Indigo plantation in Champaran
It was a permanent settlement region made up of big zamindari estates ruled by wealthy and powerful landlords. Most of the villages were leased by zamindars to thikadars, the most powerful of whom were European Indigo Planters. Even though the planters only had a temporary lease, they were able to collect rent from the peasants as well as exercise civil and criminal jurisdiction. Champaran has been growing indigo since the late 18th century. However, the first indigo industry was established in Bara village in 1813. By 1850, indigo had surpassed sugar as the most commonly grown crop in Champaran. Many landless serfs, bonded workers, and farmers were forced to plant indigo and other cash crops instead of the food crops they needed to survive. The peasants had to adopt the “panchkathiya” method, which mandated indigo to be planted on five katas of the field in a bigha. The farmers were paid a very low price for these items. They were repressed by the landlords’ ruthless militias and offered pitiful recompense, leaving them in poverty. Even though they were amid a severe famine, the British government imposed a high tax on them and insisted on raising it. The villagers in Champaran were finding it increasingly difficult to cope without food and money.
What was the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the Champaran Movement?
Champaran was a district in the Indian state of Bihar, which is now divided into two districts: East Champaran and West Champaran. The first Satyagraha movement inspired by Mahatma Gandhi occurred in Champaran in 1917. The Champaran Satyagraha was the first to begin, but the term Satyagraha was originally used in the anti-Rowlatt Act movement.
Table of Content
- Indigo plantation in Champaran
- Local Agitation
- Introducing it to Gandhi
- Gandhiji’s role
- The Effect of The Satyagraha
Contact Us