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Acknowledgment: The lesson, summary, questions, and answers provided in this section are inspired by the themes and content of the NCERT English textbooks. For further reference, please consult the NCERT materials.

Summary of the Lesson 'Indigo'

"Indigo" by Louis Fischer highlights Mahatma Gandhi’s first major struggle for India’s independence, which took place in Champaran, Bihar, in 1917. It focuses on his fight for justice for the oppressed indigo farmers against the exploitative British landlords.

The story begins when Rajkumar Shukla, a poor farmer from Champaran, approaches Gandhi and requests him to visit Champaran to witness the plight of indigo farmers. These farmers were forced to grow indigo on 15% of their land under the landlord system and sell it at unfair prices to British planters. When synthetic indigo was developed in Germany, British landlords no longer needed natural indigo and demanded illegal compensation from farmers to release them from the agreement.

Gandhi visits Champaran and launches a non-violent protest after witnessing the farmers’ suffering. He is summoned to court but refuses to leave Champaran, gathering immense public support. His persistence leads the British authorities to drop the case, marking a historic victory. Following this, a commission is set up, and Gandhi negotiates a refund of 25% of the illegal compensation paid by farmers, which eventually leads to the abolition of the oppressive system.

Beyond the legal battle, Gandhi works to improve education, sanitation, and health in Champaran. The lesson reflects his philosophy of self-reliance, truth, and non-violence while emphasizing leadership, courage, and the power of collective action.

This episode in Champaran was a turning point in India’s freedom struggle, demonstrating how civil disobedience and non-violent resistance could effectively challenge colonial rule.

Additional Questions and Answers from the Lesson Indigo

How did Gandhi urge the departure of the British in 1917?

Answer:- Gandhi had gone to December 1916 annual convention of the Indian National Congress party in Lucknow during the proceedings one peasant approached Gandhi and requested Gandhi to come to Champaran and free them from the British landlords as the peasants were suffering under the British landlords. The Champaran Satyagraha is Gandhi’s first movement against the British in India.

Describe the character of Rajkumar Shukla.

Answer:- Rajkumar Shukla was a poor yet determined peasant from Champaran who was deeply concerned about the plight of indigo farmers. Despite being uneducated, he persistently followed Gandhi until he convinced him to visit Champaran and fight for the farmers' rights. His unwavering dedication and perseverance played a crucial role in bringing justice to the oppressed peasants.

Why did Rajkumar Shukla go to the Congress session?

Answer:- Rajkumar Shukla went to the Congress session to complain about the injustice of the British landlord system in Champaran.

Why did Rajkumar Shukla approach Mahatma Gandhi, and how did he convince him to visit Champaran?
Answer:- Rajkumar Shukla had gone to the Congress session in Lucknow and somebody had said to speak to Gandhi about the injustice done to the Champaran peasants. His determination and continuous requests impressed Gandhi, who finally agreed to visit Champaran to witness their plight firsthand.

What shows that Rajkumar Shukla was resolute?

Answer:- Rajkumar Shukla’s resoluteness is evident in his unwavering persistence in convincing Gandhi to visit Champaran. He followed Gandhi from place to place, attending the Congress session, visiting his ashram, and staying with him until Gandhi finally agreed to accompany him. His determination, despite being an uneducated peasant, showed his deep commitment to the cause of the indigo farmers.

Why did the servants of Rajendra Prasad did not allow Gandhi inside their house?

Answer:- The servants of Rajendra Prasad did not allow Gandhi inside the house because they mistook him for an ordinary peasant due to his simple attire. Since Rajkumar Shukla, an uneducated farmer, had brought him along, they assumed Gandhi belonged to the same social class and did not realize he was a prominent leader. Their reaction reflected the prevalent social prejudices of the time.

Why did the servants of Rajendra Prasad not allow Gandhi to draw water from the well?

Answer:- The servants did not allow Gandhi to draw water from the well because they feared he might belong to a lower caste, which could pollute the water. Since he was accompanied by Rajkumar Shukla, a poor peasant, they assumed he was also of a similar background. This incident highlights the deep-rooted caste prejudices in society at that time.

How did Prof Kriplani welcome Gandhi?

Answer:- Prof. J.B. Kriplani welcomed Gandhi with great warmth and enthusiasm when he arrived at Muzaffarpur. He, along with his students, received Gandhi at the railway station at midnight, showing deep respect for him. His gesture reflected the admiration and support Gandhi had among intellectuals and the younger generation.

Why did Gandhi stay in the house of Prof Malkani?

Answer:- Gandhi stayed in the house of Prof. Malkani, a teacher in a government school, because Indians were usually afraid to support nationalist leaders. This act of courage demonstrated the growing influence of Gandhi’s movement and the support he received even from those within the system.

How did the sharecroppers come to Muzzafarpur to see Gandhi

Answer:- The sharecroppers of Champaran came to Muzaffarpur in large numbers to see Gandhi as news of his arrival spread rapidly. They traveled long distances, some on foot and others by bullock carts, eager to share their grievances and seek his support. Their overwhelming response reflected their deep suffering under the exploitative indigo system and their hope that Gandhi would bring them justice.

What did the Muzzafarpur lawyers tell Gandhi?

Answer:- The Muzaffarpur lawyers informed Gandhi that they had been representing the sharecroppers in court cases against the British landlords. They also revealed that they charged high fees from the poor peasants, which made Gandhi question the necessity of prolonged legal battles. Instead, he advised them to support the farmers through united resistance and self-reliance rather than depending on litigation.

Why did Gandhi say that they should stop going to law courts?

Answer:-Gandhi advised the lawyers to stop taking the sharecroppers' cases to law courts because he believed that the real solution lay in empowering the peasants rather than engaging in prolonged legal battles. He felt that the British legal system was biased and would not bring true justice to the oppressed farmers. Instead, he encouraged collective resistance and self-reliance as more effective ways to fight injustice.

What was done by the long term contract by the British to the Champaran peasants?

Answer:-The British landlords forced the Champaran peasants to grow indigo on 15% of their land under a long-term contract. They exploited the peasants by making them sell the indigo at low prices, and when synthetic indigo was developed, the landlords demanded compensation to release them from the contract. This led to widespread protests, eventually drawing Mahatma Gandhi to Champaran to fight for the peasants' rights.

What were the conditions of the sharecroppers in Champaran?
Answer:-The sharecroppers were forced to cultivate indigo on 15% of their land and surrender the entire crop to British landlords as rent. When synthetic indigo was developed, landlords demanded compensation for releasing them from this agreement, exploiting their ignorance and helplessness.

Why did the British landlords stop Indigo Plantation in Champaran?

Answer:-The British landlords stopped indigo plantation in Champaran because Germany had developed synthetic indigo, making natural indigo cultivation less profitable. Instead of simply ending the contracts, they forced the peasants to pay compensation for being released from the obligation to grow indigo. This exploitation led to resistance from the peasants and eventually drew Mahatma Gandhi to Champaran to support their cause.

What evidence was collected from the British landlords?

Answer:-Gandhi and his team collected extensive evidence from the British landlords, including written agreements that forced peasants to grow indigo. They also recorded testimonies from thousands of peasants detailing their exploitation, including forced cultivation and unfair compensation demands. This overwhelming evidence pressured the British authorities to acknowledge the injustice and initiate reforms.

Why did Gandhi agree for a refund of 25% from the British planters?

Answer:-Gandhi agreed to a 25% refund from the British planters because he was more focused on breaking their authority rather than the amount of compensation. By making the landlords agree to a refund, however small, he established the peasants' rights and dignity. This symbolic victory boosted the confidence of the peasants and marked the beginning of their freedom from British exploitation.

How did Gandhi help the peasants of Champaran?
Answer:-Gandhi first gathered facts and met with officials to understand the situation, then encouraged the peasants to resist unjust demands. His peaceful protests and negotiations led to a partial refund and ultimately the abolition of the oppressive system, empowering the farmers with self-reliance.

What role did lawyers and other volunteers play in the Champaran movement?
Answer:-The lawyers initially hesitated but later pledged to support Gandhi when they saw his commitment to the cause. Volunteers, including teachers and doctors, joined Gandhi’s efforts by educating the peasants and improving their living conditions, strengthening the movement.

Why did Gandhi refuse to leave Champaran despite the authorities’ orders?
Answer:-Gandhi believed it was his moral duty to help the oppressed farmers, so he refused to leave until justice was served. His defiance and willingness to face legal consequences inspired courage in the peasants and compelled the British to reconsider their oppressive policies.

What was the strategy adopted by Gandhi in freeing the Champaran peasants from the British landlords?

Answer:-Gandhi adopted a strategy of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience to free the Champaran peasants from British exploitation. He conducted a detailed investigation by recording peasants' grievances and pressuring the authorities through peaceful protests. His persistence led to an official inquiry, resulting in the abolition of the landlord system and partial refunds for the exploited peasants.

What was the beginning of the Champaran peasants liberation from the fear of the British?

Answer:-The Champaran peasants' liberation from the fear of the British began when Gandhi refused to obey the order to leave Champaran and faced trial. His bold stand and willingness to accept arrest inspired the peasants to overcome their fear of British authority. The peasants spontaneous demonstration in thousands around the courthouse was the beginning of their liberation from fear of the British.

How did Gandhi give a concrete proof to the British that their power would be challenged by the Champaran peasants?

Answer:-Gandhi provided concrete proof to the British that their power would be challenged by mobilizing the Champaran peasants through peaceful resistance. He gathered detailed testimonies of their exploitation, conducted mass meetings, and encouraged them to stand united against injustice. When thousands of peasants assembled outside the courthouse during his trial, it demonstrated their collective strength, forcing the British to take their demands seriously.

Why did Gandhi tell in the court that he was in 'conflict of duties'?

Answer:-Gandhi told the court that he was in a "conflict of duties" because, while he respected the law, he also had a higher duty to serve humanity. He believed obeying an unjust order to leave Champaran would mean abandoning the suffering peasants who needed his help. By prioritizing moral responsibility over colonial laws, he emphasized his commitment to justice and truth.

What impact did the Champaran episode have on Gandhi and the Indian freedom struggle?
Answer:-The success in Champaran reinforced Gandhi’s belief in nonviolent resistance and self-reliance as powerful tools against oppression. It also marked his first major involvement in India’s fight for independence, setting a precedent for future struggles.

Why was the Champaran episode significant in Gandhi’s life?
Answer:-The Champaran episode was Gandhi’s first major political movement in India, where he successfully applied the principles of nonviolent resistance. It not only freed the indigo farmers from exploitation but also demonstrated the power of self-reliance and mass participation in fighting injustice.

What action did Gandhi take upon reaching Champaran, and how did the authorities react?
Answer:-Gandhi began by collecting evidence, meeting with peasants, and questioning British officials about their oppressive policies. The authorities were alarmed by his growing influence and initially tried to intimidate him, even serving him a court summons, but later had to withdraw the case due to public support.

How did the peasants react to Gandhi’s presence and efforts in Champaran?
Answer:-The peasants, who had long suffered under British rule, saw Gandhi as a beacon of hope and gathered in large numbers to support him. Their unity and trust in his leadership strengthened the movement, forcing the British to take their grievances seriously.

What social and educational reforms did Gandhi introduce in Champaran?
Answer:-Gandhi, along with volunteers, set up schools to educate the peasants and their children and worked to improve their hygiene and healthcare. These initiatives empowered the villagers by making them more aware of their rights and encouraging self-sufficiency.

How did Gandhi uplift the Champaran peasants from cultural and social backwardness?

Answer:-Gandhi appealed for teachers to volunteer their services. Primary schools were opened in six villages. Kasturbai taught the ashram rules on personal cleanliness and community sanitation. Doctors were called to volunteer their services for six months. Gandhi saw the filthy state of women’s clothes and told Kasturbai to teach the women to wear clean clothes.

How did Gandhi’s approach in Champaran differ from traditional protests?
Answer:-Instead of resorting to violence or aggressive rebellion, Gandhi focused on fact-finding, peaceful negotiations, and moral pressure on the British authorities. His nonviolent and lawful resistance proved to be an effective way to challenge oppression and bring about meaningful change.

What was the final outcome of the Champaran movement?
Answer:-The British landlords were forced to refund part of the illegal money they had collected from the farmers, and the exploitative indigo system was eventually abolished. More importantly, it instilled confidence in the peasants and strengthened the broader struggle for India’s independence.

What lesson did Gandhi want people to learn from the Champaran movement?
Answer:-Gandhi wanted people to realize that self-reliance and nonviolent resistance could successfully challenge injustice. He believed that true freedom could be achieved when individuals took responsibility for their rights and worked collectively for social change.

How did the Champaran movement influence India’s struggle for independence?
Answer:-The movement demonstrated that ordinary people, when united and determined, could stand against colonial oppression. It was a turning point that inspired future civil disobedience campaigns, reinforcing Gandhi’s philosophy as a key strategy in the independence movement.

Why was the Champaran episode a turning point in Gandhi's life?

Answer:-The Champaran episode was a turning point in Gandhi's life because it marked his first major involvement in India's freedom struggle. It was here that he realized the power of non-violent civil disobedience in challenging oppressive systems. The success of the Champaran Satyagraha solidified his belief in using non-violence to achieve social and political change, shaping his future actions in the Indian independence movement. This experience also deepened his connection with the Indian masses, especially the rural poor.

How did Gandhi mould a new free Indian from the Champaran episode?

Answer:-Through the Champaran episode, Gandhi molded a new free Indian by instilling a sense of self-respect, unity, and empowerment among the peasants. He taught them to resist oppression through non-violence and self-reliance, encouraging them to assert their rights and dignity. By promoting education, social harmony, and the rejection of exploitative practices, he inspired a new consciousness that transcended colonial domination, laying the foundation for a free, united, and self-sufficient India.