Question

Which one of the following states is associated with the Champaran Movement?
A. Rajasthan
B. Andhra Pradesh
C. Bihar
D. Tamil Nadu

Answer 1

Hint: Champaran movement or Satyagraha was a local level agitation by Indigo farmers against the Tinkathia system of British. It was launched in 1917 under the leadership of Raj Kumar Shukla and Mahatma Gandhi.

Complete answer: Champaran was a place in the Tirhut division of northern Bihar, where the farmers were forced to grow the blue dye plant Indigo on the 3/20th of their lands. This was known as the Tinkathia system and also these were brought by Europeans at fixed prices.This coincided with development of artificial dyes in Germany which already caused loss to planters and therefore they tried to extract more and more from Indian farmers.
Raj Kumar Shukla, a local leader, requested Mahatma Gandhi for his help in solving the issue. Gandhi agreed eventually and even got support from other leaders as Rajendra Prasad, Mahadeo Desai, Narhari Parekh, J.B. Kriplani, etc. These leaders went to Champaran and after making an assessment of the situation, asked authorities to investigate the matter. This plea got dismissed and the Satyagraha was launched. This included the concept of passive resistance though Gandhi defied the legal order to leave the place. Eventually, new to this kind of protest, authorities gave in and a probe was allowed.
Gandhi himself participated in the enquiry along with a government committee. He then proposed abolition of the Tinkathia system given its exploitative and illegal nature, and also demanded compensation for the farmers. Unfortunately, both sides ended on a compromise of abolition and 25% of compensation.
Alongside, Gandhi ensured that no revenue hikes are asked until the famines end. This was followed by construction of ashrams working for socio-economic development and awareness regarding untouchability.

Hence, the option C is the correct answer.

Note: Gandhi faced certain criticism for compromising at 25% compensation and he replied that even with this, Satyagraha caused considerable damage to the prestige of the planters. This movement was very crucial as it started establishing Gandhi as a leader empathising with the masses fondly called as ‘Bapu’.