Class 12 English — Chapter 5: Indigo

Students should understand the exploitative 'tinkathia' system where peasants were forced by British landlords to plant 15% of their land with indigo and surrender the entire harvest as rent. They should also understand how the development of synthetic indigo led landlords to demand compensation from peasants to release them from this arrangement.

Students should understand the significance of Rajkumar Shukla, an illiterate but resolute peasant, in bringing Mahatma Gandhi to Champaran. His tenacity and persistence were instrumental in initiating the entire movement.

Students should analyze Gandhi's systematic approach to tackling the problem, which involved gathering detailed information before taking action. This includes his visit to Muzzafarpur, consulting with lawyers, and attempting to meet with British officials and landlord associations.

Students should grasp Gandhi's belief that the law courts were ineffective for the oppressed and fear-stricken peasants of Champaran. He argued that the real victory lay in liberating the peasants from the fear of the British authorities, not just winning legal cases.

Students must understand the pivotal event in Motihari where Gandhi disobeyed the official order to leave Champaran. They should comprehend his 'conflict of duties' statement and recognize this act as the first successful implementation of civil disobedience in modern India.

Students should recognize the significance of the spontaneous demonstration by thousands of peasants at the Motihari courthouse. This event marked the beginning of their liberation from the fear of the British and demonstrated their newfound courage and support for Gandhi.

Students should understand the initial reluctance of the prominent lawyers to face imprisonment and their subsequent change of heart after being inspired by Gandhi's selflessness. Their decision to court arrest alongside Gandhi was a crucial moment of unity.

Students should understand the direct consequence of the successful civil disobedience campaign: the formation of an official commission of inquiry by the Lieutenant-Governor, with Gandhi appointed as the sole representative of the peasants, forcing the British to address the grievances.