what is champaran movement and Mahatma Gandhi's role in it.
Answers
The farmers of Champaran, North Western village in Bihar , were forced to grow indigo by the European planters instead of food crops which were necessary for their survival. Indigo plantation was destroying the productivity of the land which was the main reason of the peasant’s protest.
Gandhiji chose to represent the peasants' cause and initiated the Champaran movement.
Features:
1. Insistence on truth.
2. A non-violent and peaceful movement in contradiction with the violent uprisings by peasants in the past.
3. Based on a persuasive strategy.
Relevance:
At that time (1910s) when any popular sentiment/resentment/protest was met with force by the British government, the strategy of peace and persuasion followed in Champaran movement was highly relevant because it did not give any grounds to the British to crush the movement.
Significance:
1. The European planters signed an agreement granting more compensation and control over farming for the poor farmers of the region and cancellations of revenue hikes and collection until the famine ended.
2. Made satyagraha as a powerful tool in India's freedom struggle.
3. The psychological impact of this Satyagraha was outstanding. Made sufferers believe in truth and non-violence.
The symbolic significance of the Champaran satyagraha was - -'s success