CHAMPARAN SATYAGRAHA For 67th BPSC I Lec# 4

Introduction to Important Topics for 67th BPSC

Overview of Key Topics

• The discussion begins with the introduction of crucial topics relevant for the 67th BPSC exam, emphasizing the significance of understanding specific historical events.

• Three main statements are highlighted as frequent sources of questions: Champaran Satyagraha, the invasion by Bakhtiyar Khilji, and the impact of the 1857 revolution.

Focus on Champaran Satyagraha

• The speaker stresses that a detailed study of Champaran Satyagraha is essential due to its recurring presence in examination questions.

• Gandhi's approach includes both local and all-India movements; local movements focus on specific regional issues while all-India movements address broader national concerns.

Gandhi's Strategies in Local Movements

Key Local Movements Led by Gandhi

• The first significant all-India movement led by Gandhi was against the Rowlatt Act in 1919, marking a pivotal moment in Indian history.

• Important local movements include:

• Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

• Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918)

• Kheda Satyagraha (1918)

Tools Used by Gandhi

• Gandhi employed various methods such as civil disobedience and hunger strikes to mobilize support and challenge injustices.

• Civil disobedience signifies non-compliance with unjust laws peacefully, while hunger strikes serve as a form of protest against oppression.

Understanding the Context of Indigo Cultivation

Historical Background

• The importance of understanding Gandhi's tools is emphasized through references to literature like "Freedom at Midnight," which discusses his strategies against British rule.

Issues Surrounding Indigo Farming

• A critical issue discussed is related to indigo farming in Bihar, particularly focusing on how it affected farmers' livelihoods and land fertility.

Literary Influence on Social Awareness

Impactful Literature

• The book "Neel Darpan" written by Din Bandhu Mitra plays a significant role in raising awareness about indigo cultivation issues among farmers.

• This book became widely recognized after being translated into English by Madhusudan Dutta, further amplifying its reach and impact.

This structured summary encapsulates key discussions from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Challenges in Indigo Farming and Its Impact on Soil Fertility

Farmers' Concerns about Soil Fertility

• Farmers believe that cultivating indigo reduces soil fertility significantly, with estimates suggesting a 50% loss in one season and further declines in subsequent seasons.

• The concern is that continuous indigo farming leads to diminishing returns, making it unsustainable for farmers who rely on fertile land for their livelihoods.

Historical Context of Indigo Cultivation

• During British colonial rule, there was a high demand for indigo as it was essential for the textile industry, prompting the British to push farmers into its cultivation despite the adverse effects on soil health.

• The primary issue identified by farmers was the depletion of soil fertility due to repeated indigo planting, which they were forced into by colonial policies.

Agricultural Systems and Practices

• Discussion around local agricultural systems reveals complexities such as the "khatia" system used for measuring land area (e.g., one "bigha" equals several "kattas"). This system impacts how crops are cultivated and managed.

• The khatia system's implications include restrictions on crop diversity; farmers were often mandated to grow only indigo within certain measurements of land. This led to increased dependency on a single crop at the expense of others.

Local Leadership and Activism

• Rajkumar Shukla emerged as a significant figure advocating against oppressive practices related to indigo farming; he sought help from leaders like Gandhi to address these issues in Champaran.

• Shukla's activism highlighted local grievances regarding exploitation under colonial agricultural policies, emphasizing the need for reform and support from national leaders.

National Movements and Unity

• The events leading up to Gandhi's involvement included significant political gatherings in Lucknow where Hindu-Muslim unity was fostered among various factions within Indian society during 1916. This unity played a crucial role in mobilizing support against injustices faced by farmers like those growing indigo.

• Gandhi’s eventual arrival in Champaran marked a pivotal moment where he addressed farmer grievances directly, leading to organized resistance against exploitative practices imposed by British authorities over agriculture.

Gandhi's Journey to Champaran: Key Events and Figures

Gandhi's Arrival in Patna

• The discussion begins with the importance of clarifying the timeline of Gandhi's arrival in Patna, which is crucial for understanding his subsequent actions.

• Gandhi arrives in Patna on April 10, 1917, where he meets significant figures including Maulana Mazharul Haq, a prominent freedom fighter who built the Sadakat Ashram.

Reception by Local Leaders

• Upon arriving in Muzaffarpur, Gandhi is welcomed by J.B. Kripalani, who was the President of the Indian National Congress at India's independence in 1947.

• Kripalani’s background as a principal at Bhumihar Brahmin College highlights his influence and connection to local educational institutions.

Understanding Farmers' Issues

• From April 10 to April 14, Gandhi engages with farmers to understand their grievances regarding oppressive laws affecting indigo cultivation.

• The Champaran Satyagraha is introduced as a form of civil disobedience against unjust laws imposed on farmers.

Key Figures Involved

• Notable individuals involved include Dr. Rajendra Prasad (first President of India), Anugrah Narayan Singh (Deputy CM), and others who supported Gandhi during this movement.

• The presence of these influential leaders emphasizes the collective effort towards addressing farmers' rights and injustices.

Formation of Committees

• A committee named "Champaran Agrarian Committee" is formed under Governor Edward Cathal to address farmers' issues and investigate grievances related to indigo cultivation.

• This committee aims to assess problems faced by farmers due to forced indigo cultivation practices enforced by landlords.

Legislative Changes Proposed

• The Champaran Act is discussed as a legislative measure aimed at abolishing exploitative practices like forced indigo farming that were prevalent before this movement.

• Gandhi demands refunds for illegal taxes collected from farmers, advocating for justice and fair treatment within agricultural policies.

Champa­ran Satyagraha: Gandhi's Influence and Legacy

Overview of Champa­ran Satyagraha

• During the Champa­ran Satyagraha, Gandhi spent 21 days in the region, emphasizing his commitment to the cause.

• Gandhi established schools in Champa­ran, notably one named after Badhrawa Lakhna Lal, located near Motihari.

• The movement marked a significant turning point where people began referring to Gandhi as "Bapu," indicating his growing influence and respect among the masses.

Key Developments Post-Satyagraha

• Following the success of the Satyagraha, Gandhi was conferred with the title "Mahatma" by Rabindranath Tagore in 1915, solidifying his status as a leader.

• The discussion highlighted that questions regarding Champa­ran Satyagraha would be addressed comprehensively, preparing students for potential examinations related to this historical event.