"Indigo" by Louis Fischer is a compelling account that narrates the journey of Mahatma Gandhi and his endeavors in championing the cause of farmers in Champaran, Bihar, who were oppressed by the indigo plantation system imposed by British landlords. This narrative is a part of Fischer's larger work on Gandhi's life, illustrating how Gandhi's nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience movement led to significant social and political changes. The story delves into Gandhi's initial investigation into the plight of the peasants forced to grow indigo under exploitative conditions and his relentless efforts to secure their rights and dignity. Through the Champaran campaign, Gandhi not only highlighted the injustices faced by the farmers but also set a precedent for future nonviolent movements in India's struggle for independence. "Indigo" is not just a historical account; it's a powerful testament to the strength of nonviolent resistance and the impact of ethical leadership, making it an essential read for Class XII students studying English Core.
Author:
Louis Fischer
Source/Excerpt From:
The excerpt is from Louis Fischer’s book “The Life of Mahatma Gandhi”. Fischer was a journalist and author known for his works on Gandhi and other political figures.
Central Theme:
The chapter narrates the events leading to Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran agitation in 1917, highlighting the exploitation of indigo farmers by British landlords and Gandhi’s non-violent resistance movement that led to significant social and economic reforms for the farmers.
Summary: “Indigo” outlines Mahatma Gandhi’s first major involvement in Indian politics through the Champaran agitation. It began when Gandhi was approached by distressed peasant sharecroppers from Champaran, Bihar, who were forced to grow indigo under oppressive conditions. Despite initially being ignorant about their plight, Gandhi decided to investigate the matter, leading to his historic visit to Champaran. His arrival marked a turning point, as he organised a detailed inquiry into the peasants’ grievances, challenging the British landlords’ exploitative practices. Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to non-violent protest and negotiation eventually led to the appointment of an official commission, where he represented the peasants. The successful resolution of the Champaran agitation not only marked the triumph of civil disobedience in modern India but also established Gandhi’s leadership in the Indian independence movement.
Characters:
Mahatma Gandhi: The protagonist who leads the non-violent resistance movement.
British landlords: The antagonists exploiting the indigo farmers.
Indigo farmers: Victims of the exploitative agricultural system.
Character Sketches:
Mahatma Gandhi: A determined and principled leader who uses non-violent means to fight injustice and advocate for the rights of the oppressed.
Important Facts Mentioned: The chapter covers Gandhi’s 1917 Champaran agitation, which addressed the exploitation of indigo farmers by British landlords in Bihar, India.
Questions with Answers:
Question: What was the Champaran agitation about?
Answer: The Champaran agitation was Gandhi’s movement against the forced cultivation of indigo and the exploitative practices of British landlords towards Indian farmers in Bihar in 1917.
Question: How did Gandhi address the farmers’ grievances in Champaran?
Answer: Gandhi conducted a detailed inquiry into the peasants’ grievances, organizing depositions from thousands of farmers and collecting evidence against the landlords. His efforts led to the appointment of an official commission by the Lieutenant-Governor, which included Gandhi as the sole representative of the peasants, ultimately leading to significant reforms.