Champaran in Bihar was a witness to satyagrah by Mahatma Gandhi in the year ________.
1917
Understanding the Champaran Satyagraha and its Year
The question asks about the year when Mahatma Gandhi led a satyagraha movement in Champaran, located in Bihar. This event was a significant milestone as it marked Mahatma Gandhi's first major intervention and use of the technique of satyagraha in India after his return from South Africa.
The Champaran Satyagraha was initiated to protest against the unjust system practiced by the British planters, under which local peasants were forced to grow indigo on a portion of their land (the 'tin kathia' system) and sell it at fixed, low prices. This system caused immense hardship to the farmers.
Mahatma Gandhi was invited to Champaran by Rajkumar Shukla to investigate the conditions of the indigo cultivators. Upon reaching Champaran, Gandhi began his inquiry, but the local administration ordered him to leave. Gandhi defied this order, stating his commitment to helping the poor cultivators, and was prepared to face the consequences, including imprisonment. This act of civil disobedience, based on truth and non-violence (satyagraha), gained widespread support.
The widespread support and Gandhi's unwavering stance led the government to back down. An inquiry committee was set up, with Gandhi as a member. Based on the committee's recommendations, the Champaran Agrarian Act was passed, which provided significant relief to the indigo cultivators. This entire process, from Gandhi's arrival and initiation of the movement to the eventual resolution, primarily unfolded in a specific year.
Let's look at the options provided regarding the year of the Champaran Satyagraha:
- 1917
- 1915
- 1918
- 1916
Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915. The Champaran Satyagraha movement specifically began in 1917. It was the first satyagraha movement inspired by Gandhi in India.
Therefore, the year Mahatma Gandhi conducted the satyagraha in Champaran, Bihar, was 1917.
Key Points about Champaran Satyagraha
- Location: Champaran, Bihar, India.
- Year: 1917.
- Reason: To protest against the oppressive 'tin kathia' system of forced indigo cultivation by European planters.
- Leader: Mahatma Gandhi.
- Significance: Gandhi's first satyagraha in India and a major victory against the British Raj's exploitative policies.
| Satyagraha | Year | Location | Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champaran Satyagraha | 1917 | Bihar | Indigo Planters' issues |
| Ahmedabad Mill Strike | 1918 | Gujarat | Textile Mill Workers' Wages |
| Kheda Satyagraha | 1918 | Gujarat | Peasants' revenue issues (crop failure) |
Revision Table: Important Events & Years
| Event | Year |
|---|---|
| Mahatma Gandhi returns to India | 1915 |
| Champaran Satyagraha | 1917 |
| Ahmedabad Mill Strike | 1918 |
| Kheda Satyagraha | 1918 |
| Jallianwala Bagh Massacre | 1919 |
| Non-Cooperation Movement begins | 1920 |
Additional Information on Champaran Satyagraha
The Champaran Satyagraha was crucial not just for the relief it brought to the indigo cultivators but also for establishing Mahatma Gandhi's method of peaceful resistance (Satyagraha) as a powerful tool in the Indian freedom struggle. It demonstrated that through non-violent means and mass mobilization, injustice could be challenged effectively. Gandhi's approach involved meticulous fact-finding, engaging with the affected people, and direct, non-violent action. This success in Champaran paved the way for Gandhi to become a central figure in India's fight for independence.
Important Questions from Other Dimensions
Rani Durgawati, who ruled over on behalf of her five-year-old son Bir Narain, belonged to which of the following tribes?
Who among the following founded the newspaper ‘Sambad Kaumudi’?
In which year was the Oudh Kisan Sabha set up?
Which of the following is the first official language of Sri Lanka?
Which newspaper did Mahatma Gandhi start in South Africa?
