Champaran Satyagraha: Gandhi’s Pivotal Role in Farmer Justice and Freedom Movement
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Champaran Satyagraha Hardships: Gandhi’s Intervention
Gandhi was informed of a reprehensible system of agricultural labour practiced in Bihar. The peasants in the Champaran district of Bihar were made to endure unimaginable hardships when Europeans compelled them to plant indigo, a blue dye. They were unable to grow the food they required, and neither did they get paid enough for the indigo.
Gandhi’s Return: Sabarmati Days with Gokhale
- In 1915, Gandhi returned to India. During his initial days, he spent his time at the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale became his political guru.
Champaran Satyagraha: Gandhi’s Justice for Farmers
- Rajkumar Shukla invited Gandhi to look into the problems of Indigo planters in Champaran, Bihar.
- Peasants were forced to grow indigo on 3/20th part of the land. (Tinkathia System).
- European planters demanded high rents and illegal dues to maximize their profits.
- Due to Competition with German synthesis, the price collapsed, high taxation and illegal dues from peasants were collected. This led to discontent among farmers.
- After Gandhi intervention, only 25 percent of the money was given to farmers.
- Leaders associated with the Champaran Satyagraha: Rajendra Prasad, Mazhar-ul-Haq, Mahadeo Desai, Narhari Parekh, J.B. Kripalani etc.
Conclusion
The Champaran Satyagraha gave direction to the youth and freedom movement in India, which was oscillating between moderates who favored Indian inclusion in the British colonial system and the radicals from Bengal who favoured the use of force to overthrow British colonial control in India.
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#PW-OnlyIAS Edge
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- Gandhiji’s life in Bihar was saved by Batak Mian during the Champaran Satyagraha. Erwin, the manager of an indigo plant, requested Mahatma Gandhi to dinner. Erwin commanded his chef, Batak Mian, to offer Gandhi a glass of milk that had been poisoned. He went to serve but revealed the plot to Rajendra Prasad. Mahatma Gandhi continued his demonstration at Champaran after evading the attack.
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