Louis Fischer's Indigo: Gandhi's Role in Champaran Struggle Quiz and Flashcards

Study Notes

This is the first lesson for class 12 on the story "Indigo" by Louis Fischer, narrated by Mahatma Gandhi.
Rajkumar Shukla, a peasant from Champaran, Bihar, requested Gandhi's help in 1916 due to the cruel treatment by British landlords.
Gandhi met Rajkumar in 1942 at his ashram in Sevagram, and learned about the peasants' struggles with unjust sharecropping practices.
The peasants were forced to grow indigo on 15% of their land and surrender the entire crop to the British landlords.
Synthetic indigo development by Germans led to landlords demanding compensation for releasing tenants from the indigo arrangement.
Gandhi's arrival in Champaran spread quickly, causing tension with British officials who tried to stop him but failed due to widespread peasant support.
Prominent lawyers like Rajendra Prasad and others backed Gandhi, threatening to go to jail if he was arrested.
British officials dropped the case against Gandhi after facing opposition from the peasants and lawyers, marking the triumph of civil disobedience in India.
Gandhi scolded lawyers for charging high fees from peasants and emphasized finding alternative strategies to fight against the British.
Gandhi met the Lieutenant Governor four times, urging an end to burdensome practices on farmers and pushing for Indian rights.- Gandhi accepted the British government's offer to refund 25% of the money to the farmers in Champaran, which boosted the farmers' courage and marked a victory over injustice and exploitation.
After solving the initial problem, Gandhi focused on the economic and cultural development of the area, opening schools and emphasizing cleanliness and sanitation.
A volunteer doctor provided free health services to improve the villagers' health conditions in Champaran.
Gandhi emphasized the lesson of self-reliance to his followers, refusing help from a British person named Charles Freer Andrews to maintain independence in the fight against the British.
Champaran became a symbol of self-reliance and the struggle for Indian independence, representing the first victory in the fight against British rule.
The Champaran incident in 1916-17 was a significant milestone in India's journey towards independence, even though India officially gained independence in 1947.
Gandhi's followers played a crucial role in the Champaran struggle, demonstrating selfless dedication to the cause.
The speaker encourages Class 12 students to engage in thorough book readings and promises to provide concise explanations for better understanding.

Description

Learn about Mahatma Gandhi's involvement in the Champaran struggle through 'Indigo' by Louis Fischer, where he helped oppressed peasants fight against British injustices through civil disobedience. Discover how Gandhi's leadership led to a significant milestone in India's independence movement, emphasizing self-reliance and grassroots support.