There have been a number of movements by the indigo planters of Champaran, in protest against their mistreatment at the hands of British landowners. However, the most famous of these was in 1917, when Mahatma Gandhi became a figurehead for this suffering of the indigo planters.
Prior to the British involvement in India, local people had owned all of the land, on which they grew crops such as sugar cane. They made enough money out of their land to live off, and to feed their families.
However, when the British came to India, they forced the people of Champaran to grow the Indigo plant, as it could be used to make an expensive dye (indigo dye), which would bring a lot of profit.
The British claimed ownership of the land in Champaran, and took all of the indigo crops produced by the farmers in order to sell them. As a result, the local people, who were previously comfortable, had nothing.
When Gandhi heard about the exploitation and suffering of the people of Champaran, he wanted to visit the area, in order to see them for himself. However, when the British landowners and authority figures heard about his plan to visit, they asked for an order to be enforced by the police to stop Gandhi from visiting Champaran.
Despite this, Gandhi still entered the area of Champaran, defying the court order. He was successful in highlighting the plight of the indigo farmers using non-violence, or Satayagraha. This was the first successful demonstration of Satayagraha in Indian history.
Champaran is located in India, in the Chhatisgarh region of the country. Champaran is located towards the eastern side of India, and does not have a coastline.
- Why were the indigo planters unhappy?
Prior to the British involvement in India, local people had owned all of the land, on which they grew crops such as sugar cane. They made enough money out of their land to live off, and to feed their families.
However, when the British came to India, they forced the people of Champaran to grow the Indigo plant, as it could be used to make an expensive dye (indigo dye), which would bring a lot of profit.
The British claimed ownership of the land in Champaran, and took all of the indigo crops produced by the farmers in order to sell them. As a result, the local people, who were previously comfortable, had nothing.
- Gandhi's involvement in the Champaran affair
When Gandhi heard about the exploitation and suffering of the people of Champaran, he wanted to visit the area, in order to see them for himself. However, when the British landowners and authority figures heard about his plan to visit, they asked for an order to be enforced by the police to stop Gandhi from visiting Champaran.
Despite this, Gandhi still entered the area of Champaran, defying the court order. He was successful in highlighting the plight of the indigo farmers using non-violence, or Satayagraha. This was the first successful demonstration of Satayagraha in Indian history.
- Where is Champaran?
Champaran is located in India, in the Chhatisgarh region of the country. Champaran is located towards the eastern side of India, and does not have a coastline.