Chapter: Indigo
Author: Louis Fischer
Pointwise/Eventwise Summary
1. Meeting Rajkumar Shukla
o Gandhi met Rajkumar Shukla, a poor sharecropper, at the Lucknow Congress session in
1916.
o Shukla requested Gandhi to visit Champaran to address the grievances of farmers exploited
by British landlords.
2. Visit to Champaran
o Gandhi visited Champaran to investigate the oppressive system of tinkathia, where farmers
were forced to grow indigo on 15% of their land and give it to British landlords.
3. Gandhi's Initial Struggles
o Authorities tried to deter Gandhi by ordering him to leave Champaran, but he refused,
emphasizing the importance of standing for truth.
o Gandhi's defiance led to his arrest, but he garnered public support, leading to his release.
4. Investigations Begin
o Gandhi conducted a detailed inquiry, collecting testimonies from thousands of peasants.
o The British landlords, under pressure, agreed to refund 25% of the money extracted from
the peasants.
5. Social Reforms in Champaran
o Beyond legal relief, Gandhi worked to improve Champaran's social conditions by setting up
schools, promoting sanitation, and improving health services.
6. Self-Reliance and Empowerment
o The Champaran episode marked Gandhi’s first significant success in the Indian freedom
struggle, emphasizing satyagraha (non-violent resistance) and self-reliance.
Characterization
1. Mahatma Gandhi
o Empathetic Leader: Genuinely concerned about the plight of the farmers.
o Determined Activist: Refused to leave Champaran despite orders from the British
authorities.
o Visionary Reformer: Focused on broader social upliftment, not just legal victories.
o Proponent of Satyagraha: Used truth and non-violence as powerful tools of resistance.
2. Rajkumar Shukla
o Persistent Sharecropper: Determined to bring Gandhi to Champaran.
o Symbol of Resilience: Represented the suffering yet resilient spirit of the oppressed
farmers.
3. British Landlords
o Oppressors: Exploited farmers through the tinkathia system.
o Intimidated Authority: Reluctantly conceded to Gandhi’s demands under public pressure.
4. Peasants of Champaran
o Victims of Exploitation: Lived under the oppressive tinkathia system.
o Courageous Followers: Supported Gandhi, showcasing collective strength against
injustice.
Critical Appreciation
Theme:
o Exploitation and the fight for justice.
o The power of collective action and self-reliance.
Narrative Style:
o Factual, journalistic style by Louis Fischer provides authenticity.
o Simple language effectively communicates Gandhi’s philosophy.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Leadership:
o His empathy, pragmatism, and adherence to non-violence shine through the narrative.
Historical Significance:
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o Champaran is a landmark in India’s freedom struggle, representing the beginning of
Gandhi’s political activism in India.
Literary Terms
1. Symbolism
o Indigo: Symbolizes the exploitation of Indian farmers by British landlords.
2. Irony
o British, known for their "justice," are shown as oppressors exploiting farmers.
3. Imagery
o Descriptions of farmers’ plight evoke empathy.
o Example: “Peasants were so crushed and fear-stricken that they could not speak up against
landlords.”
4. Anecdote
o Gandhi’s personal experiences, like his refusal to leave Champaran, add depth and
authenticity.
Questions & Answers
Short Answer Questions
1. Why did Rajkumar Shukla approach Gandhi?
o Shukla wanted Gandhi to address the exploitation of Champaran farmers under the
tinkathia system.
2. What was the tinkathia system?
o Farmers were forced to grow indigo on 15% of their land and surrender it to British
landlords.
3. How did Gandhi defy the British authorities in Champaran?
o Gandhi refused to leave Champaran when ordered, asserting the right to fight for justice.
4. What was the significance of the Champaran episode?
o It marked Gandhi’s first major victory in India’s freedom struggle and showcased the
power of non-violent resistance.
5. How did Gandhi improve the social conditions in Champaran?
o He established schools, promoted sanitation, and improved health facilities.
Long Answer Questions
1. Explain how Gandhi used non-violence and truth to address the exploitation of Champaran
farmers.
o Gandhi’s non-violent resistance, or satyagraha, forced British landlords to negotiate. His
investigation, public support, and moral authority highlighted the exploitation and resulted
in legal and social reforms.
2. What does the Champaran episode reveal about Gandhi’s leadership?
o Gandhi’s empathetic and pragmatic approach, focus on truth, and emphasis on social
reforms illustrate his visionary leadership. He not only provided legal relief but also
empowered people for self-reliance.
3. Discuss the theme of exploitation and resistance in Indigo.
o The story portrays the oppressive tinkathia system, the resilience of farmers, and Gandhi’s
role in their emancipation. It highlights the transformative power of collective action and
non-violent resistance.
Message of the Chapter
Indigo emphasizes the importance of self-reliance, the strength of collective action, and the
transformative power of truth and non-violence in the face of injustice. It inspires readers to stand
against exploitation and work towards holistic development. Louis Fischer, the author, was a
biographer of Mahatma Gandhi and documented these events in his book The Life of Mahatma
Gandhi. The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 is a well-recorded and significant milestone in India's
history. The narrative centers on Gandhi, sometimes overshadowing the collective efforts of the
farmers and local leaders. Louis Fischer’s narrative was directly influenced by interviews with
Gandhi and his close associates.
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