Question

Which of the following is not true about indigo cultivation?

a. In Nij system ,the planters produced indigo on the lands directly controlled by them.

b. Nij cultivation was expensive for the planters

c. Indigo cultivation affected the fertility of the soil.

d. None of above​

Answer 1

There were two main systems of indigo cultivation – Nij  and Ryoti. The planter cultivated indigo on grounds that he directly controlled under the Nij farming method. He either acquired or rented a property from other zamindars, and he produced indigo by using hired labourers directly.

Nij farming on a huge scale also necessitated a large number of ploughs and bullocks. The cost of purchasing and maintaining ploughs was a significant issue. It was difficult for the planters to increase the area under Nij cultivation. To cultivate indigo in plantations, planters need extensive expanses in compact blocks.

It was also difficult to mobilise labour. The operation of a huge plantation necessitated a significant number of workers. And labour was required at a period when peasants were often engaged in rice production. Therefore, Nij cultivation was expensive

In most cases, the planters required that indigo be grown on the richest soils, where peasants preferred to grow rice. Indigo, on the other hand, developed strong roots and quickly depleted the soil. The soil could not be seeded with rice after an indigo crop. Hence, Indigo cultivation affected the fertility of the soil.

So, all the options are given here is true about indigo cultivation. Hence the answer is option D:- None of above

Answer 2

All of the following is true about indigo cultivation. Thus, option (D) NONE OF ABOVE.

• There were two main systems of indigo cultivation – nij  and ryoti. Within the system of nij cultivation, the  planter produced indigo in lands that he directly  controlled. He either bought the land or rented it from  other zamindars and produced indigo by directly  employing hired labourers. Thus, proving OPTION (A) to be true.
• India is a tropical country and Indigo grows well in tropical regions. Indian indigo was used by France, Italy and Britain. The manufacturers used the indigo colour to dye clothes. Though cultivating indigo and the price of indigo was very high. So, European cloth manufacturers were dependent on another plant called woad. It proves OPTION (B) to be true.
• Indigo cultivation affects the soil by soil erosion, taking the top part of the soil and making the solved rougher and making soil not good for cultivation it is affected by microorganisms. Thus, proving OPTION (C) to be true as well.