The chapter “Indigo” from the NCERT Class 12 English textbook, Flamingo, narrates Mahatma Gandhi’s pivotal role in the Champaran movement of 1917. This episode began when Rajkumar Shukla, a determined peasant, sought Gandhi’s help against the oppressive indigo sharecropping system imposed by British landlords in Bihar. Under this system, peasants were forced to cultivate 15% of their land with indigo and surrender the entire harvest as rent. The situation worsened when synthetic indigo developed in Germany rendered the local crop unprofitable, leading landlords to demand compensation for releasing peasants from the agreement. Gandhi’s arrival in Champaran ignited peasant support, and despite facing official obstruction, he launched an investigation into the landlords’ exploitation. He prioritized empowering the peasants over legal battles, focusing on alleviating their fear and encouraging them to fight for their rights. Ultimately, Gandhi’s efforts led to the establishment of an inquiry commission and a settlement where landlords agreed to refund a portion of the extorted money, symbolically asserting the peasants’ rights. More significantly, the exploitative indigo sharecropping system was abolished, marking a crucial early victory for civil disobedience in India and significantly improving the plight of the peasants in Champaran.
Think As You Read
1. Strike out what is not true in the following.
a. Rajkumar Shukla was
(i) a sharecropper.
(ii) a politician.
(iii) delegate.
(iv) a landlord
b. Rajkumar Shukla was
(i) poor.
(ii) physically strong.
(iii) illiterate.
Ans:
a. Rajkumar Shukla was
(ii) a politician.
(iii) delegate.
(iv) a landlord
b. Rajkumar Shukla was
(ii) physically strong.
2. Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as being ‘resolute’?
Ans:
Rajkumar Shukla is described as being ‘resolute’ because of his unwavering determination to get Gandhi to come to Champaran and address the injustice faced by the sharecroppers.
Even when faced with Gandhi’s prior commitments and busy schedule, Shukla persistently followed him to various places, never giving up on his request. This continuous and determined effort to ensure Gandhi’s presence highlights his resolute nature.
3. Why do you think the servants thought Gandhi to be another peasant?
Ans:
The servants likely thought Gandhi was another peasant due to a combination of factors:
Simple Appearance: Gandhi was known for his simple attire, often wearing a khadi dhoti and shawl. This contrasted sharply with the expected appearance of a prominent leader or someone of high social standing.
Company of Rajkumar Shukla: Gandhi arrived at Rajendra Prasad’s house accompanied by Rajkumar Shukla, whom the servants knew to be a poor indigo sharecropper. Seeing them together, they likely assumed Gandhi was of similar status.
Unfamiliarity: Gandhi was not a well-known figure in that region at that time. The servants might not have been aware of his national importance and therefore judged him based on his appearance and association with Shukla.
Think as you read
1. List the places that Gandhi visited between his first meeting with Shukla and his arrival at Champaran
Ans:
Between his first meeting with Rajkumar Shukla at the Indian National Congress session in Lucknow and his eventual arrival in Champaran, Gandhi visited the following places:
- Kanpur (Cawnpore): Shukla followed Gandhi here after their meeting in Lucknow.
- Ahmedabad: Gandhi returned to his ashram near Ahmedabad, and Shukla followed him there as well.
- Calcutta (Kolkata): Gandhi had prior commitments in Calcutta and asked Shukla to meet him there.
- Patna: From Calcutta, Gandhi and Shukla traveled to Patna, Bihar.
- Muzaffarpur: Before heading to Champaran, Gandhi decided to go to Muzaffarpur to gather more information about the situation from lawyers and other contacts.
2. What did the peasants pay the British landlords as rent? What did the British now want instead and why? What would be the impact of synthetic indigo on the prices of natural indigo?
Ans:
The peasants paid the British landlords rent in the form of indigo.
However, the British now wanted money instead of indigo. This was because Germany had developed synthetic indigo, which was cheaper to produce. The British landlords feared that the price of natural indigo would fall drastically, making it unprofitable for them. Therefore, they wanted to be compensated for releasing the peasants from the obligation to grow indigo.
The impact of synthetic indigo on the prices of natural indigo would be a significant decrease. This would make the cultivation of natural indigo less profitable, potentially leading to its decline.
Think as you read
1. The events in this part of the text illustrate Gandhi’s method of working. Can you identify some instances of this method and link them to his ideas of satyagraha and non-violence?
Ans:Gandhi’s Champaran actions showcase his Satyagraha method. He non-violently defied unjust orders, like refusing to leave, demonstrating resistance without aggression. His willingness to face jail exemplifies self-suffering. He prioritized fact-finding, aligning with the truth-seeking aspect of Satyagraha, and built local support through peaceful means. These actions highlight his commitment to non-violent resistance for justice.
Think as you read
1. Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of 25 per cent refund to the farmers?
Ans:
Gandhi accepted the 25% refund because he saw it as a symbolic win, not just about the money. Making the landlords give up even a small part of their demand showed the farmers they had power and rights. This psychological victory, breaking the landlords’ authority, was more important to Gandhi than the actual amount of money.
2. How did the episode change the plight of the peasants?
Ans:
The Champaran episode dramatically changed the plight of the peasants by ending the exploitative indigo sharecropping system
It also empowered them to understand their rights and fight injustice, and led to improvements in their overall social and economic conditions.
Understanding the text
1. Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his life?
Ans:
Gandhi considered the Champaran episode a turning point in his life because it marked the first successful application of his Satyagraha principles in India, demonstrating its power against British oppression. This movement saw him effectively mobilize and empower impoverished peasants, enabling them to stand up against exploitative landlords and directly challenge British authority. Champaran shifted Gandhi’s focus to India’s specific problems, propelling him to the forefront of the national stage and solidifying his belief in civil disobedience as a potent tool for change. The close interaction with the suffering peasants also deeply impacted him, strengthening his resolve and shaping his future actions in the Indian independence movement.
2. How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers? Give instances.
Ans:
Gandhi influenced the lawyers in Champaran through a compelling combination of moral and practical arguments, coupled with his unwavering dedication to the peasants’ cause. He challenged their practice of charging exorbitant fees from the already suffering peasants, urging them to prioritize justice over profit. Gandhi also redirected their focus from individual legal battles to addressing the root cause of the exploitation by the sharecropping system. His defiance of British orders and willingness to face imprisonment deeply impressed the lawyers, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and his commitment. By organizing a systematic fact-finding mission and involving them in documenting the grievances, Gandhi further solidified their belief in the righteousness of his actions. Ultimately, his selfless leadership and focus on the peasants’ well-being inspired unity among the lawyers, motivating them to collaborate and support the movement, shifting their priorities towards social justice.
3. What was the attitude of the average Indian in smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home rule’?
Ans:
The attitude of the average Indian in smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home rule’ was generally one of fear and indifference. Several factors contributed to this:
Fear of Reprisals: The most significant reason was the pervasive fear of the British authorities. Smaller localities were often under stricter surveillance and control compared to larger cities. People worried about the consequences of showing sympathy or support for any movement opposing the British Raj, fearing arrests, harassment, or other forms of punishment.
Lack of Awareness and Understanding: Many people in smaller towns and villages were not well-informed about the concept of ‘home rule’ or its implications. Limited access to education and information meant they might not have fully grasped the political movements and ideologies of the time.
Focus on Daily Survival: The primary concern for many average Indians in smaller localities was their daily survival and livelihoods. Political movements might have seemed distant and irrelevant to their immediate struggles and needs.
Distrust of Political Leaders: Some people may have been skeptical about the motives and effectiveness of political leaders, potentially due to experiences with local corruption or a lack of tangible benefits from previous political efforts.
4. How do we know that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement?
Ans:
We know that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement through various instances and evidence, particularly highlighted in the context of the Champaran episode:
Rajkumar Shukla’s Initiative: The entire Champaran movement was sparked by the persistent efforts of Rajkumar Shukla, an ordinary, illiterate peasant. His determination in seeking Gandhi’s help and guiding him to Champaran demonstrates the crucial role common people played in initiating and driving the movement.
Peasants’ Overwhelming Response: When Gandhi arrived in Champaran, thousands of peasants flocked to see him, many traveling on foot and by conveyance. This spontaneous outpouring of support showed their eagerness to participate and their recognition of Gandhi as a potential savior.
Defiance and Courage: The peasants, who had lived in fear of the British landlords for years, displayed remarkable courage by coming forward to give testimonies and protest against the injustices they faced. Their willingness to break free from their fear was a significant contribution to the movement.
Mass Demonstrations: When Gandhi was summoned to court, a vast multitude of peasants demonstrated around the courthouse. This show of solidarity and collective action put pressure on the authorities and signaled the beginning of their liberation from the fear of the British.
Providing Support and Shelter: Ordinary people provided Gandhi and the lawyers with shelter and support during their stay in Champaran, despite the risks involved. This logistical and moral support was essential for the movement’s progress.
Talking about the text Discuss the following.
1. “Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor.”
Do you think that the poor of India are free from fear after Independence?
Ans:
The assertion that freedom from fear holds greater significance than legal justice for the poor underscores a critical reality: while legal frameworks are essential, their efficacy is severely compromised when individuals are paralyzed by fear. In such circumstances, the ability to seek legal redress is stifled, rendering even robust legal systems ineffective. Gandhi’s experience in Champaran vividly illustrates this, where fear of the British landlords prevented peasants from asserting their rights until he instilled courage, enabling them to engage with subsequent legal processes. However, the question of whether India’s poor are free from fear post-independence reveals a complex picture. Despite democratic structures, many continue to grapple with the fear of violence, discrimination, state machinery, economic insecurity, displacement, and corruption. Deep-seated inequalities and systemic issues persist, meaning that while legal justice is a goal, the absence of fear remains a significant hurdle for the poor to achieve true freedom and equality in independent India.
2. The qualities of a good leader.
Ans:
A good leader embodies a multitude of qualities that enable them to guide, inspire, and empower others effectively. At the core is integrity, demanding honesty, ethical behavior, and consistency between words and actions, fostering trust and respect. A good leader possesses a clear vision, articulating a compelling future and inspiring others to work towards it. Communication skills are crucial, enabling them to articulate their vision, listen actively to others, and provide constructive feedback. Empathy allows them to understand and share the feelings of their team, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Furthermore, a good leader demonstrates decisiveness, making timely and well-informed decisions, even under pressure. Accountability is paramount, as they take responsibility for their actions and the performance of their team. They are also resilient, able to bounce back from setbacks and learn from mistakes. Crucially, a good leader empowers others, fostering growth, delegating effectively, and recognizing contributions. Finally, a good leader possesses humility, acknowledging their limitations and valuing the contributions of others, creating a collaborative and respectful atmosphere. These qualities, working in concert, define a leader who can navigate challenges, inspire collective action, and achieve meaningful results.
Working with words
• List the words used in the text that are related to legal procedures.
For example: deposition
Ans:
Based on the chapter “Indigo,” here’s a list of words related to legal procedures:
- Deposition
- Affidavit
- Summoned
- Court
- Case
- Justice
- Lawyers
- Prosecutor
- Judge
- Evidence
- Charge
- Trial
- Convicted
- Sentence
- Plea
- Legal
- Proceedings
- Warrant
- Inquiry
- Commission
- Decree
- Plaintiff
- Defendant
- Litigation
- Testimony
- Witness
- Counsel
- Remand
- Appeal
• List other words that you know that fall into this category.
Ans:
- Jurisdiction
- Subpoena
- Indictment
- Arraignment
- Bail
- Verdict
- Acquittal
- Probation
- Parole
- Habeas Corpus
- Litigant
- Statute
- Ordinance
- Precedent
- Contempt of court
- Admissible
- Appellant
- Respondent
- Settlement
- Mediation
- Arbitration
- Litigation
- Tort
- Contract
- Will
- Estate
- Annexure
- Clause
- Amendment
- Judiciary
- Tribunal
- Decree (also mentioned before, but fits here too)
- Writ
- Pleadings
- Discovery
- Deponent (also mentioned before, but fits here too)
- Counterclaim
- Cross-examination
- Perjury
- Restraining order
- Injunction
- Caveat
- Lien
- Mortgage
- Lease
- Intellectual Property (Patent, Trademark, Copyright)
- Criminal Law
- Civil Law
- Constitutional Law
- Administrative Law
- Jurisprudence
Thinking about language
1. Notice the sentences in the text which are in ‘direct speech’. Why does the author use quotations in his narration?
Ans:
The author uses quotations for sentences in ‘direct speech’ in the text for several important reasons:
To bring the characters and events to life: Direct speech allows the reader to hear the characters’ voices directly, making them feel more real and immediate. It adds a sense of authenticity and drama to the narration, drawing the reader into the scene. For example, when Gandhi says, “I have come to the conclusion that the peasant must be taught what his rights are,” it reveals his direct approach and determination.
To highlight key moments and statements: Quotations emphasize significant statements or exchanges, making them stand out from the surrounding narrative. These are often crucial points in the development of the story or reveal important aspects of a character’s personality or intentions.
To show different perspectives and voices: By including direct speech from various individuals, such as the officials, lawyers, and peasants, the author presents a multifaceted view of the situation. This allows the reader to understand the different viewpoints and complexities of the Champaran episode.
To maintain accuracy and authenticity: When recounting historical events, using direct quotes, especially from key figures like Gandhi, adds a layer of accuracy to the narration. It suggests that these were actual words spoken, adding credibility to the account.
To break the monotony of narration: Interspersing descriptive narration with direct dialogue makes the text more engaging and less monotonous. It varies the rhythm and pace of the writing, holding the reader’s attention
2. Notice the use or non-use of the comma in the following sentences.
(a) When I first visited Gandhi in 1942 at his ashram in Sevagram, he told me what happened in Champaran.
Ans:
In this sentence:
- Introductory Clause: “When I first visited Gandhi in 1942 at his ashram in Sevagram” (It has a subject ‘I’ and a verb ‘visited’ but cannot stand alone).
- Main Clause: “he told me what happened in Champaran” (This can stand alone as a sentence).
(b) He had not proceeded far when the police superintendent’s messenger overtook him.
Ans:
In this sentence:
- Main Clause: “He had not proceeded far” (This can stand alone as a sentence).
- Subordinate Clause: “when the police superintendent’s messenger overtook him” (This clause begins with “when” and is essential to understanding why he didn’t proceed further).
(c) When the court reconvened, the judge said he would not deliver the judgment for several days.
Ans:
Introductory Clause: “When the court reconvened” (It has a subject ‘court’ and a verb ‘reconvened’ but cannot stand alone).
Main Clause: “the judge said he would not deliver the judgment for several days” (This can stand alone as a sentence).
Things to do
1. Choose an issue that has provoked a controversy like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy or the Narmada Dam Project in which the lives of the poor have been affected.
Ans:
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy is a stark example of a highly controversial issue that severely impacted the poor. In 1984, a gas leak from a Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India, resulted in thousands of immediate deaths and left hundreds of thousands more with chronic health problems. The victims were primarily from impoverished communities living near the plant. The tragedy sparked outrage and controversy surrounding corporate responsibility, the adequacy of compensation, and the long delays in justice. It highlighted the vulnerability of the poor to industrial disasters, the lasting health and environmental consequences, and the challenges in holding corporations accountable for such масштабные incidents. The Bhopal Gas Tragedy remains a symbol of industrial negligence and the fight for justice for marginalized communities affected by it.
2. Find out the facts of the case.
Ans:
On the night of December 2-3, 1984, a catastrophic industrial disaster struck Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, when approximately 40 tons of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked from the pesticide plant operated by Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL), a subsidiary of the American multinational Union Carbide Corporation (UCC). While the precise cause is debated, it is widely believed that a combination of factors, including the entry of water into a storage tank containing MIC and significant safety lapses coupled with cost-cutting measures at the plant, led to the dangerous chemical reaction and subsequent gas release. The immediate aftermath of the leak was devastating, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people within days, with official figures reporting around 3,800 fatalities, though many believe the actual toll to be significantly higher, potentially exceeding 10,000. Beyond the immediate loss of life, hundreds of thousands of survivors have endured and continue to suffer from a range of debilitating long-term health issues, including respiratory illnesses, eye problems, and neurological disorders, with children born to affected parents also facing heightened risks of birth defects and developmental problems. Furthermore, the toxic gas leak caused extensive and lasting environmental damage, contaminating the soil and groundwater surrounding the plant. In the years following the tragedy, a settlement was reached in 1989, with Union Carbide paying $470 million in compensation to the Indian government, a sum that was widely criticized as insufficient. The survivors’ struggle for adequate compensation, proper medical care, and the cleanup of the contaminated site has continued for decades, with the parent company, Union Carbide Corporation, later acquired by Dow Chemical, facing ongoing legal battles regarding their responsibility, though Dow Chemical maintains they are not liable. Ultimately, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy stands as a grim testament to the far-reaching and devastating consequences of industrial negligence and the enduring challenges of achieving justice and adequate redress for the victims of such disasters.
3. Present your arguments.
Ans:
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy, a devastating industrial disaster that occurred on the night of December 2-3, 1984, was a direct result of corporate negligence by Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) and its parent company, Union Carbide Corporation (UCC). Their cost-cutting measures and inadequate safety protocols led to a massive leak of methyl isocyanate gas, causing thousands of immediate deaths and leaving hundreds of thousands with long-term health issues. The subsequent $470 million settlement was widely considered insufficient to address the immense suffering and ongoing medical needs of the victims. Furthermore, the failure to hold key executives accountable and the continued lack of adequate environmental cleanup highlight a critical lack of corporate responsibility and justice for the survivors. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations and greater corporate accountability to prevent such disasters and protect vulnerable populations from the devastating consequences of industrial negligence
4. Suggest a possible settlement
Ans:
A potential settlement for the Bhopal Gas Tragedy could involve a multi-pronged approach focusing on enhanced medical care, increased compensation, and comprehensive environmental remediation. This would necessitate Dow Chemical establishing a substantial long-term healthcare fund and contributing to economic rehabilitation programs for survivors. Furthermore, a thorough, independent cleanup of the contaminated site, financed by Dow, is crucial. Symbolic measures like a formal apology and a memorial, alongside investments in stronger safety regulations, could also contribute to a more meaningful resolution and prevent future disasters. Achieving this would require overcoming legal hurdles and building trust, but it offers a path towards addressing the ongoing needs and seeking greater justice for the victims.
