Champaran Satyagraha (1917): Gandhi’s First Civil Disobedience Movement | Studento

Champaran Satyagraha of 1917—India's First Landmark Civil Disobedience Movement

Introduction to the Champaran Satyagraha and Its Historical Significance

Gandhi was invited by Rajkumar Shukla, a local leader, to address the problems faced by farmers in Champaran, Bihar.
European planters forced peasants to grow indigo on 3/20 of their land (known as the tinkathia system).
With the rise of German synthetic dyes in the late 19th century, planters demanded high rents and illegal dues, exploiting peasants before they could switch to alternative crops.
Farmers were forced to sell their produce at prices set by the European planters.

Gandhi's Strategy in Champaran: Civil Disobedience and Passive Resistance

Accompanied by associates Rajendra Prasad, Mazharul-Haq, Mahadeo Desai, Narhari Parekh, and J.B. Kripalani, Gandhi faced orders to leave Champaran.
Gandhi defied the orders, choosing to face punishment, demonstrating the power of passive resistance or civil disobedience.
The authorities eventually permitted Gandhi to investigate the conditions of the farmers.

Impact and Results of Champaran Satyagraha on Indian Independence

The government formed a committee to investigate the issue, with Gandhi as a member.
Gandhi persuaded the authorities to abolish the tinkathia system and compensate peasants for illegal dues.
A compromise led to a 25% refund of the collected dues, marking a significant victory for the farmers.
Within a decade, the European planters exited Champaran, signifying the success of Gandhi's first civil disobedience movement.
Other notable leaders associated with the Champaran Satyagraha included Brajkishore Prasad, Anugrah Narayan Sinha, Ramnavmi Prasad, and Shambhusharan Varma.

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