evidence of its origins, purpose or impact, it has become a symbol of the subtle and often overlooked forms of resistance that characterized India's struggle for independence. In the broader context of India's freedom struggle, the chapati movement serves as a reminder that resistance can take many forms, some of which may seem insignificant or enigmatic in the moment but can have far-reaching consequences. The chapatis, as simple and ordinary as they were, carried a message of resistance and unity and, in their own way, contributed to the larger cause of India's independence.

Chapatis at Vaikom Satyagraha
The Chapati movement is not the only example of chapatis playing a role in a major social movement. Another significant event was the Vaikom Satyagraha, a non-violent protest in Kerala between 1924 and 1925 against caste discrimination that denied lower caste access to temples and public roads.

During this movement, chapatis became a unifying symbol. The historic introduction of chapatis in Kerala dates back to April 1924. This significant culinary milestone was achieved when a team led by Lala Lal Singh and Kripal Singh from Punjab prepared chapatis which were served to the agitators and the general public along with 'dal'.

During the Vaikom Satyagraha, which coincided with Akali's struggle for reform of Sikh places of worship, the Punjab Prabandh Shiromani Committee set up a community kitchen at the protest site to show solidarity with the cause. On 28 April 1924, a dedicated team of 10 people arrived from Punjab and started serving chapatis, which continued till 25 June, with over 30,000 meals being provided free of charge. Historical archives reveal an expenditure of Rs 4,000 for the purpose, as documented in a news bulletin dated 9 May 1924. The kitchen, run by Punjabis, ceased operations on 25 June when wheat supplies were exhausted. Although the Akali Sikhs returned to Punjab, Keralites did not forget the tastes and flavours they introduced. It was not long before the humble chapati became a staple of the Malayalis.

The Vaikom Satyagraha was a milestone in Kerala's social reforms and a precursor to larger movements for equality and independence. The humble chapati was once again a silent but powerful symbol of resistance and played its part in the larger struggle for justice.