Indigo Revolt (1859-60) Quiz

Questions and Answers

Who were the leaders of the Indigo Revolt in the Nadia district?

Dinabandhu Mitra and Rajendra Prasad

Mangal Pandey and Sitaram Yechury

Lal Bahadur Shastri and Mahatma Gandhi

Digambar Biswas and Bishnu Charan Biswas (correct)

What were the primary conditions imposed on tenant farmers by European indigo planters?

Farmers were given loans with low interest rates.

Farmers had no choice but to sell indigo at low prices to the planters. (correct)

Farmers could sell indigo at market prices.

Farmers were forced to accept advantageous contracts.

What actions did the ryots take during the Indigo Revolt in response to their conditions?

They went into debt to expand their cultivation.

They surrendered their lands to the planters.

They protested peacefully by writing letters to the government.

They gave up indigo cultivation and burnt down factories. (correct)

What significant action did the government take in response to the Indigo Revolt?

Established an indigo commission to investigate. Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately happened to the indigo planters after the revolt in Bengal?

They moved to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to continue their business. Signup and view all the answers

Which work highlighted the plight of indigo cultivators and aimed to raise awareness?

A drama titled Nil-Darpan written by Dinabandhu Mitra Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of the Indigo Revolt

The Indigo Revolt (1859-60) was a significant peasant uprising in Bengal, marking widespread discontent among indigo cultivators.
European indigo planters imposed unfavorable terms on tenant farmers, forcing them to grow indigo.

Exploitative Practices by Planters

Farmers were compelled to sell indigo at low prices, benefiting the planters economically.
Planters provided advances to farmers, creating a cycle of debt and dependency that favored the planters.

Violence and Retaliation

The revolt included severe forms of oppression such as kidnapping, looting, flogging, and arson against dissenting farmers.

Key Leaders and Actions

Digambar Biswas and Bishnu Charan Biswas emerged as prominent leaders of the revolt in Nadia district.
In September 1859, ryots abandoned indigo cultivation, igniting widespread protests and destruction of indigo factories.

Government Response

To address the rebellion, the British Government established an indigo commission in 1860.
Recommendations from this commission were integrated into Act VI of 1862, aimed at improving conditions for cultivators.

Aftermath and Impact

Following the revolt, many indigo planters relocated to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to continue their operations.
The Hindu Patriot newspaper played a crucial role in highlighting the plight of indigo cultivators through consistent reporting.

Cultural Response

Dinabandhu Mitra wrote the Bengali drama 'Nil-Darpan' to raise awareness about the struggles faced by indigo cultivators, aiming to mobilize public sentiment.

Description

Test your knowledge on the Indigo Revolt, one of the most significant peasant uprisings in Bengal. This quiz covers key aspects such as the struggles of indigo cultivators against European planters, the conditions they faced, and the leaders involved in the movement. Explore this pivotal chapter in India's agricultural history.