Question

What are the circumstances which led to the eventual collapse of indigo production in Bengal????

Answer 1

When the indigo production collapsed in Bengal (after the Revolt or Great Rebellion of 1857), the European planters (of indigo) shifted their operations to Bihar. With the discovery of synthetic dyes in the late nineteenth century their business was severely affected, but yet they managed to expand production. When Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa, a peasant from Bihar persuaded him to visit Champaran and see the plight of the indigo cultivators there. Role of Mahatma Gandhi: Mahatma Gandhi's visit in 1917 marked the beginning of the Champaran movement against the indigo planters. The European planters oppressed the peasants and forced them to grow indigo and sell their product at cheaper rate, Gandhiji reached Champaran in 1917 to witness the miserable conditions of the peasants. The District Officials ordered him to leave Champaran but he refused to comply the orders and started the Satyagraha. It was victory for Gandhiji. A commission was appointed to examine the activities of the plantation owners in which Gandhiji was also kept as a member.  

Answer 2

The collapse of indigo production in Bengal was caused by the following circumstances:

a. Ryots’ denied producing the indigo anymore

b. Protests started taking place by the peasants/ ryots supported by the zamindars

c. Following the protests, the Indigo Commission was constituted by the government which accepted the faults of the planters and asked the planters to stop the cultivation.

d. Planters eventually moved out of the city