In 1972, as part of a peace initiative led by followers of Mahatma Gandhi in the Chambal Valley, hundreds of dacoits surrendered voluntarily. This marked a turning point for a region long associated with the terror of dacoit gangs, enabling a transition toward normal, peaceful conditions in which development initiatives could take root. The episode is widely regarded as a significant example of how non-violence and a genuine change of heart can foster durable peace.
A senior Gandhian, Dr. S.N. Subba Rao (Bhai Ji), established the Mahatma Gandhi Seva Ashram in Jaura town of Morena district in the Chambal region. This institution of non-violent social change and reform played a crucial role in facilitating the voluntary surrender of dacoits. Recently, I visited the ashram to speak with several former dacoits who had surrendered around 1972 as part of this initiative. I was keen to understand how they had lived over the past five decades and how they now reflect on their decision to renounce violence, despite the hardships it entailed, including imprisonment and the risk of retaliation.
I spoke to nearly ten such individuals, and notably, not one expressed regret over abandoning the gun and embracing non-violence.
While individual experiences vary, a common pattern emerges. After surrendering, these baagis, as they were locally known, typically spent a year or more in regular prisons before being transferred to specially designated open jails for those who had surrendered under the peace initiative. The most prominent of these was in Mungawali, where they were allowed to spend time with their families. Even those sentenced to life imprisonment were often released after seven to eight years.
Following their release, many faced a difficult decision: whether to return to their ancestral villages. Although efforts had been made to resolve old enmities as part of the peace initiative, fears of revenge persisted. For reasons of safety—both their own and that of their families—many chose resettlement elsewhere. As one former baagi, Vasudev, told me, nearly 75 percent opted to settle in new villages.
The government had promised to provide farmland as part of their rehabilitation. While some succeeded in becoming farmers, others encountered significant obstacles. In several cases, land was either not allotted or actual possession was obstructed by powerful local interests. Yet, it is significant that these former dacoits, having renounced violence, chose to pursue justice through legal means rather than reverting to force.
Even those who did not receive the promised land said they did not regret their decision. Despite the hardships, they expressed satisfaction at having chosen a non-violent path when the opportunity arose.
Some accounts illustrate the varied trajectories of their lives. Harcharan Jatav was elected sarpanch of his village and contributed to its development, including improving roads. Tilak Singh takes pride in the fact that two of his sons are now employed in banks. Harvilas Gurjar has become a successful farmer.
For those who had joined dacoit gangs at a very young age—some as young as 16—family life began only after surrender. Today, they see their children and families as among the most meaningful outcomes of the peace initiative.
Vasudev represents a different path. He chose to become a sadhu, renouncing material possessions. He told me that exposure to spiritual literature after surrender influenced his decision. Free from attachments, he says he now experiences a deep sense of contentment.
Others adapted in more modest ways. Sobran Singh, who did not receive land, took to rearing buffaloes and leasing farmland as a tenant. “I managed somehow,” he said, “though life would have been better if I had received the promised land.” Bahadur Singh, also denied land possession, worked in a sugar factory and later joined the Mahatma Gandhi Seva Ashram in Jaura, where he continues to serve in various capacities even in old age.
Several former baagis expressed the hope that the government would still take remedial steps to ensure that the promised land is finally allocated to them or their families.
The journey back into mainstream society was not without challenges. Yet, what stands out is that none of those I met during my recent visit expressed regret about choosing non-violence. They repeatedly conveyed gratitude to Gandhian activists and the Sarvodaya movement for enabling them to rebuild their lives and for supporting them through the many difficulties they faced. In particular, they acknowledged the contributions of Bhai Ji Subba Rao and his colleagues, including P.V. Rajagopal and Rann Singh Arya, in sustaining the rehabilitation process.
It was a moving experience to witness these former baagis being honoured recently in Jaura for upholding their commitment to non-violence. In some cases, family members were present. The daughter of one former baagi remarked that their families would always remain grateful for the peace initiative that allowed them to rejoin mainstream society with dignity.
All those I met, having surrendered around 1972, are now elderly—as am I. In my younger days as a journalist, I had interviewed several surrendering dacoits, including gang leaders such as Tehsildar Singh and Lokman alias Lukka. They, too, had firmly expressed their commitment to non-violence and described their post-surrender lives as better than their earlier years, despite the power they once wielded. At the time, they were actively engaged in strengthening the peace effort, having themselves played key roles in facilitating the surrenders.
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The writer is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Man over Machine—A Path to Peace, Protecting Earth for Children, Planet in Peril, and A Day in 2071
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