Indigo By Louis Fischer - (English - XII)

Summary

The story recounts Gandhi's pivotal role in the Champaran movement, initiated after meeting Raj Kumar Shukla, a peasant suffering under oppressive landlords. Gandhi traveled to Bihar, investigated the plight of farmers forced to grow indigo, and defied British orders to leave. Through civil disobedience, Gandhi won the first legal victory for India's independence, leading to the abolition of unjust landlord contracts. Beyond legal battles, Gandhi sought to uplift the district socially and culturally, emphasizing Indian self-reliance over foreign aid and laying groundwork for future peaceful resistance.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Gandhi met Raj Kumar Shukla in 1916, who urged him to visit Champaran to help oppressed peasants.
• 🚂 Shukla's persistence led Gandhi to agree to visit Champaran, demonstrating Gandhi's interest in the peasants' plight.
• 🏠 Gandhi visited Rajendra Prasad's house but was initially mistaken for a peasant by the servants.
• 🛑 Gandhi began gathering information in Champaran, despite being ordered to leave by the British authorities.
• 👨‍⚖️ Gandhi's refusal to obey the order and the subsequent court case highlighted the strength of civil disobedience.
• 🤝 Gandhi's efforts united local lawyers, who decided to support him, marking a significant step in the Champaran movement.
• 📜 The case against Gandhi was eventually dropped, signifying a victory for civil disobedience in India.
• 🔍 Gandhi led an investigation that resulted in the British landlords agreeing to refund 25% of the compensation to the peasants.
• 🌾 The Champaran movement succeeded in empowering the peasants and led to the eventual departure of British landlords.
• 🇮🇳 The movement was a pivotal moment in India's independence struggle, emphasizing self-reliance and peaceful protest.

Q & A

Who is the author of the story 'Indigo' and what is it about?

'Indigo' is written by Louis Fischer. It recounts Mahatma Gandhi's involvement in the Champaran movement, where he helped peasants fight against the oppressive British landlords.

Who was Raj Kumar Shukla, and why did he approach Gandhi?

Raj Kumar Shukla was a peasant from Champaran. He approached Gandhi at the Indian National Congress session in 1916 to seek his help in addressing the grievances of the farmers being exploited by British landlords.

How did Raj Kumar Shukla convince Gandhi to visit Champaran?

Raj Kumar Shukla followed Gandhi persistently throughout his travels, eventually impressing Gandhi with his determination. Gandhi agreed to visit Champaran after a few months.

What was the main issue faced by the peasants in Champaran?

The peasants in Champaran were forced by British landlords to grow indigo on 15% of their land and give it as rent. When synthetic indigo was developed, the landlords tried to exploit the peasants further by demanding compensation for releasing them from this obligation.

How did Gandhi respond to the legal fees being charged to the peasants?

Gandhi was appalled by the high legal fees charged by lawyers to represent peasants. He believed that legal proceedings were not as effective as freeing the peasants from their fear of the landlords.

What action did Gandhi take when ordered to leave Champaran by the British authorities?

Gandhi refused to obey the order to leave Champaran and was summoned to court. He admitted to disobeying the order but justified his actions as being humanitarian in nature.

How did the local authorities react to Gandhi's presence and refusal to leave Champaran?

The local authorities were confused by the large support Gandhi received from the peasants. They eventually consulted higher officials and postponed Gandhi's trial, allowing him to stay in Champaran without bail.

What was the outcome of Gandhi’s trial in Champaran?

The case against Gandhi was dropped on the orders of the Lieutenant Governor. This marked the first victory for civil disobedience in India.

What role did Gandhi play in the enquiry commission set up in Champaran?

Gandhi was the sole representative of the peasants on the enquiry commission. He gathered evidence from 10,000 peasants, leading the British planters to agree to refunds.

How did Gandhi contribute to the social and cultural improvement of Champaran?

In addition to securing justice for the peasants, Gandhi worked to improve the social, cultural, and health conditions in Champaran. Volunteers from his ashram came to educate and treat the people in the district.

Why did Gandhi refuse to seek help from Charles Freyr Andrews, an English follower?

Gandhi believed that seeking help from an Englishman would be a sign of weakness. He emphasized that Indians needed to be self-reliant and learn to fight their own battles.