Understanding the timeline of significant historical events like the 'Indigo Revolt' is crucial for studying modern Indian history, especially the socio-economic conditions under British rule.

Understanding the Indigo Revolt in Bengal

The Indigo Revolt, also known as the 'Nil Bidroha', was a major peasant uprising in Bengal against the indigo planters. The revolt primarily targeted the British indigo planters who forced local farmers (ryots) to cultivate indigo instead of food crops. This system was highly exploitative:

• Ryots were given advances (dadon) and forced into contracts to cultivate indigo on their most fertile land.
• The prices paid for indigo were very low, often not even covering the cost of production.
• Planters used intimidation, violence, and illegal detention to enforce contracts and control the ryots.
• The judicial system often favored the planters, offering little recourse for the oppressed farmers.

The accumulation of grievances led to widespread discontent among the ryots.

Analyzing the Timeline Options for the Indigo Revolt

Let's examine the given options in the context of Indian history:

• March, 1859: This period falls immediately after the Great Revolt of 1857. The economic distress and social unrest were still prevalent in many parts of India, including Bengal. Historical records indicate this period witnessed the peak of the Indigo Revolt.
• May, 1857: This month and year are significant for the outbreak of the Sepoy Mutiny or the Great Revolt of 1857, which started in Meerut and spread across North and Central India. While related to widespread discontent, 1857 is primarily associated with the Sepoy Mutiny, not the start of the widespread Indigo Revolt.
• April, 1776: This year falls in the late 18th century, long before the major agrarian revolts of the mid-19th century. While there might have been local protests, 1776 does not correspond to the major Indigo Revolt in Bengal.
• March, 1880: This year is well after the peak of the Indigo Revolt. By the 1880s, the indigo cultivation system had significantly declined in Bengal due to the revolt and subsequent government actions.

The Onset of the Indigo Revolt

The frustration of the ryots reached a breaking point. In September 1858, the Collector of Krishnanagar issued a proclamation stating that ryots were free to cultivate whatever they liked, which was misinterpreted by ryots as official support against forced indigo cultivation. This fueled the movement. The revolt began in the Nadia district in Bengal and quickly spread to other districts like Jessore, Khulna, Pabna, and Murshidabad.

The ryots, often led by local headmen and sometimes supported by Zamindars who were also unhappy with the planters' growing power, decided to refuse to sow indigo. They resisted the planters and their lathials (musclemen) with whatever means they had, sometimes resorting to violence.

The revolt gained momentum in the spring of 1859. Specifically, the large-scale refusal to cultivate indigo and resistance against planters became prominent in March 1859. This marked the beginning of the widespread and organized resistance that is recognized as the Indigo Revolt.

Conclusion on the Indigo Revolt Timing

Based on historical accounts, the peak period of the Indigo Revolt in Bengal, characterized by organized refusal to sow indigo and resistance against planters, began in March 1859. This event significantly impacted the indigo cultivation system in Bengal and led to the establishment of the Indigo Commission in 1860 to inquire into the matter.

Revision Table: Key Dates and Events

Additional Information on the Indigo Revolt

The Indigo Revolt was a significant event because:

• It was one of the earliest peasant uprisings in post-1857 India where the ryots showed remarkable unity and organization.
• It led to the decline of forced indigo cultivation in Bengal. Planters eventually moved to other regions like Bihar or switched to other crops.
• It highlighted the oppressive nature of the planter class and the need for government intervention.
• The Indigo Commission's report exposed the atrocities of the planters, leading to some reforms.
• The drama 'Nil Darpan' by Dinabandhu Mitra, which depicted the cruelties of the indigo planters, played a crucial role in garnering support for the ryots' cause among the educated class in Bengal and the wider public.

The Indigo Revolt serves as a powerful example of peasant resistance against colonial exploitation and economic injustice.