Question

What was the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi in the Champaran Satyagraha?

Answer 1

Instructions:
The answer to this question must include the following points:

1. Describe the causes leading to the Champaran Satyagraha.
2. Explain the problems faced by the indigo planters in Champaran.
3. Discuss Gandhi’s contribution to the problem.

Solution:
The European planters in Champaran, Bihar, illegally forced Indian peasants to grow indigo and obtained it from them at severely low costs. Under the Tinkathia system, the Indian peasants were supposed to grow indigo on 3/20 part of their land and sell it to the British planters at severely low, fixed prices.

Mahatma Gandhi stood up for the cause of the indigo peasants. Due to his efforts, the Government appointed an enquiry commission of which Gandhi himself was a member. The commission enquired about the grievances of the peasants, and passed the Champaran Agrarian Act in May 1918.