chapter - 5 Indigo by Louis Fischer
### Issue: The Narmada Dam Project
#### 1. Choose an Issue
**Issue:** The Narmada Dam Project
The Narmada Dam Project, specifically the Sardar Sarovar Dam, has been a subject of controversy due to its significant impact on the lives of thousands of people, primarily the poor and indigenous communities, who have been displaced by the construction.
#### 2. Find out the Facts of the Case
- **Project Overview:** The Narmada Dam Project includes the construction of large dams along the Narmada River. The Sardar Sarovar Dam is the most prominent one.
- **Displacement:** The project has displaced over 320,000 people, mostly from poor and indigenous backgrounds.
- **Environmental Impact:** Submersion of vast tracts of forest and agricultural land, affecting biodiversity and local ecosystems.
- **Economic Benefits:** Intended to provide irrigation to millions of acres, drinking water to numerous villages and cities, and generate hydroelectric power.
#### 3. Present Your Arguments
**Arguments for the Project:**
- **Economic Growth:** The dam promises substantial economic benefits through improved irrigation, which could boost agricultural productivity, and hydroelectric power, which could support local industries.
- **Water Supply:** It aims to provide drinking water to millions, addressing water scarcity in drought-prone areas.
- **Development:** Infrastructure development in terms of roads, electricity, and improved standards of living in certain regions.
**Arguments Against the Project:**
- **Displacement:** The displacement of poor and indigenous communities often leads to loss of livelihoods, homes, and cultural disintegration, without adequate rehabilitation.
- **Environmental Damage:** The submergence of forests and farmlands harms the environment and biodiversity, leading to long-term ecological imbalance.
- **Human Rights Issues:** There have been allegations of inadequate compensation, forced evictions, and insufficient rehabilitation measures for those displaced.
- **Social Justice:** The benefits of the dam are often skewed towards urban areas and industrial sectors, while the rural poor bear the brunt of the costs.
#### 4. Suggest a Possible Settlement
**Possible Settlement:**
1. **Comprehensive Rehabilitation:** Ensure that all displaced families receive adequate and fair compensation, alternative housing, and land for farming, along with access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
2. **Environmental Safeguards:** Implement strict environmental protection measures to mitigate the ecological impact, including afforestation projects and biodiversity conservation plans.
3. **Community Involvement:** Involve local communities in the decision-making process, giving them a voice in how the benefits of the dam are distributed and ensuring their needs are addressed.
4. **Sustainable Development:** Focus on sustainable development practices that balance economic growth with social and environmental responsibilities, ensuring that the poorest and most vulnerable populations are not disproportionately affected.
5. **Monitoring and Accountability:** Establish an independent monitoring body to oversee the implementation of rehabilitation and environmental measures, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.
6. **Alternative Solutions:** Explore alternative water management solutions such as smaller, decentralized water projects, rainwater harvesting, and watershed management to reduce the dependence on large dams.
By addressing both the developmental goals and the humanitarian concerns, a more equitable and sustainable approach to the Narmada Dam Project can be achieved.
### Working with words
**Legal Procedure Words from the Text:**
1. Deposition
2. Summons
3. Magistrate
4. Judgment
5. Prosecutor
6. Bail
7. Court
8. Trial
9. Sentence
10. Authority
11. Civil Disobedience
**Additional Legal Terms:**
1. Affidavit
2. Subpoena
3. Litigation
4. Appeal
5. Verdict
6. Plaintiff
7. Defendant
8. Evidence
9. Testimony
10. Cross-examination
### Thinking about language
**Sentences in Direct Speech:**
1. “You think that in this unequal fight it would be helpful if we have an Englishman on our side.”
2. “The battle of Champaran is won.”
3. “What about the injustice to the sharecroppers?”
**Why the Author Uses Quotations:**
The author uses quotations in the narration to provide authenticity and direct insight into the thoughts and emotions of the characters. It helps to convey the exact words spoken, making the narrative more engaging and credible.
### Use or Non-use of the Comma
**Example Sentences:**
1. When I first visited Gandhi in 1942 at his ashram in Sevagram, he told me what happened in Champaran.
2. He had not proceeded far when the police superintendent’s messenger overtook him.
3. When the court reconvened, the judge said he would not deliver the judgment for several days.
**Analysis:**
- In the first and third sentences, commas are used after introductory clauses ("When I first visited Gandhi in 1942 at his ashram in Sevagram," and "When the court reconvened,").
- In the second sentence, a comma is not used because the main clause comes before the subordinate clause ("He had not proceeded far when the police superintendent’s messenger overtook him.").
### Discuss the Following
#### 1. “Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor.”
**30 Words:**
Freedom from fear empowers individuals to seek justice and improve their lives. Post-independence, while India’s poor have gained rights, fear from systemic issues and socio-economic disparities persists.
**60 Words:**
Freedom from fear is crucial as it enables individuals to actively pursue justice and better living conditions. In post-independence India, despite legal protections and rights, the poor still often experience fear due to systemic issues such as corruption, socio-economic disparities, and lack of effective enforcement of laws. This ongoing fear can hinder their ability to fully exercise their rights and achieve true justice.
**90 Words:**
Freedom from fear is fundamental for the poor as it allows them to confidently seek justice and improve their socio-economic conditions. Post-independence India has made significant strides in legal protections and rights for the poor. However, fear remains pervasive due to systemic issues like corruption, ineffective law enforcement, socio-economic inequalities, and violence. These factors often prevent the poor from fully exercising their rights and accessing justice. Therefore, while legal frameworks exist, the elimination of fear is essential for these frameworks to be truly effective and beneficial for India’s poor.
#### 2. The Qualities of a Good Leader
**30 Words:**
A good leader embodies integrity, empathy, vision, decisiveness, and resilience. They inspire trust, communicate effectively, and motivate others toward a common goal while being adaptable and ethically driven.
**60 Words:**
Good leadership requires integrity, empathy, vision, and resilience. A good leader inspires trust and confidence, communicates effectively, and motivates their team toward a shared vision. They are decisive yet adaptable, able to navigate challenges while maintaining ethical standards. Empathy enables them to understand and address the needs of their followers, fostering a supportive and cohesive environment.
**90 Words:**
A good leader possesses a blend of integrity, empathy, vision, decisiveness, and resilience. Integrity ensures ethical conduct, building trust among followers. Empathy allows them to connect with and understand the needs and concerns of their team. Vision provides a clear, inspiring direction, while decisiveness enables prompt, confident decision-making. Resilience helps them withstand and navigate challenges. Effective communication and motivational skills are essential, fostering collaboration and commitment. Adaptability ensures they can handle dynamic situations, and their ethical drive ensures they prioritize the greater good, fostering trust and respect in their leadership.
Understanding the text
- Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his life?
- How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers? Give instances.
- What was the attitude of the average Indian in smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home rule’?
- How do we know that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement?
Talking about the text
Discuss the following.
“Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor.”
Do you think that the poor of India are free from fear after Independence?
- The qualities of a good leader.
Working with words
- List the words used in the text that are related to legal procedures.
For example: deposition
- List other words that you know that fall into this category. Thinking about language
- Notice the sentences in the text which are in ‘direct speech’.
Why does the author use quotations in his narration?
- Notice the use or non-use of the comma in the following sentences.
- When I first visited Gandhi in 1942 at his ashram in Sevagram, he told me what happened in Champaran.
- He had not proceeded far when the police superintendent’s messenger overtook him.
- When the court reconvened, the judge said he would not deliver the judgment for several days.
Things to do
- Choose an issue that has provoked a controversy like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy or the Narmada Dam Project in which the lives of the poor have been affected.
- Find out the facts of the case.
- Present your arguments.
- Suggest a possible settlement. ABOUT THE UNIT
### Understanding the text
#### 1. Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his life?
**30 words:**
Gandhi saw Champaran as pivotal because it demonstrated his approach of combining politics with addressing practical issues, showcasing self-reliance and igniting a movement for Indian independence.
**60 words:**
Gandhi considered Champaran a turning-point because it was his first major act of civil disobedience against British rule. It showcased his method of integrating politics with the day-to-day struggles of the common people. This episode emphasized self-reliance and instilled a sense of empowerment among Indians, making it a significant step towards India’s freedom struggle.
**90 words:**
The Champaran episode marked a turning-point for Gandhi as it was his first significant act of defiance against British authority. It highlighted his unique approach of intertwining political action with addressing the immediate needs of the masses. By focusing on the plight of the sharecroppers, Gandhi emphasized self-reliance and practical problem-solving over abstract ideas. This episode not only alleviated the distress of many peasants but also demonstrated the potential of civil disobedience, instilling a sense of empowerment among Indians and setting a precedent for future movements towards independence【16:0†source】【16:2†source】.
#### 1. Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his life?
**30 words:**
Gandhi saw Champaran as pivotal because it demonstrated his approach of combining politics with addressing practical issues, showcasing self-reliance and igniting a movement for Indian independence.
**60 words:**
Gandhi considered Champaran a turning-point because it was his first major act of civil disobedience against British rule. It showcased his method of integrating politics with the day-to-day struggles of the common people. This episode emphasized self-reliance and instilled a sense of empowerment among Indians, making it a significant step towards India’s freedom struggle.
**90 words:**
The Champaran episode marked a turning-point for Gandhi as it was his first significant act of defiance against British authority. It highlighted his unique approach of intertwining political action with addressing the immediate needs of the masses. By focusing on the plight of the sharecroppers, Gandhi emphasized self-reliance and practical problem-solving over abstract ideas. This episode not only alleviated the distress of many peasants but also demonstrated the potential of civil disobedience, instilling a sense of empowerment among Indians and setting a precedent for future movements towards independence【16:0†source】【16:2†source】.
#### 2. How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers? Give instances.
**30 words:**
Gandhi influenced lawyers by demonstrating commitment and moral strength, persuading them to support the peasants even if it meant facing imprisonment, thus teaching them self-reliance and unity.
**60 words:**
Gandhi influenced lawyers by highlighting the injustice faced by the sharecroppers and questioning their commitment. When lawyers considered leaving if Gandhi was jailed, he emphasized the importance of their support, making them realize that abandoning the cause would be a "shameful desertion." This led them to pledge to follow him into jail, showcasing the power of moral conviction.
**90 words:**
Gandhi influenced the lawyers by questioning their commitment to justice. When he asked what they would do if he was imprisoned, the senior lawyer replied they would go home. Gandhi’s challenge made them reflect on their duty, realizing that if Gandhi, a stranger, was willing to go to prison for the peasants, they should too. This realization led them to pledge their support and follow him into jail if necessary. Gandhi's approach instilled a lesson in self-reliance and unity, reinforcing the importance of standing firm for justice regardless of personal risk【16:2†source】【16:5†source】.
#### 3. What was the attitude of the average Indian in smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home rule’?
**30 words:**
The average Indian in smaller localities was generally apathetic or unaware of ‘home rule,’ often not recognizing the advocates' efforts or their significance in the broader struggle for independence.
**60 words:**
The average Indian in smaller localities tended to be indifferent or ignorant about the concept of 'home rule' and its advocates. Their primary concerns were immediate, day-to-day survival issues, making them less engaged with the political movements aimed at achieving self-governance and independence from British rule.
**90 words:**
In smaller localities, the average Indian's attitude towards advocates of ‘home rule’ was marked by indifference or lack of awareness. These individuals were often preoccupied with their daily struggles and survival, which overshadowed broader political issues. Consequently, they did not fully grasp the significance of the movement for self-governance or the efforts of its advocates. This apathy and disconnection from the political discourse highlighted the challenge of mobilizing rural masses for the national freedom movement【16:0†source】【16:2†source】.
#### 4. How do we know that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement?
**30 words:**
Ordinary people contributed by supporting leaders like Gandhi, participating in protests, sharing their grievances, and sustaining the movement through their sacrifices and collective action against British rule.
**60 words:**
We know ordinary people contributed to the freedom movement through their active participation in protests, sharing their grievances with leaders like Gandhi, and enduring hardships for the cause. Their involvement in movements like Champaran, where peasants united against oppressive landlords, exemplifies their essential role in driving the struggle for independence.
**90 words:**
Ordinary people’s contributions to the freedom movement are evident through their active participation in events like the Champaran protest, where peasants united under Gandhi's leadership to resist oppressive practices. Their willingness to share grievances, support leaders, and endure hardships demonstrated their critical role. Additionally, the widespread support for civil disobedience and non-cooperation movements, along with their sacrifices and collective actions, played a pivotal role in sustaining and advancing the struggle for independence, highlighting their indispensable involvement in the movement【16:0†source】【16:5†source】.
**30 words:**
Gandhi influenced lawyers by demonstrating commitment and moral strength, persuading them to support the peasants even if it meant facing imprisonment, thus teaching them self-reliance and unity.
**60 words:**
Gandhi influenced lawyers by highlighting the injustice faced by the sharecroppers and questioning their commitment. When lawyers considered leaving if Gandhi was jailed, he emphasized the importance of their support, making them realize that abandoning the cause would be a "shameful desertion." This led them to pledge to follow him into jail, showcasing the power of moral conviction.
**90 words:**
Gandhi influenced the lawyers by questioning their commitment to justice. When he asked what they would do if he was imprisoned, the senior lawyer replied they would go home. Gandhi’s challenge made them reflect on their duty, realizing that if Gandhi, a stranger, was willing to go to prison for the peasants, they should too. This realization led them to pledge their support and follow him into jail if necessary. Gandhi's approach instilled a lesson in self-reliance and unity, reinforcing the importance of standing firm for justice regardless of personal risk【16:2†source】【16:5†source】.
#### 3. What was the attitude of the average Indian in smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home rule’?
**30 words:**
The average Indian in smaller localities was generally apathetic or unaware of ‘home rule,’ often not recognizing the advocates' efforts or their significance in the broader struggle for independence.
**60 words:**
The average Indian in smaller localities tended to be indifferent or ignorant about the concept of 'home rule' and its advocates. Their primary concerns were immediate, day-to-day survival issues, making them less engaged with the political movements aimed at achieving self-governance and independence from British rule.
**90 words:**
In smaller localities, the average Indian's attitude towards advocates of ‘home rule’ was marked by indifference or lack of awareness. These individuals were often preoccupied with their daily struggles and survival, which overshadowed broader political issues. Consequently, they did not fully grasp the significance of the movement for self-governance or the efforts of its advocates. This apathy and disconnection from the political discourse highlighted the challenge of mobilizing rural masses for the national freedom movement【16:0†source】【16:2†source】.
#### 4. How do we know that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement?
**30 words:**
Ordinary people contributed by supporting leaders like Gandhi, participating in protests, sharing their grievances, and sustaining the movement through their sacrifices and collective action against British rule.
**60 words:**
We know ordinary people contributed to the freedom movement through their active participation in protests, sharing their grievances with leaders like Gandhi, and enduring hardships for the cause. Their involvement in movements like Champaran, where peasants united against oppressive landlords, exemplifies their essential role in driving the struggle for independence.
**90 words:**
Ordinary people’s contributions to the freedom movement are evident through their active participation in events like the Champaran protest, where peasants united under Gandhi's leadership to resist oppressive practices. Their willingness to share grievances, support leaders, and endure hardships demonstrated their critical role. Additionally, the widespread support for civil disobedience and non-cooperation movements, along with their sacrifices and collective actions, played a pivotal role in sustaining and advancing the struggle for independence, highlighting their indispensable involvement in the movement【16:0†source】【16:5†source】.
1. Strike out what is not true in the following.
Gandhi's ashram near Ahmedabad
Calcutta
Patna
Muzaffarpur
Champaran
Calcutta
Patna
Muzaffarpur
Champaran
**a. Rajkumar Shukla was:**
(i) a sharecropper. ~(ii) a politician.~ ~(iii) delegate.~ ~(iv) a landlord.~
**b. Rajkumar Shukla was:**
(i) poor. ~(ii) physically strong.~ (iii) illiterate.
---
#### 2. Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as being ‘resolute’?
**30 Words:**
Shukla is described as "resolute" because he persistently followed Gandhi to urge him to visit Champaran, showing unwavering determination despite Gandhi's busy schedule【6:0†source】.
**60 Words:**
Rajkumar Shukla is described as "resolute" due to his unwavering determination to bring Gandhi to Champaran. Shukla followed Gandhi to different locations, including his ashram near Ahmedabad, and persistently requested him to visit Champaran. His determination impressed Gandhi and highlighted Shukla's tenacity and dedication to his cause【6:0†source】【6:1†source】.
**90 Words:**
Rajkumar Shukla's description as "resolute" stems from his persistent efforts to bring Gandhi to Champaran. Despite being illiterate and poor, Shukla demonstrated unwavering determination by following Gandhi across various locations, including his ashram near Ahmedabad. His persistence was evident when he waited for Gandhi in Calcutta and finally traveled with him to Patna. Shukla's determination impressed Gandhi, highlighting his commitment to addressing the injustices faced by the Champaran peasants. This resolute attitude played a crucial role in persuading Gandhi to take up the cause of the indigo sharecroppers【6:0†source】【6:1†source】.
---
#### 3. Why do you think the servants thought Gandhi to be another peasant?
**30 Words:**
The servants mistook Gandhi for another peasant due to his simple appearance and modest attire, which made him look like an ordinary Indian peasant【6:0†source】.
**60 Words:**
The servants thought Gandhi was another peasant because of his simple appearance and modest attire. Gandhi's lifestyle and clothing choices aligned with those of the common Indian peasants, leading the servants to believe he was one of them【6:0†source】.
**90 Words:**
The servants mistook Gandhi for another peasant primarily due to his simple appearance and modest attire. Gandhi's choice of clothing and lifestyle reflected those of the common Indian peasants, which led the servants to assume he was one of them. This misidentification was a testament to Gandhi's deep connection with the Indian populace and his commitment to living in solidarity with the poor and oppressed, adopting their mannerisms and dress to better understand and represent their struggles【6:0†source】.
---
#### Think as you read -
#### 1. List the places that Gandhi visited between his first meeting with Shukla and his arrival at Champaran.
**30 Words:**
Gandhi visited his ashram near Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Patna, Muzaffarpur, and finally Champaran between his first meeting with Shukla and his arrival at Champaran【6:1†source】.
**60 Words:**
Between his first meeting with Rajkumar Shukla and his arrival at Champaran, Gandhi visited several places. These included his ashram near Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Patna, Muzaffarpur, and finally, Champaran. Each stop was part of Shukla's persistent effort to persuade Gandhi to visit Champaran and address the issues faced by the indigo sharecroppers【6:1†source】.
**90 Words:**
Gandhi's journey from his first meeting with Rajkumar Shukla to his arrival in Champaran included visits to multiple locations. Initially, Gandhi was at his ashram near Ahmedabad. Shukla then accompanied him to Calcutta, followed by a trip to Patna. From Patna, they traveled to Muzaffarpur, where Gandhi gathered more information and support for the Champaran cause. Finally, Gandhi arrived in Champaran. Each of these visits was crucial in building the case against the exploitation of the indigo sharecroppers and preparing for the intervention in Champaran【6:1†source】.
---
#### 2. What did the peasants pay the British landlords as rent? What did the British now want instead and why? What would be the impact of synthetic indigo on the prices of natural indigo?
**30 Words:**
Peasants paid 15% of their indigo harvest as rent. The British wanted cash compensation due to synthetic indigo lowering natural indigo prices, making the traditional arrangement unprofitable【10:0†source】【10:3†source】.
**60 Words:**
Peasants paid the British landlords 15% of their land's indigo harvest as rent. With the advent of synthetic indigo in Germany, the British wanted cash compensation instead, as synthetic indigo would significantly reduce the market price of natural indigo. This shift made the traditional sharecropping arrangement less profitable for the landlords, prompting their demand for cash【10:0†source】【10:3†source】.
**90 Words:**
The peasants were required to pay 15% of their indigo harvest as rent to the British landlords. However, the development of synthetic indigo in Germany posed a threat to the profitability of natural indigo, as it would drive down its market price. Consequently, the British landlords sought cash compensation from the peasants instead of the indigo share, aiming to safeguard their financial interests against the impending decline in natural indigo prices. This change was driven by the economic impact that synthetic indigo would have on the traditional indigo market【10:0†source】【10:3†source】.
---
#### Think as you read -
#### 1. Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of 25 per cent refund to the farmers?
**30 Words:**
Gandhi agreed to a 25% refund because it symbolized the landlords' loss of prestige and established the peasants' rights and courage, which was more important than the amount【10:5†source】.
**60 Words:**
Gandhi agreed to the 25% refund settlement as he believed the refund itself was less significant than the symbolic victory it represented. The landlords' concession of 25% highlighted their loss of prestige and power, establishing the peasants' rights and boosting their morale and courage. This outcome was a strategic victory for Gandhi and the peasants, far outweighing the monetary value of the refund【10:5†source】.
**90 Words:**
Gandhi's agreement to a settlement of a 25% refund to the farmers was a strategic decision. He understood that the actual refund amount was less important than the symbolic victory it represented. The landlords' agreement to a 25% refund signified a significant loss of prestige and authority for them, while simultaneously establishing the peasants' rights and boosting their morale and courage. This concession marked a crucial turning point in the struggle, demonstrating that the peasants could challenge and overcome exploitation, which was the true victory Gandhi aimed for【10:5†source】.
---
#### 2. How did the episode change the plight of the peasants?
**30 Words:**
The Champaran episode empowered peasants by making them aware of their rights, ending indigo sharecropping, and improving their conditions as British planters abandoned their estates【10:4†source】【10:5†source】.
**60 Words:**
The Champaran episode significantly improved the plight of the peasants by empowering them with awareness of their rights and encouraging them to stand up against exploitation. The British planters eventually abandoned their estates, which reverted to the peasants. This marked the end of indigo sharecropping, leading to better living and working conditions for the peasants and a sense of autonomy and self-respect【10:4†source】【10:5†source】.
**90 Words:**
The Champaran episode marked a transformative change for the peasants. It empowered them by making them aware of their rights and emboldened them to stand up against exploitation. The success of the movement led to the British planters abandoning their estates, which were then returned to the peasants. This effectively ended the oppressive system of indigo sharecropping. As a result, the peasants experienced significant improvements in their living and working conditions. Additionally, the episode instilled a newfound sense of autonomy, self-respect, and courage among the peasants, fundamentally altering their socio-economic status【10:4†source】【10:5†source】.
(i) a sharecropper. ~(ii) a politician.~ ~(iii) delegate.~ ~(iv) a landlord.~
**b. Rajkumar Shukla was:**
(i) poor. ~(ii) physically strong.~ (iii) illiterate.
---
#### 2. Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as being ‘resolute’?
**30 Words:**
Shukla is described as "resolute" because he persistently followed Gandhi to urge him to visit Champaran, showing unwavering determination despite Gandhi's busy schedule【6:0†source】.
**60 Words:**
Rajkumar Shukla is described as "resolute" due to his unwavering determination to bring Gandhi to Champaran. Shukla followed Gandhi to different locations, including his ashram near Ahmedabad, and persistently requested him to visit Champaran. His determination impressed Gandhi and highlighted Shukla's tenacity and dedication to his cause【6:0†source】【6:1†source】.
**90 Words:**
Rajkumar Shukla's description as "resolute" stems from his persistent efforts to bring Gandhi to Champaran. Despite being illiterate and poor, Shukla demonstrated unwavering determination by following Gandhi across various locations, including his ashram near Ahmedabad. His persistence was evident when he waited for Gandhi in Calcutta and finally traveled with him to Patna. Shukla's determination impressed Gandhi, highlighting his commitment to addressing the injustices faced by the Champaran peasants. This resolute attitude played a crucial role in persuading Gandhi to take up the cause of the indigo sharecroppers【6:0†source】【6:1†source】.
---
#### 3. Why do you think the servants thought Gandhi to be another peasant?
**30 Words:**
The servants mistook Gandhi for another peasant due to his simple appearance and modest attire, which made him look like an ordinary Indian peasant【6:0†source】.
**60 Words:**
The servants thought Gandhi was another peasant because of his simple appearance and modest attire. Gandhi's lifestyle and clothing choices aligned with those of the common Indian peasants, leading the servants to believe he was one of them【6:0†source】.
**90 Words:**
The servants mistook Gandhi for another peasant primarily due to his simple appearance and modest attire. Gandhi's choice of clothing and lifestyle reflected those of the common Indian peasants, which led the servants to assume he was one of them. This misidentification was a testament to Gandhi's deep connection with the Indian populace and his commitment to living in solidarity with the poor and oppressed, adopting their mannerisms and dress to better understand and represent their struggles【6:0†source】.
---
#### Think as you read -
#### 1. List the places that Gandhi visited between his first meeting with Shukla and his arrival at Champaran.
**30 Words:**
Gandhi visited his ashram near Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Patna, Muzaffarpur, and finally Champaran between his first meeting with Shukla and his arrival at Champaran【6:1†source】.
**60 Words:**
Between his first meeting with Rajkumar Shukla and his arrival at Champaran, Gandhi visited several places. These included his ashram near Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Patna, Muzaffarpur, and finally, Champaran. Each stop was part of Shukla's persistent effort to persuade Gandhi to visit Champaran and address the issues faced by the indigo sharecroppers【6:1†source】.
**90 Words:**
Gandhi's journey from his first meeting with Rajkumar Shukla to his arrival in Champaran included visits to multiple locations. Initially, Gandhi was at his ashram near Ahmedabad. Shukla then accompanied him to Calcutta, followed by a trip to Patna. From Patna, they traveled to Muzaffarpur, where Gandhi gathered more information and support for the Champaran cause. Finally, Gandhi arrived in Champaran. Each of these visits was crucial in building the case against the exploitation of the indigo sharecroppers and preparing for the intervention in Champaran【6:1†source】.
---
#### 2. What did the peasants pay the British landlords as rent? What did the British now want instead and why? What would be the impact of synthetic indigo on the prices of natural indigo?
**30 Words:**
Peasants paid 15% of their indigo harvest as rent. The British wanted cash compensation due to synthetic indigo lowering natural indigo prices, making the traditional arrangement unprofitable【10:0†source】【10:3†source】.
**60 Words:**
Peasants paid the British landlords 15% of their land's indigo harvest as rent. With the advent of synthetic indigo in Germany, the British wanted cash compensation instead, as synthetic indigo would significantly reduce the market price of natural indigo. This shift made the traditional sharecropping arrangement less profitable for the landlords, prompting their demand for cash【10:0†source】【10:3†source】.
**90 Words:**
The peasants were required to pay 15% of their indigo harvest as rent to the British landlords. However, the development of synthetic indigo in Germany posed a threat to the profitability of natural indigo, as it would drive down its market price. Consequently, the British landlords sought cash compensation from the peasants instead of the indigo share, aiming to safeguard their financial interests against the impending decline in natural indigo prices. This change was driven by the economic impact that synthetic indigo would have on the traditional indigo market【10:0†source】【10:3†source】.
---
#### Think as you read -
#### 1. Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of 25 per cent refund to the farmers?
**30 Words:**
Gandhi agreed to a 25% refund because it symbolized the landlords' loss of prestige and established the peasants' rights and courage, which was more important than the amount【10:5†source】.
**60 Words:**
Gandhi agreed to the 25% refund settlement as he believed the refund itself was less significant than the symbolic victory it represented. The landlords' concession of 25% highlighted their loss of prestige and power, establishing the peasants' rights and boosting their morale and courage. This outcome was a strategic victory for Gandhi and the peasants, far outweighing the monetary value of the refund【10:5†source】.
**90 Words:**
Gandhi's agreement to a settlement of a 25% refund to the farmers was a strategic decision. He understood that the actual refund amount was less important than the symbolic victory it represented. The landlords' agreement to a 25% refund signified a significant loss of prestige and authority for them, while simultaneously establishing the peasants' rights and boosting their morale and courage. This concession marked a crucial turning point in the struggle, demonstrating that the peasants could challenge and overcome exploitation, which was the true victory Gandhi aimed for【10:5†source】.
---
#### 2. How did the episode change the plight of the peasants?
**30 Words:**
The Champaran episode empowered peasants by making them aware of their rights, ending indigo sharecropping, and improving their conditions as British planters abandoned their estates【10:4†source】【10:5†source】.
**60 Words:**
The Champaran episode significantly improved the plight of the peasants by empowering them with awareness of their rights and encouraging them to stand up against exploitation. The British planters eventually abandoned their estates, which reverted to the peasants. This marked the end of indigo sharecropping, leading to better living and working conditions for the peasants and a sense of autonomy and self-respect【10:4†source】【10:5†source】.
**90 Words:**
The Champaran episode marked a transformative change for the peasants. It empowered them by making them aware of their rights and emboldened them to stand up against exploitation. The success of the movement led to the British planters abandoning their estates, which were then returned to the peasants. This effectively ended the oppressive system of indigo sharecropping. As a result, the peasants experienced significant improvements in their living and working conditions. Additionally, the episode instilled a newfound sense of autonomy, self-respect, and courage among the peasants, fundamentally altering their socio-economic status【10:4†source】【10:5†source】.
Think as you read
1. Strike out what is not true in the following.
a. Rajkumar Shukla was
(i) a sharecropper. (ii) a politician.
(iii) delegate . (iv) a landlord.
b. Rajkumar Shukla was
(i) poor. (ii) physically strong. (iii) illiterate.
2. Why is Rajkumar Shukla
described as being ‘resolute’?
3. Why do you think the
servants thought Gandhi to be
another peasant?
Think as you read
1. List the places that Gandhi visited between his first meeting with Shukla and his arrival at Champaran.
2. What did the peasants pay the British landlords as rent? What did the British now want instead and why? What would be the impact of synthetic indigo on the prices of natural indigo?
1. Why did Gandhi agree to asettlement of 25 per cent refund to the farmers?
2. How did the episode change the plight of the peasants?
Understanding the text
- Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his life?
- How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers? Give instances.
- What was the attitude of the average Indian in smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home rule’?
- How do we know that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement?
- “Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor.”
- The qualities of a good leader.
- List the words used in the text that are related to legal procedures.
- List other words that you know that fall into this category. Thinking about language
- Notice the sentences in the text which are in ‘direct speech’.
- Notice the use or non-use of the comma in the following sentences.
- When I first visited Gandhi in 1942 at his ashram in Sevagram, he told me what happened in Champaran.
- He had not proceeded far when the police superintendent’s messenger overtook him.
- When the court reconvened, the judge said he would not deliver the judgment for several days.
- Choose an issue that has provoked a controversy like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy or the Narmada Dam Project in which the lives of the poor have been affected.
- Find out the facts of the case.
- Present your arguments.
- Suggest a possible settlement. ABOUT THE UNIT
Think as you read
Talking about the text
Discuss the following.
Do you think that the poor of India are free from fear after Independence?
For example: deposition
Why does the author use quotations in his narration?
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