Hartal, also spelled as "hartaal" or "hartall," is an Indian term used to describe a type of peaceful protest where people stop work and stay at home. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which represents the sounds of speech. The first syllable "har" is pronounced as /hɑː/, similar to the word "hard." The second syllable "tal" is pronounced as /tɑːl/, like the word "tall." Combined, Hartal is pronounced as /hɑːtɑːl/.
Hartall is a noun that refers to a complete shutdown or cessation of all work, activities, or operations within a specified organization, industry, or region. It is often implemented as a measure of protest by employees or labor unions to bring attention to certain grievances or demands.
During a hartall, all businesses, schools, government offices, and transportation facilities may come to a standstill. This can include the closure of factories, halt in public transportation services, and suspension of other essential services. The purpose of a hartall is to exert pressure on authorities and draw attention to the specific issues faced by the protesting group.
Hartalls are typically organized by labor unions, workers' associations, or other collective bodies representing the interests of the affected employees. The duration of a hartall can vary, ranging from a few hours to a complete shutdown lasting for several days. The decision to call for a hartall is usually made through a democratic voting process or by the leadership of the organizing body.
The impact of a hartall can be significant, causing disruptions to daily life, economic activities, and public services. While they can be effective in drawing attention to grievances and initiating negotiations with employers or authorities, hartalls can also lead to losses in productivity and income for the workforce, as well as inconvenience for the general public.
The word "Hartal" originated from South Asia, particularly India and Bangladesh. It is derived from the combination of two Persian words: "har" meaning 'every' or 'all' and "tal" meaning 'fix' or 'set'. Together, "hartal" translates to 'fix everything' or 'shutdown everything'.
The concept of a hartal began during the Indian independence movement in the early 20th century. It was a form of civil disobedience used by the Indian National Congress and other political organizations to protest against British colonial rule. Hartals were non-violent methods of protest in which people would voluntarily stay indoors, businesses would close, and public transportation services would be suspended. This collective action aimed to disrupt and paralyze normal activities, demonstrating mass support for the independence movement.