In the previous post, we have studied the debut of Mahatma Gandhi in the Indian Freedom Struggle. The first movement under the leadership of Gandhi was Champaran Satyagraha of 1917. The issue was related to the farmers.
In this post, we shall read how Gandhi dealt with the issue in Champaran.
Champaran Satyagraha
Issue in Champaran
The issue was the exploitation of Indigo farmers under the Tinkathia System. In 1915, Germany invented artificial dye. So, this brought down the relevancy of the Indigo cultivation. So, in this situation, European planters taking advantage of their power and position and weakness of Indian farmers started exploitation of farmers. They started demanding illegal cess means a share in the produce of Indian farmers.
So, in this scenario, Raj Kumar Shukla, a local leader in Champaran appealed to Gandhi to visit Champaran. Shukla also asked Gandhi to protect the farmers from exploitation.
Approach of Gandhi to Deal the Issue
After reaching Champaran, Gandhi pleased the people and government. He refused to listen to the order of the commissioner of Champaran. So, people became happy. On the other side instead of creating any nuisance for the government, he started the signature campaign.
In the Champaran Satyagraha, the associates of Gandhi were Rajendra Prasad, J.B. Kriplani and Mazharul Haque etc. So, this impressed the government and they appointed Indigo Commission with Gandhi as its member.
Result of Champaran Satyagraha
Gandhi prepared 8000 files during the signature campaign. So, he presented these files to the Commission. From these files, he brought out the pity condition of farmers in Champaran. So, after the inquiry done by the government officials, the data collected by Gandhi was found to be correct.
So, Indigo Commission took the side of Gandhi and as a result, the government not only ended Tinkathia System but also ordered 20 percent compensation to the farmers. Therefore, this was the first successful expedition of Gandhi in the Indian Freedom Struggle. Champaran Satyagraha increased the status of Gandhi in India. From this Champaran Satyagraha, Gandhi also came to know the real condition of farmers in India.
This was all about Champaran Satyagraha in the next coming post, we shall discuss the next movement led by Gandhi i.e. Ahmedabad Mill Strike, 1918.
Thank you so much. 🙂 Stay Connected. 🙂
