Indigo Class 12 Notes: CBSE English Flamingo Chapter 5

About Author:

• Class 12 English(Flamingo) Chapter 5 Indigo is written by Louis Fischer who was born in Philadelphia.

• Louis Fischer (1896-1970) was an American journalist and writer known for his work on international politics and history.

• Louis Fischer served as a volunteer in the British Army between 1918 and 1920 

• He made a career as a journalist and wrote for The New York Times, The Saturday Review, for European and Asian publications.

• He was also a member of the faculty at Princeton University.

About the Story:

• "Indigo,"  written by Louis Fischer, is a chapter in the CBSE Class 12 English curriculum that narrates Mahatma Gandhi's efforts to address the exploitation of indigo farmers in Champaran, Bihar. 

• The farmers were subjected to harsh conditions and unfair practices by British landlords, who forced them to grow indigo on a portion of their land and sell it at prices.

• Gandhi, upon learning of their plight, visited Champaran to investigate and provide support. 

• Despite facing opposition from British authorities, Gandhi's determination and non-violent approach led to a successful movement that improved the farmers' conditions.

• The story highlights Gandhi's leadership, the power of non-violent resistance, and the importance of standing up against injustice, offering valuable lessons in social justice and perseverance.

The Theme of the Chapter:

• The chapter "Indigo" by Louis Fischer explores several significant themes that are crucial to understanding Mahatma Gandhi's role in the Indian independence movement and the socio-economic conditions of the time.

• The chapter highlights the severe exploitation and problems faced by the indigo farmers at the hands of British landlords. These landlords forced the farmers to grow indigo on a portion of their land and sell it at very low prices, leading to extreme poverty and hardship.

• The chapter showcases Gandhi's exceptional leadership skills. He successfully mobilizes the farmers, encouraging them to stand up for their rights and work collectively to achieve justice.

Main Character:

i) Rajkumar Shukla:

Rajkumar Shukla was an ordinary farmer from Bihar who was determined to bring Gandhi to Champaran to address the exploitation of indigo farmers by British landlords.

ii) Mahatma Gandhi:

• The main character in the chapter "Indigo" is Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most influential leaders in India’s struggle for independence. 

• Mahatma Gandhi Known for his principles of non-violence and civil disobedience, Gandhi played a pivotal role in addressing the injustices faced by the indigo farmers in Champaran, Bihar.

• Through his actions in Champaran, Gandhi not only helped the farmers gain better living conditions but also set a powerful example of how non-violent resistance can bring about social change.

• His leadership and dedication to justice are central themes in this chapter.

Summary:

i) Introduction to the Champaran Episode

• In 1917, Mahatma Gandhi was at an annual convention in Lucknow when he met a peasant named Rajkumar Shukla. 

• Despite Gandhi's busy schedule, Shukla's persistence impressed him, leading Gandhi to agree to visit Champaran after his commitments were fulfilled.

ii) Journey to Champaran

• Gandhi and Shukla travelled to Patna, where they stayed at the residence of Rajendra Prasad, a lawyer who later became the President of India. 

• However, Rajendra Prasad was not in town, so Gandhi proceeded to collect information about the indigo issue. 

• He then travelled to Muzaffarpur, where he was welcomed by Professor J.B. Kriplani and informed about the plight of the farmers.

iii) The Indigo Problem

• Gandhi discovered that most of the land in Champaran was owned by British landlords and worked by Indian tenants. 

• The primary crop was indigo, which the tenants were forced to grow on 15% of their land and surrender the entire harvest as rent.

• The landlords exploited the farmers further by making them pay compensation when synthetic indigo was developed in Germany.

iv) Gandhi's Approach

• Gandhi realized that legal battles would not benefit the poor peasants, who were already burdened by high lawyer fees. 

• Instead, he focused on alleviating their fear and empowering them to fight for their rights.

• He started gathering evidence and testimonies from the farmers, emphasizing non-violent resistance and collective action to challenge the unjust system.

Importance of CBSE English Chapter 5 Indigo Class 12 Notes

• Chapter 5, "Indigo," is crucial for understanding a significant episode in India's struggle for independence. 

• The chapter details Mahatma Gandhi's efforts in Champaran, Bihar, to combat the British landlords' exploitation of indigo farmers. 

• By studying this chapter, students gain insights into the socio-economic conditions of early 20th-century India and the beginning of Gandhi's movement against British rule.

• Summaries of each section, make it easier for students to review and recall important points.

• Revision arranges information neatly, using bullet points and tables, so students can see how everything fits together and study more efficiently

• Insights into the themes, characters, and events in the chapter, helping students develop a deeper understanding and critical thinking skills

Tips fLearning the Class 12 English Chapter 5 Indigo

• Start by reading the chapter "Indigo" carefully to understand the main events and characters. Pay attention to the details of Gandhi's journey to Champaran, his interactions with the peasants, and the outcomes of his efforts.

• While reading, take notes on key points, important characters, and significant events. Highlight Gandhi's strategies, the problems faced by the indigo farmers, and the solutions implemented.

• Break down the chapter into smaller sections and write summaries for each. This will help in better retention and understanding of the chapter's flow.

• Focus on the main themes of the chapter, such as exploitation and oppression, non-violent resistance, leadership, and social justice. 

• Regularly review notes and revisit the chapter to reinforce your understanding over time

Conclusion

Vedantu’s revision notes for Chapter 5 "Indigo" are an invaluable resource for Class 12 students. This chapter also Mahatma Gandhi's efforts to help the indigo farmers in Champaran, Bihar, who were being exploited by British landlords. Through his non-violent methods and strong determination, Gandhi managed to bring significant changes and improve the farmers' lives. This chapter highlights Gandhi's leadership and the power of peaceful protest, showing how one person's dedication can make a big difference. It provides important lessons about standing up for what is right and the impact of collective action, making it an essential part of the Class 12 English curriculum.

Along with CBSE English Revision Notes, Students Can Access Class 12 Indigo NCERT Solutions. 

Chapter-wise Revision Notes for Class 12 English

Important Study Materials for Class 12 English