Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF of Class 12 English Core textbook (Resonance), Indigo by Louis Fischer, which is part of the syllabus of students studying under MBOSE (Meghalaya Board). These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
In 1942, Louis Fischer visited Mahatma Gandhi at his ashram in Sevagram. Gandhi recounted the story of how he decided to urge the British to leave India, which began in 1917. During the Indian National Congress annual convention in December 1916, a poor peasant named Rajkumar Shukla approached Gandhi. Shukla, from Champaran in Bihar, requested Gandhi’s help to address the injustice faced by sharecroppers in his district.
Champaran peasants were forced to grow indigo on a portion of their land and surrender the entire crop to British landlords as rent. With synthetic indigo being developed in Germany, landlords demanded compensation to release peasants from this arrangement. Many peasants, unaware of the details, signed agreements but later sought their money back, leading to conflicts and legal battles.
Gandhi, impressed by Shukla’s persistence, agreed to visit Champaran. They first went to Patna and stayed at the house of Rajendra Prasad, who later became India’s President. Gandhi then proceeded to Muzaffarpur to gather more information. He was welcomed by Professor J.B. Kripalani and stayed with Professor Malkani, which was a bold move at a time when supporting home-rule advocates was risky.
Upon arriving in Champaran, Gandhi began his investigation. He faced resistance from British officials but remained undeterred. His presence sparked a spontaneous demonstration by thousands of peasants, symbolizing their newfound courage. Gandhi was summoned to court for defying orders to leave Champaran. He pleaded guilty, explaining his duty to serve the peasants, and was released without bail.
Gandhi’s trial was postponed, and he used the time to organize and educate the peasants. Prominent lawyers from Bihar joined him, prepared to follow his lead even to jail. This collective resolve marked the beginning of the peasants’ liberation from fear.
Gandhi and his team conducted a thorough investigation, documenting grievances from around ten thousand peasants. The evidence led to an official inquiry, where Gandhi represented the peasants. The landlords eventually agreed to refund a portion of the money, breaking their prestige and empowering the peasants.
Gandhi didn’t stop at addressing economic issues. He initiated social and cultural reforms, opening schools and improving sanitation with the help of volunteers, including his family. Health conditions were dire, and Gandhi arranged for basic medical aid.
The Champaran episode marked a turning point in Gandhi’s life and the Indian independence movement. It demonstrated civil disobedience’s effectiveness and instilled a sense of self-reliance among the peasants. Gandhi’s approach intertwined politics with practical solutions for the masses, emphasizing loyalty to human beings over abstract concepts.
Charles Freer Andrews, an English pacifist and Gandhi’s follower, offered to stay in Champaran to help. However, Gandhi refused, insisting that the Indians must rely on themselves rather than seeking support from an Englishman. This stance reinforced the message of self-reliance and independence.
The Champaran movement showcased Gandhi’s ability to blend political activism with social reform, laying the foundation for future civil disobedience campaigns in India. It highlighted the power of collective action and self-reliance in challenging unjust systems and advancing towards freedom.
Textual questions and answers
Fill in the blanks
1. Champaran was a district situated in __________ and Gandhi’s ashram was situated in__________.
Answer: Champaran was a district situated in Bihar and Gandhi’s ashram was situated in Ahmedabad.
2. Rajendra Prasad later became __________ and then __________.
Answer: Rajendra Prasad later became President of the Congress party and then President of India.
3. Two evil social customs that prevailed in those days were __________ and __________.
Answer: Two evil social customs that prevailed in those days were untouchability and the oppressive landlord system.
4. Muzzafarpur lawyers called on Gandhi to __________ and to __________. Gandhi chided them because __________.
Answer: Muzzafarpur lawyers called on Gandhi to brief him and to inform him about their cases. Gandhi chided them because they collected big fees from the sharecroppers.
5. Most arable land in Champaran was divided into __________ owned by __________ and worked by __________. The chief commercial crop was __________.
Answer: Most arable land in Champaran was divided into large estates owned by Englishmen and worked by Indian tenants. The chief commercial crop was indigo.
6. ‘The battle of Champaran is won.’ Gandhi said these words when __________.
Answer: ‘The battle of Champaran is won.’ Gandhi said these words when the lawyers decided to follow him into jail.
7. The three medicines available in Champaran were __________ and __________.
Answer: The three medicines available in Champaran were castor oil, quinine, and sulphur ointment.
8. Gandhi kept a watch on the ashram even while in Champaran. He __________, and asked for __________ also wrote to the residents to __________.
Answer: Gandhi kept a watch on the ashram even while in Champaran. He sent regular instructions by mail, and asked for financial accounts; he also wrote to the residents to fill in the old latrine trenches and dig new ones.
9. In everything Gandhi did he tried to mould a __________ who could __________.
Answer: In everything Gandhi did he tried to mould a new free Indian who could stand on his own feet.
10. Gandhi opposed the idea of Andrews staying on in Champaran because __________. Thus, he taught them a lesson in __________.
Answer: Gandhi opposed the idea of Andrews staying on in Champaran because it showed the weakness of their heart. Thus, he taught them a lesson in self-reliance.
Answer these questions briefly
1. Who was Rajkumar Shukla? Why did he request Gandhi to visit Champaran?
Answer: Rajkumar Shukla was an illiterate but resolute sharecropper from Champaran. He had come to the Congress session to complain about the injustice of the landlord system in Bihar. He requested Gandhi to visit Champaran to help the peasants.
2. State one incident from the story to prove that untouchability was rampant in India at that time.
Answer: When Gandhi arrived in Patna with Shukla, he was not permitted to draw water from the well. The servants were afraid that some drops from his bucket might pollute the entire source because they did not know if he was an untouchable.
3. Professor Malkani welcomed Gandhi into his home in Muzaffarpur. Why was this action of his extraordinary in those days?
Answer: In those days, Indians were afraid to show sympathy for advocates of home-rule. Therefore, it was extraordinary for a government professor like Malkani to harbour a man like Gandhi.
4. What was Gandhi’s view on law courts in India those days?
Answer: Gandhi felt that taking cases to the courts did little good because the peasants were so crushed and fear-stricken. He believed that the real relief for them was to be free from fear.
5. What did Gandhi say to the Judge in Motihari? How did Gandhi explain his actions in Champaran that led to his trial?
Answer: Gandhi pleaded guilty to the charge of disobeying the order to leave Champaran. He explained that he was involved in a conflict of duties. He felt obligated to render humanitarian and national service, which required him to stay in Champaran. He disobeyed the order, not out of disrespect for lawful authority, but in obedience to a higher law – the voice of his conscience.
6. Describe the scene that changed the mindset of the peasants of Champaran from fear of the British to a new sense of liberation and power.
Answer: When Gandhi was summoned to court, thousands of peasants spontaneously gathered around the courthouse to show their support for him. This demonstration, in their thousands, showed that the British might, previously dreaded and unquestioned, could be challenged by Indians.
7. How did Gandhi’s actions on behalf of the peasants influence the lawyers? Why did they react as they did?
Answer: The lawyers were initially hesitant to follow Gandhi to jail. They felt ashamed that they, who claimed to have served the peasants, would abandon them if Gandhi was imprisoned. Gandhi’s willingness to sacrifice himself for the peasants inspired the lawyers to follow him.
8. How was the deadlock finally broken?
Answer: The deadlock was broken when Gandhi agreed to accept a 25% refund for the peasants instead of demanding full repayment. He understood that the amount of the refund was less important than the fact that the landlords had been forced to surrender part of their money and prestige.
9. What steps did Gandhi take to improve the cultural and social conditions of the Champaran villagers?
Answer: Gandhi appealed for teachers and started primary schools in six villages. He also arranged for a doctor to provide medical care and encouraged personal cleanliness and community sanitation.
10. What does the author mean by the ‘typical Gandhi pattern’?
Answer: The author refers to Gandhi’s approach to politics being deeply intertwined with the practical, day-to-day problems of the millions. He was not interested in abstract ideas, but in helping living, human beings.
Answer these questions in detail
1. Gandhi’s deep understanding of human nature helped him break the deadlock created after the official inquiry. Give instances from the text to support this.
Answer: Gandhi’s deep understanding of human nature helped him break the deadlock created after the official inquiry. Instances from the text that support this include his insistence on a modest refund from the planters. When the planters offered to refund 25 per cent of the money, Gandhi accepted it immediately. This unexpected move broke the deadlock and led to a unanimous settlement by the commission. Gandhi understood that the landlords surrendering part of their money and prestige was more important than the actual amount refunded.
2. What did Gandhi do to change the social and cultural backwardness of Champaran?
Answer: To change the social and cultural backwardness of Champaran, Gandhi appealed for teachers and opened primary schools in six villages. He also focused on improving health conditions by getting a doctor to volunteer his services for six months and providing simple medicines like castor oil, quinine, and sulphur ointment. Additionally, Gandhi and his wife Kasturbai addressed personal cleanliness and community sanitation, and Kasturbai talked to women about improving their clothing conditions. Gandhi also wrote to the ashram residents asking them to fill in the old latrine trenches and dig new ones.
3. ‘Champaran’ was the first victory for civil disobedience in India. Discuss.
Answer: ‘Champaran’ was the first victory for civil disobedience in India because it marked the first time in modern India that civil disobedience had triumphed. Gandhi’s refusal to obey the official notice to quit Champaran and the subsequent support from the peasants demonstrated the effectiveness of non-violent resistance. The spontaneous demonstration of thousands of peasants around the courthouse in Motihari was a turning point, showcasing their liberation from fear of the British. This victory set a precedent for future civil disobedience movements in India.
4. What are your views on self-reliance? Would you consider the incidents at Champaran an awakening of the collective Indian consciousness?
Answer: Self-reliance is crucial for personal and national development as it fosters independence and confidence. The incidents at Champaran can be considered an awakening of the collective Indian consciousness because they demonstrated the power of unity and self-reliance. The peasants, inspired by Gandhi’s leadership, overcame their fear of the British and stood up for their rights. This shift in mindset was a significant step towards Indian independence and self-reliance, showing that the people could challenge and change oppressive systems.
5. State the one quality of Rajkumar that was instrumental in changing the course of the history of Champaran, and so of India. Elaborate with examples from the text.
Answer: The one quality of Rajkumar that was instrumental in changing the course of the history of Champaran, and so of India, was his resoluteness. Despite being poor and illiterate, Rajkumar Shukla’s determination led him to persistently follow Gandhi until he agreed to visit Champaran. Shukla’s tenacity is evident when he sat on his haunches for weeks outside Gandhi’s ashram and later waited for him in Calcutta. His unwavering resolve to bring Gandhi to Champaran eventually led to the successful movement against the oppressive landlord system, marking a significant milestone in India’s struggle for independence.
Beyond the text
1. Has the economic status of the Indian farmer changed much since Independence? Does his economic status depend on the region or the caste he belongs to? Work in pairs and have a panel discussion in class on this topic.
Answer: Since Independence, the economic status of the Indian farmer has seen both improvements and challenges. There have been advancements in technology, irrigation, and agricultural practices, leading to increased productivity in some regions. However, many farmers still face issues such as inadequate access to credit, poor infrastructure, and fluctuating market prices. The economic status of farmers often depends on the region due to varying levels of development and state policies. Additionally, caste can play a significant role, with marginalized communities sometimes facing additional barriers to economic advancement.
2. Enact the scene at the court in Motihari on the day Gandhi was summoned there.
Answer: The scene at the court in Motihari can be vividly depicted by recreating the tense and momentous atmosphere when Gandhi was summoned. Gandhi arrived at the court to a large gathering of peasants who had come to support him. The crowd’s spontaneous demonstration was a significant show of solidarity and the beginning of their liberation from fear. Inside the courtroom, Gandhi’s calm and respectful demeanor contrasted with the government’s attempts to intimidate him. He pleaded guilty but explained that his actions were driven by a higher moral law, emphasizing his commitment to humanitarian and national service. This powerful display of civil disobedience and the peasants’ support marked a turning point in their struggle against British oppression.
Appreciating form and language
Louis Fischer has written a factual account about the plight of the sharecroppers of Champaran. Precise and accurate information is presented in a down-to-earth style of writing. Direct speech is used to emphasise the authenticity of the narration. Using the same direct style of the author, write a paragraph on Mahatma Gandhi, civil disobedience or indigo.
Answer: In 1917, Mahatma Gandhi arrived in Champaran, a district plagued by the exploitative indigo farming system imposed by British landlords. The tenants were forced to grow indigo on a significant portion of their land and surrender the entire crop as rent. When synthetic indigo from Germany made natural indigo less profitable, landlords demanded compensation for releasing farmers from these contracts. Gandhi, appalled by the injustice, rallied the peasants and urged them to fight without fear. His investigation and civil disobedience led to a landmark victory; the British were compelled to form a commission that ultimately sided with the sharecroppers. This success not only alleviated the peasants’ plight but also ignited a spirit of self-reliance and resistance among the Indian populace, marking a significant milestone in India’s struggle for independence.
Writing
1. Imagine you are a landlord in Champaran in pre-Independence India. Write a notice to the sharecroppers informing them of their release from the contract of growing indigo on 15 per cent of their tenant holdings.
Answer:
Notice
This notice is to inform all Sharecroppers of Champaran, that effective immediately, you are hereby released from the contractual obligation of growing indigo on 15 per cent of your tenant holdings. You are no longer required to cultivate indigo as part of your rent.
We acknowledge the difficulties you have faced under this arrangement and hope this change brings some relief to you and your families. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Sincerely,
Jonathan
Landlord
2. Illustrate through an incident in the story any one quality of Gandhi that you as a student would like to emulate.
Answer: One quality of Mahatma Gandhi that stands out is his unwavering commitment to truth and justice, exemplified during his time in Champaran. When Gandhi was ordered to leave Champaran by the British authorities, he refused to comply, choosing instead to face trial. He said, “I disobeyed the order to leave not out of disrespect for the law but out of a higher duty to serve the suffering peasants.” This act of civil disobedience demonstrated his bravery and dedication to the cause of the oppressed. As a student, I would like to emulate Gandhi’s courage to stand up for what is right, regardless of the consequences, and his steadfast adherence to non-violence in the pursuit of justice.
Extra fill in the blanks
1. When Gandhi first visited ______ in 1942, he recounted how he decided to urge the departure of the British. (Ahmedabad/Sevagram)
Answer: Sevagram
25. The Champaran episode was a turning-point in Gandhi’s ______. (life/career)
Answer: life
Extra true or false
1. Gandhi first visited Rajkumar Shukla in 1942.
Answer: False
27. The establishment of schools in Champaran was an immediate priority for Gandhi.
Answer: True
Extra question and answer
1. Who did Gandhi meet at the December 1916 annual convention of the Indian National Congress party?
Answer: Gandhi met Rajkumar Shukla at the December 1916 annual convention of the Indian National Congress party.
24. Discuss the significance of Gandhi’s refusal to rely on Charles Freer Andrews in Champaran and the lesson it taught.
Answer: Gandhi’s refusal to rely on Charles Freer Andrews in Champaran was significant as it emphasized the importance of self-reliance. When his lawyer friends suggested that Andrews stay to help, Gandhi opposed it, stating that their cause was just and they should rely on themselves rather than on an Englishman. This stance demonstrated Gandhi’s belief in the strength and capability of Indians to fight their battles independently. Rajendra Prasad later reflected that this incident taught them a valuable lesson in self-reliance, highlighting the need for Indians to depend on their efforts to achieve justice and independence.
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger. He manages Online Free Notes and reads Victorian literature. His favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and he hopes to travel the world. Get in touch with him by sending him a friend request.
Get notes of other boards, classes, and subjects