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During the period of British colonial rule in India, after the efforts from Revolt of 1857 and the moderates and extremists from 1885 to 1920 the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 emerged as the inaugural Satyagraha movement led by Gandhi, representing a significant milestone in the country’s quest for independence and preparing for the foundation of the Non-cooperation movement. This historic event unfolded in Bihar’s Champaran district, where tenant farmers were coerced by British planters to cultivate indigo on a portion of their land under the ‘Teen Kathia‘ system. This resistance movement symbolized the convergence of peasant discontent with the broader Indian National Movement.
The Idea of Satyagraha
After World War I in 1919, Indian nationalism grew, and Mahatma Gandhi, who returned to India in 1915, introduced the idea of Satyagraha. Satyagraha focused on the power of truth and encouraged people to seek it. Gandhi believed that physical force was unnecessary to fight against colonial rule, as the cause for freedom was just, and the struggle was against injustice.
Gandhi traveled across India, organizing several Satyagraha movements, including:
- Peasants’ Movement, Champaran (1917)
- Peasants’ Movement, Kheda (1918)
- Mill Workers’ Movement, Ahmedabad (1918)
Champaran Satyagraha Introduction
The Champaran Satyagraha was an important event in India’s fight for independence, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917. It addressed the unfair treatment of local farmers who were forced by British planters to grow indigo. Gandhi’s non-violent approach led to negotiations that secured better conditions for the farmers. This movement was an important step in India’s struggle for freedom and set the stage for future independence efforts.
1917 Champaran Movement History
The Champaran Satyagraha, a significant chapter in India’s independence movement, unfolded in Bihar’s Champaran district in 1917. It stemmed from the oppressive indigo cultivation system imposed by British colonial rulers on local farmers. These farmers were coerced into growing indigo, a lucrative cash crop, instead of food crops, under exploitative contracts and harsh working conditions. Mahatma Gandhi’s arrival in Champaran marked a pivotal moment in the region’s history.
Employing the principles of satyagraha, or nonviolent resistance, Gandhi mobilized the oppressed farmers against British oppression. His strategies included organizing mass gatherings, collecting evidence of exploitation, and advocating for peaceful resistance. The Champaran Satyagraha eventually led to negotiations with British authorities and the enactment of the Champaran Agrarian Act of 1918, addressing some of the farmers’ grievances. This landmark event not only relieved the plight of Champaran farmers but also demonstrated the efficacy of nonviolent protest, influencing the course of India’s struggle for independence.
Causes of Indigo Planters’ Struggles and the Champaran Satyagraha
The Tinkathia system was the most common method of indigo cultivation in Champaran. Under this system, farmers were forced to grow indigo on three kathas (or 3/20th) of every bigha of their land, with no legal basis for the demand. It was enforced mainly by indigo planters who owned the factories.
After 1900, the indigo industry in Bihar declined due to competition from synthetic indigo. In response, planters began canceling contracts with farmers and demanded compensation (tawan) of up to Rs. 100 per bigha. If farmers couldn’t pay, they were given loans with high-interest rates.
The farmers were heavily taxed and exploited by both the British planters and the colonial government. In early 1917, Mahatma Gandhi, with Rajkumar Shukla, visited Champaran to investigate. The local magistrate ordered Gandhi to leave, but he refused.
Gandhi gained the support of the locals, and when summoned to court, he was escorted by 2,000 people. The case against him was dropped, and he began learning about the farmers’ struggles.
He visited many villages and collected testimonies from nearly 8,000 farmers. Gandhi realized that the farmers’ illiteracy made them vulnerable to exploitation by the European planters. To help, he set up voluntary groups to improve education and sanitation in the area.
Mahatma Gandhiji’s Role in Champaran
Mahatma Gandhi played a important role in the Champaran Satyagraha impacting India’s independence movement. His key contributions included mobilizing local farmers, challenging unfair indigo plantation practices, promoting nonviolent resistance, and achieving important legal victories.
- In 1916, Congress leaders Brajkishore Prasad and Raj Kumar Shukla met Gandhi at the Lucknow session, sharing the plight of Champaran peasants. Gandhi was initially unimpressed and insisted on visiting Champaran before taking action. He asked them to pass a resolution without his involvement. The resolution about the peasants’ issues was passed unanimously.
- Gandhi first arrived in Muzaffarpur, where he wrote to the Commissioner of the Tirhut Division, offering to work with the government’s cooperation. He explained his aim to investigate the indigo cultivation system and the grievances of the peasants.
- The British officials, however, were suspicious of Gandhi’s intentions and feared unrest. They decided to issue a notice to make him leave the district under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
- On April 15, 1917, Gandhi reached Champaran and wrote to the Magistrate, refusing to leave and expressing his willingness to face the penalty for disobedience. He was charged and summoned for trial on April 18 but did not defend himself, ready to go to jail.
- Gandhi’s non-cooperation with the authorities led to confusion, and the case was postponed. The Lieutenant Governor, finding insufficient evidence, ordered the case to be dropped and allowed Gandhi to continue his inquiry.
- Gandhi conducted his investigation in Motihari and Bettiah, assisted by leaders like Rajendra Prasad and Brajkishore Prasad. Thousands of ryots came forward to share their grievances.
- The Bihar Planters’ Association opposed the inquiry, claiming it would incite violence, and some European officials feared it would turn into an anti-European movement.
- The government eventually intervened and asked Gandhi to submit a preliminary report on May 13, 1917.
- On October 4, 1917, the inquiry committee, which included Gandhi, submitted its report with key recommendations:
- Abolition of the Tinkathia system.
- Ryots who paid Tawan should get a refund of one-fourth of the amount.
- Illegal cesses (abwab) should be stopped.
- Indigo-growing agreements should be voluntary, with a maximum term of three years, and the ryots should choose the land for cultivation.
Most of the committee’s recommendations were accepted, leading to the Champaran Agrarian Act of 1918, which abolished the Tinkathia system that had oppressed farmers for over a century.
Result of the Champaran Satyagraha
After the Champaran Satyagraha, the government set up a commission to investigate the farmers’ complaints. Gandhi agreed to join the committee. Within months, the Champaran Agrarian Bill was passed, bringing relief to the farmers and land tenants. On June 5, a meeting was held in Ranchi with E.A. Gait, the Lt. Governor of Bihar and Orissa, H. McPherson, the Chief Secretary, and Gandhiji to work out a settlement. A committee was formed with Gandhiji as a member, along with representatives from the planters, zamindars, and three British officials. Gandhiji presented the evidence he had gathered about the peasants’ grievances. Gandhiji agreed to stop further investigations if the committee’s recommendations were implemented. Based on the committee’s findings, changes were made to the law, leading to the passing of the Champaran Agrarian Act in 1918.
Rowlatt Act (1919)
In March 1919, the Rowlatt Act was passed, allowing the British government to arrest anyone suspected of terrorism and detain them for up to two years without trial. The act also gave the police the power to search places without a warrant. In April 1919, Gandhi launched a nationwide Satyagraha against the act, which received widespread support from people already suffering from poor conditions.
Khilafat Issue (1919 – 1925)
The Jallianwalla Bagh massacre fueled Indian nationalism, but Satyagraha movements were still mostly limited to cities. Gandhi realized that to build a nationwide movement, Hindus and Muslims needed to unite. He worked to bring them together on common issues, like the Khilafat movement, to create a broader movement for independence.
Champaran Satyagraha, a watershed movement
- Beginning of the Gandhian Era: Success at Champaran established Gandhiji as a strong leader in India’s struggle for freedom. It was during this movement that he was called ‘Bapu’ and ‘Mahatama’ for the first time. Credit goes to him for the abolishment of the exploitative Tinkathia system.
- Beginning of the Mass Movement Era: Gandhiji’s ability to efficiently mobilize the oppressed peasants at Champaran, convinced the otherwise reluctant Congress to start a mass movement against the British rulers. Thus, the Champaran Movement marked the beginning of the mass movement era as from now onwards masses became a part of the national movement.
- The emergence of Gandhiji as a Mass leader: Building on his experience in South Africa and establishing his reputation as a leader of the masses, firstly during the Champaran Satyagraha and later on in Ahmedabad and Kheda Satyagraha, Gandhiji found his feet among the masses. He now understood the strengths and weaknesses of the masses better.
- First demonstration of non-violent Satyagraha: Through Champaran Satyagraha, Gandhi demonstrated to the people that even the strongest oppressor can be overthrown without the use of violence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Champaran Satyagraha stands as a historic testament to the transformative power of nonviolent resistance and the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in India’s struggle for independence. Although the term, ‘Satyagraha’ for the first time, was used against the ‘Rowlatt Act’, Gandhiji sowed the seeds of the Satyagraha movement for freedom struggle during his Chamapran campaign.
This movement not only challenged the exploitative indigo system but also paved the way for a larger revolution against British colonial rule. Champaran Satyagraha highlighted the principles of truth and nonviolence as potent tools for social and political change, setting the stage for future campaigns and inspiring a nation to rally against injustice. The legacy of Champaran Satyagraha endures as a symbol of courage, unity, and the indomitable spirit of a people striving for freedom and justice.
Champaran Satyagraha UPSC
Gandhiji’s triumph in Champaran elevated his standing among the local population and the existing leadership, who had already held him in high regard for his earlier endeavors in South Africa. This newfound recognition provided him with the opportunity to continue leading the campaign until its ultimate success.
Champaran Satyagraha is part of India’s freedom struggle and becomes important from the Prelims, UPSC Mains GS1 and History optional perspective.
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