Thimmappa Rudrappa Nesvi

Thimmappa Rudrappa Nesvi (also spelt Neswi or Timmappa Rudrappa Nesvi) (born 1900) was an Indian freedom fighter, peasant leader, and prominent politician from the state of Karnataka. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the 1st Lok Sabha and 2nd Lok Sabha representing the Dharwar South constituency from 1952 to 1962. Known for his grassroots activism, Nesvi was a key architect of anti-tax agitations and peasant movements in colonial India and later played a significant role in the Reorganisation of States that led to the unified state of Karnataka.

Personal life He was an eminent Indian freedom fighter, peasant activist, and politician of the Indian National Congress who served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha from 1952 to 1962, representing the Dharwar South constituency. Born in 1900 in the village of Deevizihalli within the Dharwar District of the colonial Bombay Presidency, British India, he came from an agrarian background but pursued higher education, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from Bombay University in 1929. Professionally dedicated to grassroots activism and governance, Nesvi entered institutional politics prior to independence, notably serving as a Parliamentary Secretary to the Government of Bombay in 1937 and later as a Member of the Bombay Legislative Assembly from 1947 to 1951. Underground Activities: Following his initial release from prison, Nesvi eluded local police forces by operating from a series of secret hideouts. From this underground network, he successfully managed and guided the Civil Disobedience Movement across the strategic towns of Sirsi and Siddapur. Rigorous Imprisonment: His evasion ended when colonial authorities intercepted him. He was sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment alongside a steep financial penalty of ₹200.

Pre-independence legislative career Following the implementation of provincial autonomy under the Government of India Act 1935, Nesvi transitioned into institutional politics.

Parliamentary Secretary (1937): In 1937, during the formation of the first Congress ministries, Nesvi was appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Government of Bombay. He served under the premier presidency leadership until the Congress ministries resigned en masse at the outbreak of World War II. Bombay Legislative Assembly (1947–1951): As India transitioned into independence, Nesvi was elected as a Member of the Bombay Legislative Assembly, serving a full term from 1947 to 1951. During this crucial legislative phase, he vehemently advocated for the integration of Kannada-speaking regions spread across the Bombay Presidency.

Second Lok Sabha (1957–1962): He successfully defended his seat in the 1957 general elections. He maintained his legislative focus on agricultural reforms, railway connectivity in North Karnataka, and educational infrastructure for rural communities until the dissolution of the house in 1962.

Agrarian reforms and organizational roles Throughout his public life, Nesvi remained an organiser for small-scale farmers (ryots) and rural peasants.

Peasant Leadership: He organised extensive Peasant Classes and chaired multiple Ryot Conferences across the Dharwar region to educate illiterate farmers about land tenancy rights, credit options, and institutional exploitation. Party Leadership: Recognising his organisational pull, the party appointed him as the Vice President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) in 1947. He also served simultaneously as the Vice President of both the Taluka and District Congress Committees, alongside a long-standing membership on the District Local Board of Dharwar.