What was the Role of Mahatma Gandhi in Champaran Movement?

Last Updated : 15 Apr, 2025

The Champaran Satyagraha, which is dated 1917, was the first satyagraha movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in the British period and is considered to be an important form of rebellion in the Indian Independence Movement. It was a farmer's uprising that took place in the Champaran district of Bihar. Farmers were protesting against having to grow indigo with any bare minimum pay for it.

Background

The Champaran Satyagraha was a landmark event in India's struggle for independence from British rule. It took place in the Champaran district of Bihar in 1917 and was led by Mahatma Gandhi. The movement was sparked by the poor treatment and exploitation of indigo farmers by British colonial authorities and plantation owners. Indigo was a cash crop that was forced upon the farmers, who were left with insufficient food to feed their families. This made them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse by plantation owners.

Gandhi arrived in Champaran in 1917 and immediately set to work organizing the farmers. He held meetings with them, listened to their grievances, and helped them organize a nonviolent resistance campaign against the British authorities and plantation owners. The farmers refused to grow indigo and instead demanded better treatment and fair compensation for their crops. Gandhi also encouraged them to organize themselves and stand up for their rights. This marked the beginning of the Champaran Satyagraha, which would go on to become one of the first successful mass movements of its kind.

Champaran Satyagraha and Mahatma Gandhi

The Champaran Satyagraha was a turning point in Gandhi's career as a political leader and activist. It marked his transition from a lawyer and political activist to a mass leader and symbol of the Indian independence movement. The movement was successful in drawing attention to the plight of the farmers and forced the British government to take action. The government appointed a commission to investigate the situation, and the findings led to the introduction of reforms that improved the lives of the farmers. The Champaran Satyagraha also helped Gandhi develop his philosophy of satyagraha, which he later used in other campaigns, including the Salt March and the Quit India Movement.

Congress supported Gandhi's efforts and provided resources to help the farmers. This marked the beginning of a close relationship between Gandhi and Congress, which would play a central role in India's independence movement in the years to come. The Champaran Satyagraha was also an important moment for the Indian independence movement as a whole, as it demonstrated the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance and helped to build momentum for future campaigns.

In conclusion, the Champaran Satyagraha was a significant event in India's struggle for independence from British rule. It was one of the first successful mass movements led by Gandhi and helped lay the foundation for his later campaigns for Indian independence. The movement demonstrated the power of nonviolent resistance and the ability of ordinary people to stand up against oppression and exploitation. The Champaran Satyagraha continues to be remembered as a symbol of hope and courage, and its legacy continues to inspire people around the world to fight for justice and freedom.

Role of Indigo

Indigo was grown massively for commercial purposes in Bihar, United Provinces, and Bengal Presidency in the year 1750. The nature of the crop was commercial and needed a high quantity of water and after production usually left the soil infertile. Because of these properties, the local farmers were usually opposed to its production and preferred to grow crops for daily needs such as that rice and pulses.

To pressurize the farmers, East India Company came up with policies designated to pressurize the farmers to grow indigo, like this being the condition of issuing loans and collaborating with local kings, nawabs, and landlords. The trade of indigo was usually lucrative and led by several European and Indian merchants and trading companies.

Champaran Movement concluded with the introduction of the Bill known as the Champaran Agrarian Bill. This was one of the first civil disobedience by which the Britishers were bound to make some adjustments. It was through this, that Gandhiji gradually gained the confidence of the people and drew away social evils from the Indian scenario.