CBSE Class 12 English Core Flamingo Book Chapter 5 Indigo Question Answers from previous years question papers (2019-2024)
Indigo Previous Year Questions with Answers – Question Answers from Previous years Board Exam Question papers provide valuable insights into how chapters are typically presented in exams. They are essential for preparing for the CBSE Board Exams, serving as a valuable resource.They can reveal the types of questions commonly asked and highlight the key concepts that require more attention. In this post, we have shared Previous Year Questions for Class 12 English Core Chapter 5, “Indigo
Questions which came in 2024 Board Exam
Q1. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
(a) Their spontaneous demonstration, in thousands, around the courthouse was the beginning of their liberation from fear of the British.
The officials felt powerless without Gandhi’s cooperation. He helped them regulate the crowd. He was polite and friendly. He was giving them concrete proof that their might, hitherto dreaded and unquestioned, could be challenged by Indians.
The government was baffled. The prosecutor requested the judge to postpone the trial. Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors.
(i) The result of the demonstration was that _________.
Ans. The trial was postponed.
(ii) The participants of the spontaneous demonstration were :
(A) Gandhi’s lawyers
(B) people of Champaran.
(C) Indigo landowners.
(D) Indian soldiers.
Ans. (B) people of Champaran.
(iii) Gandhi cooperated with the British by :
(A) not going to the court.
(B) remaining quiet when he was accused.
(C) helping to manage the mob of people.
(D) leaving Champaran for Delhi.
Ans. (C) helping to manage the mob of people.
(iv) The statement ‘Apparently, the authorities wished to consult their superiors’ was indicative of the Britisher’s __________.
Ans. uncertainty and need for higher approval.
(v) With reference to the extract, the word ‘baffled’ most nearly means :
(A) strengthened.
(B) disgusted.
(C) frightened.
(D) confused.
Ans. (D) confused.
(vi) Whose ‘might’ did this demonstration question?
Ans. The British authorities’ might.
Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
This settlement was adopted unanimously by the commission. Gandhi explained that the amount of the refund was less important than the fact that the landlords had been obliged to surrender part of the money and, with it, part of their prestige. Therefore, as far as the peasants were concerned, the planters had behaved as lords above the law. Now the peasant saw that he had rights and defenders. He learned courage.
(i) What was Gandhi’s purpose in agreeing to the settlement, even at a lesser amount?
Ans. Gandhi agreed to the settlement to demonstrate that the landlords were not above the law and to restore the peasants’ rights and self-respect.
(ii) Complete the sentence with one word :
The commission agreed by common consent, or in other words, they agreed to the settlement ___________.
Ans. unanimously.
(iii) Explain the impact on the landlords as a result of the settlement.
Ans. The settlement forced the landlords to surrender part of their money and prestige, making them acknowledge the peasants’ rights and reducing their dominance.
(iv) Based on the content provided in the extract, select the most likely option about the behaviour of the landlords.
(A) The landlords were sorry for their behaviour.
(B) The landlords were obstinate and refused Gandhi’s suggestion.
(C) The landlords had to refund the money.
(D) The landlords and the planters became partners in the Indigo plantation.
Ans. (C) The landlords had to refund the money.
(v) What did the peasants realize from the Champaran incident?
Ans. The peasants realized that they had rights and defenders and that they could challenge unjust practices and demand fair treatment.
(vi) Complete the sentence appropriately.
The phrase ‘lords above the law’ suggests that ___________.
Ans. the landlords considered themselves superior and not accountable to legal or ethical standards.
Q3. Read the following extracts and answer the questions :
They thought he would demand repayment in full of the money which they had illegally and deceitfully extorted from the sharecroppers. He asked only 50 percent. “There he seemed adamant”, writes Reverend J.Z. Hodge, a British missionary in Champaran, who observed the entire episode at close range. “Thinking probably that he would not give way, the representatives of the planters offered to refund to the extent of 25 percent, and to his amazement Mr. Gandhi took him at his words thus breaking the deadlock.”
(i) Choose the correct option
“Then he seemed adamant,’ reflects Gandhi’s trait of being
(A) arrogant
(B) uncompromising
(c) argumentative
(D) courageous
Ans. (B) uncompromising
(ii) _________ deceitfully extorted from the sharecroppers.
The status of sharecroppers as inferred from the above line is
(A) law abiding citizens
(B) followers of Gandhi
(C) victims of exploitation
(D) contract labourers
Ans. (C) victims of exploitation
(iii) Complete the following sentence :
Gandhi surprised them by ______.
Ans. Gandhi surprised them by accepting the 25 percent refund offer instead of insisting on 50 percent.
(iv) The inference that can be drawn from the line “Mr. Gandhi took him at his word” is _______.
Ans. The inference that can be drawn from the line “Mr. Gandhi took him at his word” is Gandhi’s willingness to compromise to achieve a solution and break the deadlock.
(v) ‘Deadlock’ in the last line means ____________.
Ans. ‘Deadlock’ in the last line means a situation where no progress can be made due to disagreement.
(vi) What do we infer about the attitude of planters towards sharecroppers?
Ans. The planters’ attitude towards sharecroppers was exploitative and deceitful, as they had been extorting money from them.
Q4. Why did Gandhi say : “Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor”? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Gandhi believed that overcoming fear was essential for the poor to assert their rights and demand justice. He felt that legal justice alone was insufficient without the courage to fight against oppression and exploitation.
Q5. Rajkumar Shukla in ‘Indigo’ decided to take up the cause of the peasants and raise his voice against injustice. The bangle makers were a stark contrast and accepted their plight of oppression because of tradition and caste. Write a comparative analysis of the two
different attitudes towards unjust domination. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In the story Lost Spring we see the poor oppressed bangle makers who live in utter poverty and accept it as their fate but are so fear-sticken that they do not form a co-operative due to the fear of the politicians and money lenders. Thus, they remain trapped and will never come out of it until and unless they overcome the fear and determine to take a step towards a better future.
Rajkumar Shukla is a poor peasant of Champaran and like the others of his lot, he too is crushed under the oppressive landowners. However, still he gathers the courage and determination to speak up against the injustice. It is his determination which leads Gandhiji to get involved in the Champaran movement and thus, mark the onset of his involvement in India’s freedom struggle. The poor peasants of Champaran get rid of their fear when they realize they are strong in number and have the support of outsiders like Gandhiji as well as the local lawyers. This empowers them and they are able to speak up for their rights.
Thus the two stories present a contrast in the way the oppressed behaved. It is this contrast in behaviour which determined their future. We can conclude that our actions determine our fate and destiny, we have to act and must not leave everything to God as the maxim goes – ‘God helps those who help themselves.’
Q6. M. Hamel in ‘The Last Lesson’ and Gandhiji in ‘Indigo’ were both concerned about the state of education in the face of oppression. Write a speech to be shared with your peers on the importance of education. You may use cues from the two texts. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Good morning to one and all present here. Today, I stand before you to throw light upon the topic – Importance of education.
In the story titled ‘The Last Lesson’, we get to know about the importance of one’s mother tongue which is the key to freedom from slavery. M Hamel points out that if one is attached to one’s mother tongue, then he can escape the clutches of slavery. He also praises his native language – French and calls it the most logical and most beautiful language. The teacher is sad because now the students will no longer study the language. Schools in the districts of Alsace and Lorraine which were annexed by Prussia will now teach German language instead of French.
Even in the story ‘Indigo’ we see that Gandhiji wanted to uplift the peasants and requested volunteer teachers Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh and others. They opened primary schools in six villages.
Thus, we can conclude that education is empowering and crucial for becoming self-reliant.
Q7. The persistent determination of both Raj Kumar Shukla in “Indigo” and Douglas in “Deep Water” reflects a strong will to overcome challenges and achieve one’s goal. Elaborate with reference to the texts. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In the story titled Indigo, we see the poor peasant named Raj Kumar Shukla who is determined to take along Gandhiji to Champaran, who he believes will get them justice. His persistence forces Gandhiji to accompany him which larks the start of Gandhiji’s involvement in India’s freedom struggle. Thus, we see Raj Kumar Shukla’s immense contribution in India’s freedom struggle.
In the other story titled Deep Water, we get to know of William Douglas’s childhood fear of water. He had a great desire to swim in water bodies which led him to overcome the fear. He gives us an important message that fear only lies in one’s mind and with determination and persistence, he was able to overcome this fear.
Thus, both the characters give the message that determination can help us achieve the unachieveable.
Q8. Compose an oral presentation to be shared with your peers on what Gandhi’s advice (Indigo) would be to the bangle makers of Firozabad (Lost Spring). [120-150 Words]
Ans. Gandhi would advice the bangle-makers to come together and involve in non-cooperation. We see that he employed peaceful means like non-cooperation and self rule to put the idea forward that Indians would not tolerate being ordered around in their own land. Similarly, the bangle-makers should also unite and take steps against the nexus of politicians and money lenders. They must get the weapon of education which will enable them on the path of self reliance and self dependence.
Q9. Wars with gas, wars with fire,
Victory with no survivors. (Keeping Quiet)
Pablo Neruda in the above lines, highlights the futility of war. Gandhi also brought about the change in the plight of the Champaran sharecroppers through civil disobedience and not
violence.
Write an article on the importance of peace and the right way to resolve issues. [120-150 Words]
Ans. War cannot be the solution or harbinger of peace because war leads to death and destruction. We need to keep this in mind when we seek a solution to issues of unlawful possession and invasion. Several world leaders have emphasised on the importance of peaceful means to attain freedom. Gandhi was one of the noted leaders who advocated civil disobedience as an effective means to attain liberty. It simply means to disobey the orders and rules laid down by the authorities who are not bestowed with such rights but have snatched them in order to fulfil their selfish goals and to oppress the people of the land. Even the poet Pablo Neruda, in the poem titled Keeping Quiet says that wars are wasteful as they lead to trucksful of death.
Thus, we can conclude that war cannot be the solution to any issue. We must seek other means like advocating home rule and civil disobedience which promote non-violence.
Q10. ‘Lost Spring’ and ‘Indigo’ highlight the apathy of society and exploitation by those in power. Elaborate. [120-150 Words]
Ans. In both the stories we see how the men in power try to exploit the underprivileged. In Lost Spring story one, we see that the ragpickers who have migrated from Bangladesh have settled in a slum colony called Seemapuri. They have access to ration cards only because these enable them to vote for the politicians who lure them with free supplies of small amount of ration every month. Other than this, no one ever bothers about the inhuman conditions in which these slum dwellers live. In the second story we see the bangle-makers of Firozabad who are involved in the traditional work which is harmful for their health and does not fetch enough money too. However, these people have accepted this as their fate and do not dare to break the vicious trap of politicians and money lenders. In the story titled Indigo we see the historical event wherein the poor peasants of Champaran were exploited by the British landowners. The peasants were forced to plant indigo and had to pay entire crop as rent. They even had to pay a compensation. This entire system was crushing the poor peasants who did not have a voice.
Thus, both the stories reflect the societal attitude of exploitation of the poor.
Q11. While M. Hamel talks of language being the key to nationalism. Gandhi tells the court it is a ‘conflict of duties’. On the one hand, not to set a bad example as a law breaker, on the other hand, to render the humanitarian and national service. You get inspired and decide to write an article for a youth magazine urging the youth to dedicate themselves to the service, of the nation.
You may begin like this,
Youth plays an important role in the progress of the nation ……… [120-150 Words]
Ans. Youth plays an important role in the progress of the nation. Thus, it becomes their responsibility to ensure that they seek the progress of the nation alongwith their personal progress. One must remain attached to one’s mother tongue because it is the key to freedom from slavery. If we want to retain our freedom, then we must guard our native language. Also, we must be watchful that our acts are not against the law and also, we must try to help fellow citizens in their progress. As the saying goes, ‘United we stand, divided we fall’. All the people of the country must make a combined effort to shine and rise together in order to ensure the progress of the nation.
Q12. Where the peasants are so crushed and fear-stricken, law courts are useless. The real relief for them is to be free from fear (Indigo). The people of Firozabad (Lost Spring) are fear stricken to form a cooperative as there is a vicious circle of middlemen, politicians etc. These exploiters don’t allow them to take any initiative. You agree that fear is the worst deterrent factor in one’s life.
As a motivational speaker, give a speech advising students how to overcome fear and lead a successful life. Use material from the two texts to support your views.
You may begin like this.
Dear Students,
The emotion of fear will always interfere and interrupt your path to success …… [120-150 Words]
Ans. Dear Students,
The emotion of fear will always interfere and interrupt your path to success. When someone instils fear in us, he wants to fulfil some unlawful targets which will lead to our exploitation. Thus, we have to remain away from such traps and also be alert to identify potential traps. In the story Lost Spring we see the poor oppressed bangle makers who live in utter poverty and accept it as their fate but are so fear-sticken that they do not form a co-operative due to the fear of the politicians and money lenders. They do not dare to do some other work also because they are trapped by these exploiters. Sometimes, people can blackmail us to get their ransom. In such cases, we must not remain cocooned but we need to discuss the issue with our kin or even raise the matter with our parents and teachers. While being fearless, one must be rational and practical too. One must be able to judge and identify if the fear is real of if someone is instilling the fear only to fulfil his motives. The poor peasants of Champaran get rid of their fear when they realize they are strong in number and have the support of outsiders like Gandhiji as well as the local lawyers. This empowers them and they are able to speak up for their rights.
Questions from the Chapter in 2023 Board Exams
Q1. Describe the role of Raj Kumar Shukla in Indigo. [40-50 Words]
Ans. Raj Kumar Shukla played a crucial role in the Champaran episode related to the indigo cultivation issue. He was a sharecropper from Champaran who approached Gandhi during the 1916 Indian National Congress party convention. Shukla, representing the grievances of indigo sharecroppers, persistently requested Gandhi to visit Champaran and address the injustice of the landlord system. Shukla’s determination and continuous presence alongside Gandhi influenced him to eventually agree to visit Champaran. Shukla served as a catalyst in drawing Gandhi’s attention to the plight of the peasants, leading to Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran struggle against the oppressive indigo plantation system.
Q2. Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of twenty-five percent refund to the peasants? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Gandhi agreed to a settlement of twenty-five percent refund to the peasants in the Champaran indigo issue as a pragmatic compromise. When the British planters offered to refund only 25 percent of the money extorted from the sharecroppers, Gandhi surprisingly accepted the offer. Despite the expectations that he would demand full repayment, Gandhi prioritized the symbolic victory over the monetary amount. By accepting the 25 percent refund, he aimed to break the deadlock and emphasize the landlords’ obligation to surrender part of the money, thus diminishing their prestige. For Gandhi, the essence lay in establishing the principle that the landlords were accountable and that the peasants had rights and defenders.
Q3. What does Gandhi refer to as ‘conflict of duties’? [40-50 Words]
Ans. Gandhi refers to the ‘conflict of duties’ when he explains his refusal to obey the order to leave Champaran immediately. On one hand, he felt a duty not to set a bad example as a lawbreaker, and on the other hand, he was committed to rendering “humanitarian and national service” for the distressed peasants.
Gandhi believed that his disobedience was not a disregard for lawful authority but an obedience to the higher law of conscience, emphasizing the moral and ethical dimensions of his actions. This ‘conflict of duties’ highlights Gandhi’s philosophy of balancing legal obligations with a higher moral duty to serve humanity and fight against injustice.
Q4. Why is the Champaran episode considered as the beginning of the Indian struggle for independence? [120-150 Words]
Ans. The Champaran episode is considered the beginning of the Indian struggle for independence because it marked Mahatma Gandhi’s first organized act of civil disobedience against British rule in India.
In 1917, Gandhi, in response to the plight of indigo sharecroppers, led a nonviolent protest against oppressive British landlords in Champaran, Bihar. This was a pivotal moment as it demonstrated Gandhi’s method of nonviolent resistance and mass mobilization against unjust colonial policies.
The success of the Champaran movement showcased the power of nonviolent civil disobedience, inspiring subsequent movements against British rule. It laid the foundation for Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha and provided a template for the larger independence struggle, setting a precedent for peaceful resistance against colonial oppression.
Q5. ‘Lost Spring’ and ‘Indigo’ bring out how the common man is a victim of exploitation. Explain. [120-150 Words]
Ans. It is common knowledge that claims made regarding inheritance or lineage cannot be contested. It is a known fact that we, as human beings, do not possess the capabilities necessary to successfully contest our own destinies.
In the novel “Lost Spring,” the families of children like Saheb-e-Alam and Mukesh are caught in an unbreakable cycle of social stigma, which manifests itself in the form of poverty and exploitation. They are compelled to obey and follow the powerful, and they are unable to organise themselves into cooperative organisations for their own advancement.
In the same manner, the low-income sharecroppers in ‘Indigo’ were denied their right to legal representation. At each and every turn, they were subjected to harassment at the hands of government personnel, and the police did not listen to their concerns. In many cases, the legal system is ruled by repressive laws that have the effect of dampening the spirit of the common man. They lack the bravery to speak out against what they perceive to be unjust transactions, and their legal battles result in a lack of clarity. Both ‘Lost Spring’ and ‘Indigo’ demonstrate how the average man is a victim of exploitation as a result of this.
Q6. “Civil disobedience had triumphed for the first time in modern India.” When and how did it happen? [120-150 Words]
Ans. The triumph of civil disobedience in modern India occurred during the Champaran episode. In 1917, when Gandhi was summoned to court for his refusal to leave Champaran and received a notice to quit the region, he disobeyed the order. Facing a potential legal battle, Gandhi declared his guilt and was prepared to face the consequences.
However, a spontaneous demonstration by thousands of peasants in support of Gandhi outside the courthouse created a situation where the authorities felt powerless without his cooperation. The officials requested a delay in the trial, and eventually, the Lieutenant-Governor ordered the case to be dropped. This marked the first instance of civil disobedience succeeding against the British authorities in modern India, establishing a precedent for future nonviolent resistance.
Questions that appeared in 2022 Board Exams
Q1. Why did Gandhi chide the lawyers? [40 Words]
Ans. Gandhi reprimanded the solicitors for charging the poor sharecroppers a large price. He believed that taking these matters to court did little to help the terrified and oppressed peasants. According to Gandhi, their release from terror was a relief.
Q2. What conflict of duty was Gandhi involved in? [40 Words]
Ans. Gandhi faced a conflict of obligations because he wanted to uphold his obligations as a human being and as a national leader while also avoiding being labelled as a lawbreaker. He arrived to Champaran with the intention of assisting the farmers, but when he realised that he needed to appear in court, things got complicated for him.
Q3. In the Motihari court, what caused the delay in the trial? [40 Words]
Ans. The delay in the trial at the Motihari court was caused by the absence of crucial evidence and witnesses, which impeded the progress of the legal proceedings.
Q4. Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of 25% refund to the farmers? [40 Words]
Ans. For Gandhi, it was not the money but the principles that were of utmost importance. He believed that the very fact that the British landlords surrendered was of more significance than the percentage of refund. He wanted the poor farmers to realise that they too had rights and that they need not really live in fear of the British landlords. Therefore, although he had initially quoted a 50 percent refund, he later agreed to a settlement of 25 percent refund to the farmers. Besides, Gandhi was interested in long-term solutions rather than immediate benefits. His decision was proved right when, years later, the British landlords decided to leave their estates, putting an end to the sharecropping arrangement.
Q5. What would be the impact of synthetic indigo on the prices of natural indigo? [40 Words]
Ans. The introduction of synthetic indigo would lead to a decrease in the prices of natural indigo as synthetic indigo would provide a cheaper and more readily available alternative, reducing demand for the natural product.
Q6. How did the settlement of 25% refund to the farmers change the plight of the peasants? [40 Words]
Ans. The settlement of a refund of twenty five percent was helpful to break the deadlock between the sharecroppers and the peasants. The fact that the land owners had agreed to surrender a part of the money implied that they had to give up their prestige as well. Now they could not behave like lords above the law. This gave the peasants courage, they realised that they too had rights and defenders.
Q7. Gandhi felt that Indians should not seek a prop in Mr. Andrews, the Englishman. Who was Andrews and why did Gandhi say this? [40 Words]
Ans. Gandhiji was opposed to the idea of seeking the Englishman Mr Andrews as a support in the freedom struggle. He said that having an Englishman on their side would mean that without him, their fight was unequal and they were not self-sufficient, so they had sought the support of the Englishman. If their cause was just, they must rely on themselves to win the battle.
Q8. How did the Champaran incident bring about a change in the plight of the peasants? [40 Words]
Ans. The peasants were spared from having to invest time and money in legal proceedings. The British planters relinquished ownership of their properties after a period of time. These were once again owned by the farmers. Sharecropping indigo has vanished. They came to understand that they had rights and advocates, too. The situation of the peasants changed as a result of the Champaran incident.
Q9. ‘The settlement given to the sharecroppers was symbolic.’ Justify why Gandhi thought so. [40 Words]
Ans. The payment provided to the sharecroppers was symbolic, according to Gandhi, who believed this because he wanted the British to part with more than just their money when he agreed to a settlement of only 25% compensation from them. He placed more value on ending the impasse than on the quantity of money. As a result, the settlement represented the wealth and status of the landlords.
Q10. Gandhi effectively managed to redress the problems of the indigo sharecroppers with the Lieutenant Governor. What did he achieve? [40 Words]
Ans. Gandhi successfully dealt with the Lieutenant Governor to resolve the issues facing the sharecroppers of indigo. The estates returned to the farmers once the landlords abandoned their claims to them. The farmers gained confidence and understood that they had supporters as well. The landlords were forced to give up some of their wealth and status. Gandhi therefore intervened to end the impasse between the farmers and the landlords.
Q11. How does the lesson ‘Indigo’ depict Gandhi’s humanitarian approach? [120-150 Words]
Ans. Gandhiji remained in the region after the Champaran battle was won and the land was returned to the peasants. His loyalty was towards the living human beings, and he realized that much needed to be done for the upliftment of the peasants in Champaran’s villages. His main aim for involvement in the Champaran Movement was the cause of the poor peasants exploitation.
Gandhiji took the initiative and began working to eliminate their cultural and social backwardness. Primary schools were established to educate poor peasants and their children. Gandhiji made an appeal to teachers, and many of his followers, including his wife and son, volunteered for the job.
The area’s health conditions were also deplorable. Gandhiji persuaded a doctor to volunteer his services for six months.
Thus, we see that Gandhiji’s activities revolved around humanity and the upliftment of the backward.
Q12. Gandhi not only alleviated the economic conditions of the Champaran people but also their social and cultural background. Justify. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Gandhi’s loyalty was not to abstractions, which cannot be disputed. It was a devotion to living people. The Champaran incident ended up being a story of moral triumph. Gandhi acknowledged that the landlords’ offer of a 25% return was acceptable and said that the amount did not matter. The British acknowledged their agreement with the Indians’ claims in the return. The peasants no longer dreaded them. After this win, Gandhi stayed in Champaran. He decided to work on this front after realising during his stay there that the Champaran people were culturally and socially backward. He made an appeal for teachers after deciding to start primary schools. A few of his followers offered to Serve as teachers. Gandhi also sought medical assistance, The peasants’ fundamental illnesses were treated. In addition to this, Gandhi’s wife Kasturba joined him in this initiative and also instructed the female members of the community in sanitary laws. From this location, he kept a remote eye on his ashram and requested frequent financial accounts. Even advising them to dig new latrines and cover the existing ones, he wrote to them. Gandhi was able to alter the lives of common people thanks to his unwavering will and persistent efforts.
Q13. Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode a turning point in his life? [120-150 Words]
Ans. The British authority was deeply feared by the locals of Champaran. Indigo and the landlords’ greed were the root of the issue. They had had the tenants plant indigo on 15% of their property and turn up all of the harvest to the landlords. The landlords were prepared to waive the aforementioned condition when synthetic indigo arrived. They sought compensation, unaware of the consequences, and the villagers complied. The peasants later demanded their money back after learning about synthetic indigo. To combat them, the landlords recruited thugs. Gandhi came to the conclusion that lawyers weren’t necessary. He understood that in order to free people from their fear, which was challenging given their lack of education, it was required. However, he fought for their cause with his tenacity. He soon took the reins of a Satyagraha and nonviolent campaign. Gandhi was called to court, and there were numerous farmer protests all around the room. The British felt challenged by this. Champaran sharecroppers came barefoot to see Gandhi. Lawyers from Muzaffarpur also contacted him.
Q14. How was Gandhi able to influence the lawyers? Give instances. [120-150 Words]
Ans. On reaching Muzaffarpur, Gandhi realized that the lawyers who represented the poor peasants in court charged a high fee. He reprimanded them for fleecing the poor unlettered class and refrained the peasants from going to the courts because they were not getting any relief from there.
Instead, the peasants required courage and freedom from fear. Gandhi collected facts from various authorities but was stopped by the officials. When he showed determination, they summoned him to court. Gandhiji prepared himself for the worst, an imprisonment. When the noted lawyers like Rajendra Prasad, Brij Kumar Babu, Maulana Mazharul Huq saw that an outsider was ready to sacrifice for the cause of the Champaran peasants, they too followed suit. Thus, the support of such prominent lawyers strengthened the cause of the peasants and the officials had to give in to their cause.
Q15. Gandhi worked for the social backwardness in the Champaran villages. Elaborate. [120-150 Words]
Ans. Gandhi’s loyalty was not to abstractions, which cannot be disputed. It was a devotion to living people. The Champaran incident ended up being a story of moral triumph. Gandhi acknowledged that the landlords’ offer of a 25% return was acceptable and said that the amount did not matter. The British acknowledged their agreement with the Indians’ claims in the return. The peasants no longer dreaded them. After this win, Gandhi stayed in Champaran. He decided to work on this front after realising during his stay there that the Champaran people were culturally and socially backward. He made an appeal for teachers after deciding to start primary schools. A few of his followers offered to serve as teachers. Gandhi also sought medical assistance. The peasants’ fundamental illnesses were treated. In addition to this, Gandhi’s wife Kasturba joined him in this initiative and also instructed the female members of the community in sanitary laws. From this location, he kept a remote eye on his ashram and requested frequent financial accounts. Even advising them to dig new latrines and cover the existing ones, he wrote to them. Gandhi was able to alter the lives of common people thanks to his unwavering will and persistent efforts.
Q16. What were Gandhi’s concerns regarding the upliftment of the people of Champaran? How did he address them? [120-150 Words]
Ans. Gandhi’s loyalty was not to abstractions, which cannot be disputed. It was a devotion to living people. The Champaran incident ended up being a story of moral triumph. Gandhi acknowledged that the landlords’ offer of a 25% return was acceptable and said that the amount did not matter. The British acknowledged their agreement with the Indians’ claims in the return. The peasants no longer dreaded them. After this win, Gandhi stayed in Champaran. He decided to work on this front after realising during his stay there that the Champaran people were culturally and socially backward. He made an appeal for teachers after deciding to start primary schools. A few of his followers offered to serve as teachers. Gandhi also sought medical assistance. The peasants’ fundamental illnesses were treated. In addition to this, Gandhi’s wife Kasturba joined him in this initiative and also instructed the female members of the community in sanitary laws. From this location, he kept a remote eye on his ashram and requested frequent financial accounts. Even advising them to dig new latrines and cover the existing ones, he wrote to them. Gandhi was able to alter the lives of common people thanks to his unwavering will and persistent efforts.
Q17. What changes occurred in the lives of farmers after Gandhi’s visit to Champaran? [120-150 Words]
Ans. After Gandhi’s visit to Champaran, significant changes occurred in the lives of farmers. They were relieved from the oppressive practices of the British indigo planters, who exploited them through unfair contracts. Gandhi’s efforts led to the reduction of the planters’ demands and improvements in their living conditions. The visit also empowered the farmers, fostering a sense of unity and self-reliance. The agitation inspired by Gandhi’s leadership marked a turning point in their struggle for justice and better treatment.
Questions from the Chapter in 2020 Board Exams
Q1. What was the contract between the sharecroppers of Champaran and their British landlords? [30-40 words]
Ans. The landlords compelled all tenants to plant three-twentieths or 15 percent of their holdings with indigo and surrender the entire indigo harvest as rent. This was done by long-term contract.
Q2. How did the invention of German synthetic indigo affect the peasant-landlord relationship in Champaran? [30-40 words]
Ans.With the invention of the German synthetic indigo, the landlords no longer required the tenants to grow indigo on the land. However, they demanded a compensation from the peasants in order to relieve them from the contracts.
Q3. How was Gandhiji treated at Rajendra Prasad’s house? [30-40 words]
Ans. Rajendra Prasad was not at home when they reached. The servants knew Shukla, a poor peasant who visited their master to seek help for his lot. They allowed him to stay on the grounds and his companion, Gandhi ji who also seemed to be a fellow peasant. They were not allowed to draw water from the well fearing that they were untouchables and would pollute the entire well.
Q4. Why was Gandhiji against peasants going to courts for justice? [30-40 words]
Ans. Gandhi opined that the peasants were poor and lacked courage. They were in fear and so, the courts would not help them out. They needed to realize that they too had rights and they had support. This would give them courage and strength.
Q5. Why has Raj Kumar Shukla been described as being resolute? [30-40 words]
Ans. Raj Kumar Shukla was resolute because he kept on following Gandhiji till he accepted his request of visiting Champaran for the cause of the peasants. When Gandhiji asked him to meet him in Calcutta on such-and-such date, Shukla was already waiting there before Gandhiji’s arrival. Thus, he was determined to take him along to help the peasants of Champaran.
Q6. How did Civil Disobedience triumph at Motihari? [120-150 word]
Ans. Many farmers gathered outside the courtroom where Gandhiji had been summoned. The British felt challenged as a result of this. Champaran sharecroppers came barefoot to see Gandhiji. Lawyers from Muzzaffarpur also contacted him and were ready to court arrest in case they arrested Gandhiji. He explained that what he had done was nothing out of the ordinary. He’d simply informed the British that he couldn’t be ordered in his own country. The British got scared on seeing the huge numbers that had gathered in solidarity. Gandhiji attempted to create new free Indians capable of standing on their own.
This new realization gave courage and strength to the poor farmers and thus, marked the victory of Civil Disobedience.
Q7. How did the court scene at Motihari change the course of India’s struggle for freedom? [120-150 words]
Ans. The peasants in Champaran were terrified of the British government. The problem was caused by indigo and the landlords’ greed. They had forced the tenants to plant indigo on 15% of their land and hand over the entire harvest to the landlords. The landlords were ready to release the above condition when synthetic indigo arrived. They demanded compensation, unaware of the consequences, and the peasants agreed.When the peasants learned about synthetic indigo, they demanded their money back. Thugs were hired by the British to oppose them. Gandhiji realized that lawyers were unnecessary. He realized that releasing them from their fear would be difficult due to their lack of education.
He did, however, champion their cause with his tenacity. He soon became the leader of a nonviolent and Satyagraha movement. Many farmers gathered outside the courtroom where Gandhiji had been summoned. The British felt challenged as a result of this. Champaran sharecroppers came barefoot to see Gandhiji. Lawyers from Muzzaffarpur also contacted him. He explained that what he had done was nothing out of the ordinary. He’d simply informed the British that he couldn’t be ordered in his own country. Gandhiji attempted to create new free Indians capable of standing on their own.
This new realization provided him with a direction to lead the freedom struggle and thus proved to be a turning point in India’s struggle for independence.
Q8. How did the Champaran episode prove to be a turning point in Gandhiji’s life? [120-150 words]
Ans. The Champaran event had solved various problems faced by the poor peasants. They were relieved from the torture they had to face at the hands of the landlords. They gained courage and became fearless. Now the common man realized the power of non-violence.
Thousands of people had supported Gandhiji. He once said that what he did was an ordinary thing as he didn’t want the Britishers to order him in his own country. It was at this point that he decided to ask them to leave India and thus, marked the start of Gandhiji’s involvement in India’s freedom struggle.
Q9. Gandhiji never contented himself with large political and economic solutions. What did he do for the cultural and social backwardness in the Champaran villages? [120-150 words]
Ans. I. Gandhij never satisfied himself with substantial political or economic solutions for the Champaran peasants, preferring instead to prioritise humanitarian and national duty. As the major goal of gaining peasant freedom, he desired self-sufficiency and self-reliance.
- Gandhiji advocated education as a solution to Champaran’s social and economic concerns. He appealed to many educators and teachers from various towns and locations to assist the peasants in becoming educated. He desired for everyone to be self-sufficient through becoming conscious and informed.
Gandhiji observed the Champaran villages’ cultural and social backwardness. He made a call for teachers in order to educate them. Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh, two of his new young students, as well as their wives, offered to help. More professors arrived from Bombay (Mumbai), Poona, and other far-flung corners of India. Mrs. Gandhi (Kasturba) and his youngest son Devdas also arrived from the Ashram. In six villages, primary schools were also established to educate youngsters. Kasturba instilled in the ashram the importance of personal hygiene and collective sanitation. Gandhiji sought medical help to improve his deteriorating health. He offered his services for free for six months.
Kasturba counselled the women on how to get rid of their filthy clothing. Gandhiji taught people self-reliance and liberation from British fear during his long stay in Champaran, As a result, he prepared the way for India’s independence.
2019 Exam Question and Answers from the Chapter
Q1. Why do you think Gandhiji considered the Champaran episode to be a turning point in his life? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Gandhiji considered the Champaran episode as the turning point of his life because after this episode/ the peasants realized their rights and came out of the fear of British landlords. They also got 25% of their land tax as compensation money. This was also the beginning of the cultural, economic and social transformation of the peasants in India. The British were forced to leave the lands of the peasants and hence/ the peasants became the owner of their own lands.
Q2. Why did Gandhiji agree to 25 per cent refund to the peasants? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Gandhi agreed to the 25 percent refund because he opined that the amount was not important. When the sharecroppers had agreed to their liability, they had given away their prestige as well. This acceptance was more important. Now the peasants realized that they too had rights which gave them courage.
Q3. Why did Gandhiji not take C.F. Andrew’s help during the Champaran campaign? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Gandhi believed that by taking an Englishman by their side indicated their weakness. Indians had to be self-reliant and had to fight their own battle. Thus, he denied having C.F. Andrews by their side.
Q4. What made the Lieutenant Governor drop all charges against Gandhiji? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. When the British Lieutenant Governor saw the huge number of peasants who had gathered in support of Gandhiji, he dropped charges and released him. The British realised the strength of Indians because of their sheer number.
Q5. What did Gandhiji do about the social and cultural upliftment of the Champaran villages? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Gandhiji employed volunteer teachers for educating the villagers. His wife guided the women to better sanitation and living conditions. A doctor was appointed to improve the health conditions. Gandhiji wanted to uplift the poor peasants.
Q6. Why did Gandhiji not accept C.F. Andrews’ help during the Champaran movement? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. Gandhiji did not accept C.F. Andrew’s help during Champaran movement because he thought that in having an Englishman on their side was not helpful or a fair fight. That would show the weakness of their heal He wanted Indians to be self-reliant in the struggle against injustice. He wanted Indian to rely upon themselves to win the battle.
Q7. What steps did Gandhiji take to remove the cultural and social backwardness in the rural areas of Champaran? [30 – 40 words]
Ans. The social and cultural backwardness in the rural areas of Champaran caused Gandhi great pain. His appeal for teachers was responded to by several people. In about six villages, primary schools were opened. Gandhi’s wife and youngest son also came to Champaran to help him. Kasturba taught personal cleanliness and community sanitation to the people. Gandhi also managed to get the help of a doctor who with three medicines, tried to fight the miserable health conditions of Champaran.
Q8. Why is the Champaran episode considered to be the beginning of the Indian struggle for independence? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The Champaran episode was a pivotal moment in the independence struggle. Gandhiji decided to urge the British to leave India during the course of this small but significant movement.
A close examination of the Champaran peasants’ problems opened Gandhiji’s eyes to the British’s unjust policies. He realized that people had to be free of fear before they could be free of foreign oppression. The people’s spontaneous demonstration demonstrated that Gandhiji had the nation’s support in his fight against the British. It also instilled patriotism in the hearts of Indians. During the freedom movement, the victory of civil disobedience at Champaran motivated the large-scale launch of the movement. Gandhiji’s victory in the sharecroppers’ case demonstrated that British authority could be challenged. As a result, the Champaran incident served as a stepping stone in India’s struggle for independence.
Q9. What was the problem faced by the indigo cultivators of Champaran? How did Gandhiji solve it? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The indigo cultivators were bound by the landlords through ancient contracts which forced them to plant three twentieths or fifteen precent of their holding with indigo and surrender the entire harvest as rent. Now the landlords no longer required the indigo but they demanded a compensation from the peasants to release them from the contract. The peasants refused to pay compensation and were dragged to courts of law which were beyond the means of the peasants. They had to pay hefty fee to the lawyers which pushed them in debt. This was a troublesome issue for which a peasant named Raj Kumar Shukla sought Gandhiji’s help. Gandhiji collected information from various sources and discussed with the British officers. The landlords accepted to pay refunds of twenty five percent with which they parted with their prestige as well. Thus, the battle of Champaran was won.
Q10. Who was Raj Kumar Shukla? Why and how did he persuade Gandhiji to come to Champaran? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Raj Kumar Shukla was a poor peasant of Champaran. He wanted Gandhiji’s support and help to fight the injustice metted out to their lot. He visited Gandhiji at Lucknow at the December 1916 convention of Indian National Congress. Gandhiji had prior appointments fixed but Shukla accompanied him everywhere. Shukla was persistent and even followed Gandhiji to his ashram. Finally, Gandhiji asked him to meet him at Calcutta on a fixed date and take him along to Chaparan. Shukla was punctual and reached the spot before Gandhiji’s arrival. His tenacity was impressive and thus, he secured Gandhiji’s support for the cause of the peasants of Champaran.
Q11. How did the Champaran episode prove to be a turning point in India’s freedom struggle? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. The Champaran episode proved to help the Indian Independence. Gandhiji took up a fight for the sharecroppers against the landlords. Rajkumar Shukla who told him about the injustice suffered by the sharecroppers took Gandhiji to Champaran. Gandhiji assessed the situation and understood that the landlords were forcing the sharecroppers to plant 15% of their holding with indigo and then give up the entire harvest to them as rent. Since Germany had come up with the concept of synthetic indigo, the price of the natural indigo fell. The landlords forced the sharecroppers to pay compensation. It was then that Gandhiji heard about the ill-treatment of a peasant. Gandhiji decided to look into the matter, but he received an official notice to leave Champaran and quit whatever he was doing there. Gandhiji fought against this injustice by telling the court that it was a conflict of duties and he had come to serve the peasant. In the end, he won his case against the cruel landlords and made them pay 25% of the money back to the sharecroppers. This movement emboldened the peasants and they got to know their rights. He made the British realize that Indians now have the courage to oppose injustice. This episode gave Gandhiji a clear direction to launch the freedom struggle. Thus, it was a turning point in the history of Indian freedom struggle.
Q12. Gandhiji said, “Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor.” How does it become clear from the lesson `Indigo’ that freedom from fear is an essential condition for justice? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Gandhiji said that being fearless was more important than getting legal justice because the poor peasants had to be courageous to fight legal battles. They poverty-ridden peasants could not afford the hefty fee charged by the lawyers. Such a path for justice would never work in their favour because the scales were already tilted against them. Thus, to be on an equal standing, firstly, the peasants had to be free form fear. Then only would they get the courage to stand up for their rights and seek justice.
Q13. When and why did the author say that civil disobedience had triumphed for the first time in modern India? [120 – 150 words]
Ans. Gandhiji felt that Civil Disobedience had triumphed for the first time when he got the support of the notable lawyers of the area. On seeing that Gandhiji, being an outsider, was ready to go to jail for the cause of the peasants of Champaran, the local lawyers felt ashamed of themselves. They also decided to court arrest and follow Gandhiji to the jail. It was then that Gandhiji thought that Civil disobedience had won.
Also see:
Indigo Important Questions, NCERT Solutions, Extra Questions