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Class 12 NCERT Solutions eNGLISH
Class 12 NCERT Solutions eNGLISH
Flamingo Prose Chapter 5
Flamingo Prose Chapter 5
Indigo
“Indigo” by Louis Fischer is not just a chapter in your Flamingo book—it's a powerful reminder of how one person's courage can light the way for thousands. It tells the inspiring real-life story of how Mahatma Gandhi stood up for the poor indigo farmers of Champaran, who had been suffering silently under British oppression for years.
Imagine being forced to grow something you don’t want, on your own land, and then being made to hand over the profits. That was the harsh reality for these farmers. But what truly changed everything wasn’t just Gandhi’s legal actions—it was the hope, confidence, and strength he gave to ordinary people. He taught them that they had the right to say no. That they mattered.
This chapter is more than just a freedom struggle—it's about overcoming fear, believing in justice, and standing up for what’s right. As students, you may also face situations where you feel helpless or unheard. “Indigo” reminds us that even in the face of power, truth and unity can win.
At www.dasklibro.com, we’ve made this page to help you:
💬 Understand the story not just for exams, but from the heart
📝 Write strong, thoughtful answers that meet CBSE marking guidelines
💡 Connect the chapter’s themes to real-life values and questions
Let’s dive in—not just to study, but to learn how courage, empathy, and action can truly change the world.
Think as you read
🔸 1. Strike out what is not true in the following:
a. Rajkumar Shukla was:
(i) a sharecropper ✅
(ii) a politician ❌
(iii) a delegate ❌
(iv) a landlord ❌
b. Rajkumar Shukla was:
(i) poor ✅
(ii) physically strong ❌
(iii) illiterate ✅
✅ Correct options:
1a → (i)
1b → (i) and (iii)
🔸 2. Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as being 'resolute'?
🟩 20 words:
He was determined to bring Gandhi to Champaran and followed him everywhere until Gandhi agreed to go.
🟨 40 words:
Rajkumar Shukla was described as 'resolute' because he persistently followed Gandhi for weeks. Despite being poor and illiterate, he showed determination and patience to convince Gandhi to visit Champaran and help the oppressed indigo farmers.
🟦 60 words:
Rajkumar Shukla was called ‘resolute’ because he didn’t give up despite Gandhi’s busy schedule. He followed Gandhi from Lucknow to Ahmedabad and waited patiently for weeks at the ashram. His firm belief in Gandhi’s help and his tireless efforts finally convinced Gandhi to visit Champaran. His strong willpower and dedication to the cause proved his resolute nature.
🟥 80 words:
Rajkumar Shukla is described as ‘resolute’ because he showed unshakable determination in seeking Gandhi’s help for the indigo farmers. Though he was poor and uneducated, he followed Gandhi from the Congress session to his ashram, and then waited patiently in Calcutta. He didn’t lose hope or get discouraged. His quiet persistence impressed Gandhi, who finally agreed to visit Champaran. His actions demonstrate how even a simple man, when resolute, can initiate significant change.
🔸 3. Why do you think the servants thought Gandhi to be another peasant?
🟩 20 words:
Gandhi wore simple clothes and came with Shukla. The servants assumed he was just another poor village farmer.
🟨 40 words:
Gandhi’s simple appearance and humble behavior made the servants assume he was another peasant like Rajkumar Shukla. Since Shukla often came seeking help, they thought Gandhi was also a distressed farmer and did not recognize him as a national leader.
🟦 60 words:
Gandhi dressed in plain clothes and behaved modestly. He arrived with Rajkumar Shukla, who was known to the servants as a poor peasant. Gandhi’s lack of airs and simple lifestyle confused them, so they thought he too was a villager. This shows how Gandhi’s appearance reflected his connection with the poor, making him one with the people.
🟥 80 words:
The servants mistook Gandhi for another peasant because of his plain clothes, simple demeanor, and his association with Rajkumar Shukla, who frequently visited the house seeking help. Gandhi never wore anything fancy or showed signs of authority, so his humble appearance made him indistinguishable from common villagers. They even denied him water, fearing he might be an untouchable. This incident highlights Gandhi’s humility and how deeply he identified himself with the common people of India.
🔸 4. List the places that Gandhi visited between his first meeting with Shukla and his arrival at Champaran.
🟩 20 words:
After meeting Shukla, Gandhi visited Cawnpore, Ahmedabad, Calcutta, Patna, and Muzaffarpur before reaching Champaran.
🟨 40 words:
Following his first meeting with Rajkumar Shukla, Gandhi traveled to Cawnpore and Ahmedabad. Later, he fixed a meeting with Shukla in Calcutta. From there, he went to Patna, then Muzaffarpur, and finally reached Champaran to begin his investigation.
🟦 60 words:
After meeting Shukla at the Lucknow Congress session, Gandhi told him he had commitments in Cawnpore and Ahmedabad. Later, he met Shukla in Calcutta as promised. Together they went to Patna, where they stayed at Rajendra Prasad’s house. Gandhi then traveled to Muzaffarpur to gather information before finally reaching Champaran. These visits show Gandhi’s methodical approach.
🟥 80 words:
Gandhi first met Rajkumar Shukla at the Lucknow session in 1916. Since he had prior engagements, Gandhi traveled to Cawnpore and then returned to his ashram near Ahmedabad. Later, he fixed a date to meet Shukla in Calcutta. From there, they journeyed to Patna and stayed at Rajendra Prasad’s house. Gandhi then visited Muzaffarpur to gather facts before proceeding to Champaran. These visits show Gandhi’s thorough preparation and his desire to understand the peasants’ conditions fully.
🔸 5. What did the peasants pay the British landlords as rent? What did the British now want instead and why? What would be the impact of synthetic indigo on the prices of natural indigo?
🟩 20 words:
Peasants paid 15% of land as indigo rent. British demanded compensation as synthetic indigo reduced natural indigo’s market value.
🟨 40 words:
Peasants grew indigo on 15% of their land and gave it to landlords as rent. After Germany invented synthetic indigo, landlords wanted compensation for releasing them from this agreement. The synthetic version reduced demand and price for natural indigo drastically.
🟦 60 words:
The Champaran peasants were forced to grow indigo on 15% of their land and pay it as rent. When synthetic indigo was invented in Germany, it lowered the demand and value of natural indigo. The landlords released peasants from the agreement but demanded compensation. Many illiterate peasants paid, but later demanded their money back after realizing the truth.
🟥 80 words:
Champaran peasants had to grow indigo on 15% of their land and surrender the entire crop as rent. When synthetic indigo was developed in Germany, its cheaper production reduced the demand for natural indigo. British landlords realized they wouldn’t profit from indigo and started releasing peasants from the agreement—but demanded money as compensation. Many peasants, unaware of the market change, paid willingly. When they found out about synthetic indigo, they wanted their money back, which led to unrest.
🔸 6. Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of 25% refund to the farmers?
🟩 20 words:
Gandhi accepted 25% to break the deadlock. It proved the landlords’ guilt and gave peasants moral and legal victory.
🟨 40 words:
Gandhi agreed to 25% because the amount was less important than the principle. The landlords, for the first time, had to surrender part of their ill-gotten gains. It showed that justice had prevailed and gave peasants confidence in their rights.
🟦 60 words:
Though Gandhi initially demanded 50%, he agreed to a 25% refund from the landlords. He believed the success lay not in the amount but in the acknowledgment that the landlords had done wrong. By agreeing to refund even a part, they surrendered their pride. This moral victory empowered the peasants and broke the psychological dominance of the British landlords over them.
🟥 80 words:
Gandhi agreed to a 25% refund, though he could have demanded more. For him, the core objective was not the money but the acceptance of guilt by the British landlords. Their willingness to return any part of the money showed a shift in power. It was a moral win for the peasants, making them realize they had rights and defenders. This act broke the landlords’ prestige and inspired peasants to overcome fear. Gandhi chose long-term dignity over short-term compensation.
🔸 7. How did the episode change the plight of the peasants?
🟩 20 words:
It ended the exploitative indigo system, gave peasants rights, self-respect, and made them fearless and politically aware.
🟨 40 words:
The Champaran episode brought confidence to the peasants. The indigo system was abolished, and the landlords lost their unjust control. Peasants realized they had power, support, and could challenge exploitation. It marked the beginning of rural awakening and self-reliance.
🟦 60 words:
The Champaran episode ended the brutal sharecropping system. The peasants not only got refunds but also became more aware of their rights. British landlords lost their control and estates, which returned to the farmers. Most importantly, peasants overcame their fear and started believing in justice. Gandhi’s leadership inspired them to assert their dignity and demand fair treatment for the first time.
🟥 80 words:
The Champaran movement dramatically improved the condition of the indigo farmers. British landlords were forced to refund money and eventually left their estates. The exploitative system of compulsory indigo cultivation ended. More importantly, the peasants gained confidence, lost fear of authority, and realized they had the strength to demand justice. Gandhi’s intervention gave them hope and dignity. It marked a shift from oppression to empowerment and sowed the seeds of a larger rural awakening in India’s freedom struggle.
Understanding the text
🔹 1. Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be a turning point in his life?
🟩 20 words:
It showed Gandhi that Indians could challenge British rule. It became the first successful instance of civil disobedience in India.
🟨 40 words:
Gandhi considered it a turning point because it was his first mass movement in India. He realized he could inspire people, fight injustice non-violently, and awaken self-reliance among Indians, challenging British authority for the first time effectively.
🟦 60 words:
The Champaran episode made Gandhi realize his ability to challenge British authority through peaceful means. It was his first involvement with Indian peasants and their real problems. The success of civil disobedience here marked the beginning of a larger freedom movement. It transformed Gandhi from a political thinker into a national leader of the masses.
🟥 80 words:
Champaran was a turning point because it gave Gandhi a clear direction in Indian politics. It marked the beginning of the freedom movement through non-violence and civil disobedience. The success gave Indians the confidence to resist oppression. Gandhi learned that he could inspire ordinary people, make real changes, and shake British rule by peaceful protest. It was not just about indigo farmers but about self-respect, self-reliance, and the birth of satyagraha in Indian soil.
🔹 2. How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers? Give instances.
🟩 20 words:
Gandhi’s dedication inspired the lawyers. When he was ready to go to jail, they decided to support the peasants too.
🟨 40 words:
Initially, the lawyers were hesitant to support Gandhi if he was jailed. But his strong commitment and courage made them feel ashamed. They realized their duty and decided to follow Gandhi even to prison, showing their belief in justice and moral strength.
🟦 60 words:
Gandhi’s fearless attitude and selfless service deeply influenced the lawyers. When he asked what they’d do if he went to jail, they were speechless. Gandhi’s commitment made them reflect on their responsibility toward the sharecroppers. They agreed to join his cause, even if it meant going to jail. This marked a shift in their thinking and strengthened the movement.
🟥 80 words:
Gandhi influenced the lawyers not by authority but by personal example. When they said they'd leave if he were imprisoned, Gandhi questioned their moral responsibility. Seeing that he—a stranger—was ready to sacrifice for the peasants, they felt guilty and resolved to stay and fight. Their transformation from passive observers to active participants proved Gandhi’s ability to awaken conscience and duty in others. His moral strength inspired them to follow the path of truth and justice.
🔹 3. What was the attitude of the average Indian in smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home rule’?
🟩 20 words:
They were fearful and hesitant. People avoided openly supporting home-rule advocates due to fear of British authority and possible punishment.
🟨 40 words:
In smaller towns, Indians were afraid to show support for leaders like Gandhi. Even educated people hesitated to associate with the freedom movement. Government employees feared losing their jobs if seen helping or sheltering home-rule supporters, reflecting widespread fear of British rule.
🟦 60 words:
The average Indian in smaller localities feared the British and did not support freedom fighters openly. Government officers, teachers, and common people avoided involvement with political leaders. For example, it was considered extraordinary that Professor Malkani, a government teacher, gave Gandhi shelter. This fear-driven hesitation showed the powerful grip British authority held on people's minds and lives.
🟥 80 words:
People in smaller localities were terrified of the British and hesitant to support home-rule advocates. Even well-educated individuals and professionals feared the consequences of being seen helping Gandhi or similar leaders. Their jobs, families, and safety were at risk. Gandhi noted that it was exceptional for Professor Malkani, a government teacher, to give him shelter, highlighting the courage required to support the freedom cause in such an environment. This fear reflected the psychological control the British had over Indians.
🔹 4. How do we know that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement?
🟩 20 words:
Thousands of peasants gathered to support Gandhi. Even illiterate farmers like Rajkumar Shukla played key roles in the movement.
🟨 40 words:
Ordinary people showed courage and faith in Gandhi. Rajkumar Shukla, an uneducated peasant, persistently brought Gandhi to Champaran. Peasants gathered in large numbers, defying fear of the British. Their spontaneous support reflected active involvement in the freedom struggle from the grassroots level.
🟦 60 words:
The Champaran movement showed that common people were ready to fight injustice. Rajkumar Shukla’s determination brought Gandhi to Champaran. Thousands of peasants assembled around the court when Gandhi was summoned, even though they didn’t know much about him. Their courage and support, despite threats, proved that the freedom movement was not just led by leaders but powered by ordinary Indians.
🟥 80 words:
Ordinary Indians were vital to the success of the freedom struggle. Rajkumar Shukla, an illiterate farmer, showed great determination in bringing Gandhi to Champaran. Later, thousands of peasants gathered around the Motihari court in protest when Gandhi was summoned, even though they barely knew his background. Their sheer presence without any call for protest displayed their courage, willingness to fight injustice, and trust in Gandhi. This clearly proved that the roots of the freedom movement lay among the people.
Talking about the text
1. “Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor.”
Do you think that the poor of India are free from fear after Independence?**
🟩 20 words:
Even after Independence, many poor still live in fear—of poverty, authority, injustice, and exploitation. True freedom is still distant.
🟨 40 words:
Though India is free, many poor people still suffer from fear—of landlords, police, or corrupt systems. Gandhi’s idea of fearlessness has not fully reached rural and marginalized communities. Legal justice exists, but fear still limits true equality and empowerment.
🟦 60 words:
After Independence, India created laws to protect the poor, but fear still controls many lives. The poor often fear police, landlords, bureaucracy, and poverty itself. Gandhi emphasized that unless people are fearless, justice remains incomplete. While progress has been made, millions still lack the confidence or support to claim their rights, showing that fear persists even in a free India.
🟥 80 words:
Gandhi believed that true justice begins with freedom from fear, and this is still relevant today. Despite Independence and constitutional rights, many poor people in India remain afraid—of authority, poverty, and social discrimination. They are often unaware of their rights or too scared to fight for them. Corruption and lack of access to resources also contribute to this fear. Legal justice exists on paper, but until people can raise their voice without fear, real justice remains incomplete.
2. The qualities of a good leader
🟩 20 words:
A good leader is honest, courageous, selfless, committed to justice, and inspires others through personal example and strong moral character.
🟨 40 words:
A good leader stands for truth and justice, like Gandhi. He is fearless, patient, and guides people with compassion. He leads by example, motivates others to act, and stays firm in adversity. He earns respect by serving selflessly, not demanding it.
🟦 60 words:
A true leader, like Gandhi, possesses courage, honesty, and a deep commitment to the people's welfare. He doesn’t rely on power or position but on moral strength. A good leader uplifts others, solves problems, and remains calm under pressure. He inspires self-reliance and action. Through discipline, humility, and service, he builds trust and becomes a symbol of hope and justice.
🟥 80 words:
A good leader displays qualities like courage, selflessness, patience, and unwavering dedication to truth and justice. Gandhi demonstrated these through his actions in Champaran. He didn’t just speak for the poor but stood beside them, even ready to go to jail. He believed in empowering people and inspired others to do the same. A good leader listens, leads by example, and puts people's needs above personal gain. Most importantly, he helps others believe in themselves and work for change.
Think about the language
🔹 1. Why does the author use quotations in his narration?
🟩 20 words:
Quotations make the story vivid and authentic. They show real conversations and help us understand characters' emotions and intentions.
🟨 40 words:
The author uses quotations to add realism and depth to the narrative. Direct speech lets readers experience Gandhi’s actual words, tone, and personality. It helps connect better with the events and shows Gandhi’s unique way of inspiring and leading people.
🟦 60 words:
Quotations in the text bring Gandhi’s character to life. Instead of simply describing events, the author presents Gandhi’s voice through direct speech. This helps convey his ideas, beliefs, and emotional impact more powerfully. Readers understand not just what happened, but how Gandhi spoke, thought, and led, making the historical narrative more engaging and personal.
🟥 80 words:
Using quotations helps the author present Gandhi’s words exactly as spoken, giving authenticity to the narration. It allows readers to experience events more intimately, understand Gandhi’s mindset, and connect emotionally with the historical figures. Instead of reporting events indirectly, the author gives us Gandhi’s own voice, making the story more relatable and inspiring. It also strengthens the credibility of the account, showing that the narrator had direct access to Gandhi’s memories and conversations.
🔹 2. Notice the use or non-use of the comma in the following sentences:
(a) When I first visited Gandhi in 1942 at his ashram in Sevagram, he told me what happened in Champaran.
(b) He had not proceeded far when the police superintendent’s messenger overtook him.
(c) When the court reconvened, the judge said he would not deliver the judgment for several days.
The use of commas depends on sentence structure. In examples (a) and (c), the sentences begin with dependent clauses (“When I first visited Gandhi…” and “When the court reconvened…”), which are followed by the main clause, so a comma is used. In sentence (b), the main clause comes first, so the comma is not necessary. This punctuation rule improves understanding, especially when sentences start with time or condition clauses. Proper comma usage ensures clarity and flow in writing.
Working With Words-
1.List the words used in the text that are related to legal procedures. For example: deposition
Answer- 1. Deposition
2. Summons
3. Magistrate
4. Judgment
5. Prosecutor
6. Bail
7. Court
8. Trial
9. Sentence
10. Authority
11. Civil Disobedience
2. List other words that you know that fall into this category.
Answer- Additional Legal Terms:
1. Affidavit
2. Subpoena
3. Litigation
4. Appeal
5. Verdict
6. Plaintiff
7. Defendant
8. Evidence
9. Testimony
10. Cross-examination
Things to do-
1.Choose an issue that has provoked a controversy like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy or the Narmada Dam Project in which the lives of the poor have been affected.
2.Find out the facts of the case.
3. Present your arguments.
4.Suggest a possible settlement.
Answer-
1. Issue: The Narmada Dam Project
The Narmada Dam Project, specifically the Sardar Sarovar Dam, has been a subject of controversy due to its significant impact on the lives of thousands of people, primarily the poor and indigenous communities, who have been displaced by the construction.
2. Facts of the Case -
Project Overview: The Narmada Dam Project includes the construction of large dams along the Narmada River. The Sardar Sarovar Dam is the most prominent one.
Displacement: The project has displaced over 320,000 people, mostly from poor and indigenous backgrounds.
Environmental Impact: Submersion of vast tracts of forest and agricultural land, affecting biodiversity and local ecosystems.
Economic Benefits: Intended to provide irrigation to millions of acres, drinking water to numerous villages and cities, and generate hydroelectric power.
3. Present Your Arguments
Arguments for the Project:
Economic Growth: The dam promises substantial economic benefits through improved irrigation, which could boost agricultural productivity, and hydroelectric power, which could support local industries.
Water Supply: It aims to provide drinking water to millions, addressing water scarcity in drought-prone areas.
Development: Infrastructure development in terms of roads, electricity, and improved standards of living in certain regions.
Arguments Against the Project:
Displacement: The displacement of poor and indigenous communities often leads to loss of livelihoods, homes, and cultural disintegration, without adequate rehabilitation.
Environmental Damage: The submergence of forests and farmlands harms the environment and biodiversity, leading to long-term ecological imbalance.
Human Rights Issues: There have been allegations of inadequate compensation, forced evictions, and insufficient rehabilitation measures for those displaced.
Social Justice:The benefits of the dam are often skewed towards urban areas and industrial sectors, while the rural poor bear the brunt of the costs.
4. Possible Settlement:
Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Ensure that all displaced families receive adequate and fair compensation, alternative housing, and land for farming, along with access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Environmental Safeguards: Implement strict environmental protection measures to mitigate the ecological impact, including afforestation projects and biodiversity conservation plans.
Community Involvement: Involve local communities in the decision-making process, giving them a voice in how the benefits of the dam are distributed and ensuring their needs are addressed.
Sustainable Development: Focus on sustainable development practices that balance economic growth with social and environmental responsibilities, ensuring that the poorest and most vulnerable populations are not disproportionately affected.
Monitoring and Accountability: Establish an independent monitoring body to oversee the implementation of rehabilitation and environmental measures, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.
Alternative Solutions: Explore alternative water management solutions such as smaller, decentralized water projects, rainwater harvesting, and watershed management to reduce the dependence on large dams.
By addressing both the developmental goals and the humanitarian concerns, a more equitable and sustainable approach to the Narmada Dam Project can be achieved.
Extra Questions
🔸 1. Who was Rajkumar Shukla and what was his role in the Champaran episode?
🟩 20 words:
He was a poor, illiterate sharecropper from Champaran who brought Gandhi to fight against the exploitation of peasants.
🟨 40 words:
Rajkumar Shukla was a determined peasant who wanted Gandhi to visit Champaran. His persistence convinced Gandhi to look into the indigo farmers' problems. He followed Gandhi everywhere until he agreed to go, showing his dedication and courage despite being uneducated.
🟦 60 words:
Rajkumar Shukla was a resolute peasant from Champaran, suffering under the indigo sharecropping system. He approached Gandhi during a Congress meeting and repeatedly followed him until Gandhi agreed to come to Bihar. Shukla’s persistence played a key role in exposing the plight of indigo farmers. His efforts initiated the historic Champaran movement, making him a silent hero of freedom.
🟥 80 words:
Rajkumar Shukla was an illiterate but determined sharecropper from Champaran. Affected by the unjust indigo farming system, he came all the way to meet Gandhi during the 1916 Congress session in Lucknow. Despite Gandhi’s busy schedule, Shukla persistently followed him to different cities and even to the ashram. Finally, Gandhi agreed to visit Champaran. His persistence sparked one of India’s earliest civil disobedience movements. Though simple and poor, Shukla’s courage made him an important part of Indian freedom history.
🔸 2. What was the system of indigo sharecropping in Champaran?
🟩 20 words:
British landlords forced Indian farmers to grow indigo on 15% of their land and give the harvest as rent.
🟨 40 words:
In Champaran, British landlords made farmers grow indigo on 15% of their land under unfair contracts. The entire indigo crop had to be given as rent. This exploitative system caused financial distress to the peasants and sparked protests.
🟦 60 words:
Under the sharecropping system in Champaran, Indian farmers were forced to grow indigo on 15% of their land. The entire indigo yield was handed over to British landlords as rent. When synthetic indigo was developed in Germany, landlords demanded compensation for releasing farmers. This unjust system led to unrest and ultimately brought Gandhi to Champaran to fight for justice.
🟥 80 words:
Champaran peasants were bound by a system where they had to plant indigo on 15% of their land. The British landlords took the entire indigo crop as rent. Later, with synthetic indigo becoming available, landlords demanded money to free peasants from this contract. Many farmers signed out of fear or ignorance. This exploitative practice pushed the farmers into economic suffering. Gandhi's intervention exposed this injustice, leading to the first civil disobedience movement and eventual victory for the peasants.
🔸 3. Why did Gandhi refuse to obey the order to leave Champaran?
🟩 20 words:
Gandhi refused because he felt morally responsible to help the peasants and obeyed the voice of his conscience.
🟨 40 words:
Though ordered to leave Champaran, Gandhi chose to stay. He believed helping the peasants was a moral duty. Obeying unjust laws went against his conscience. His defiance was peaceful and showed the strength of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience.
🟦 60 words:
Gandhi was served an official notice to leave Champaran, but he refused. He believed in a higher moral duty to help the oppressed indigo farmers. Gandhi stated in court that disobedience was not from disrespect for law, but from conscience. This act was a powerful example of satyagraha, where truth and justice took priority over unjust legal orders.
🟥 80 words:
When Gandhi was ordered to quit Champaran by the British authorities, he refused to comply. He felt it was his moral obligation to stay and support the exploited peasants. He explained in court that his disobedience was driven by a conflict of duties—he respected the law but had a higher duty to serve humanity. His peaceful resistance and refusal to furnish bail marked a significant moment in India’s freedom struggle and the beginning of civil disobedience in India.
🔸 4. What role did the lawyers from Bihar play in the Champaran movement?
🟩 20 words:
Initially hesitant, the lawyers later joined Gandhi. They supported peasants and collected evidence of the landlords’ exploitation.
🟨 40 words:
Bihar lawyers first thought of leaving if Gandhi was jailed. But inspired by his courage, they stayed and supported the cause. They collected testimonies, helped peasants, and joined the civil disobedience, strengthening Gandhi’s efforts and the Champaran movement.
🟦 60 words:
The lawyers from Bihar initially planned to return if Gandhi was arrested. Gandhi questioned their moral commitment, reminding them of their responsibility. Realizing their duty, they pledged to stay and support the peasants. They helped document grievances and strengthen the legal case against British landlords. Their unity with Gandhi marked a significant moment in the collective fight for justice in Champaran.
🟥 80 words:
Bihar’s lawyers were at first reluctant to risk arrest, planning to leave if Gandhi went to jail. But Gandhi’s dedication and self-sacrifice made them reflect. They decided it would be shameful to abandon the peasants and Gandhi. They stayed, joined the movement, helped record the peasants’ statements, and became active supporters of civil disobedience. Their participation gave the movement legal strength and moral power. Gandhi’s leadership transformed them from silent observers into active warriors for justice.
🔸 5. What were Gandhi’s views on taking the peasants’ cases to court?
🟩 20 words:
Gandhi believed court cases didn’t help crushed peasants. He felt freeing them from fear was more important than legal action.
🟨 40 words:
Gandhi discouraged going to court for justice. He felt that frightened and poor peasants couldn't win against rich landlords. Instead, he focused on removing fear and empowering the peasants. He believed real change could only happen through courage, not legal battles.
🟦 60 words:
Gandhi felt that court cases rarely helped the oppressed peasants. He saw that they were terrified and economically weak. Fighting powerful landlords in court was ineffective. He emphasized moral support and social courage. By awakening their inner strength and fearlessness, Gandhi gave them real empowerment, which no courtroom victory could bring. Justice, he believed, must start from the ground up.
🟥 80 words:
Gandhi believed that the legal system offered little hope for the poor, oppressed peasants of Champaran. They were terrified of landlords and lacked resources to fight prolonged court cases. He felt that empowering them through courage and unity was more effective than legal battles. By focusing on removing fear and giving the peasants moral support, Gandhi showed that justice was not just a matter of law, but of human dignity and strength. His approach brought long-term change, not just legal victory.
🔸 6. How did Gandhi react to the British official commissioner’s attitude in Tirhut?
🟩 20 words:
Gandhi remained calm and firm when the commissioner bullied him and asked him to leave. He continued his work peacefully.
🟨 40 words:
The British commissioner tried to intimidate Gandhi and ordered him to leave Tirhut. Gandhi stayed calm and refused to back down. He moved to Motihari and continued collecting evidence, showing his commitment, patience, and refusal to be threatened by authority.
🟦 60 words:
The commissioner of Tirhut tried to scare Gandhi by bullying him and telling him to leave the district. Gandhi did not get frightened. Instead, he respectfully stood his ground and shifted to Motihari to continue his investigation. His reaction reflected his principles of non-violence and inner strength. He didn’t fight with words or anger—he responded with determination and action.
🟥 80 words:
Gandhi faced the British commissioner’s bullying calmly and firmly. When he was advised to leave Tirhut immediately, Gandhi chose to stay and proceed to Motihari instead. He didn’t argue or retaliate but continued his mission to help the oppressed farmers. This calm resistance showed Gandhi’s commitment to truth and justice. His strength lay in moral courage, not physical confrontation. His refusal to be intimidated was a powerful act of satyagraha, showing that even authority could be challenged peacefully.
🔸 7. What was the result of the inquiry conducted by Gandhi and the lawyers?
🟩 20 words:
The inquiry exposed the landlords' exploitation. The British were forced to agree to a partial refund to the peasants.
🟨 40 words:
The inquiry collected testimonies from around 10,000 peasants, revealing widespread exploitation. Faced with undeniable proof, the British landlords agreed to make refunds. Though Gandhi demanded 50%, he settled for 25% to establish the principle of justice over the amount itself.
🟦 60 words:
Gandhi and the lawyers documented thousands of complaints from exploited peasants. Their inquiry created strong evidence against the British planters. Faced with mounting pressure, the landlords agreed to make partial refunds. Gandhi’s insistence on a 25% refund rather than full return broke the deadlock and proved that justice was possible. It made the peasants realize they had rights and support.
🟥 80 words:
The inquiry led by Gandhi and the lawyers gathered thousands of depositions and documented clear evidence of exploitation by the British landlords. As a result, the authorities were forced to form an official commission, which Gandhi joined. The landlords eventually agreed to a 25% refund to the peasants. Gandhi’s choice to accept less than full repayment was strategic—it upheld the peasants’ dignity and broke British dominance. The movement gave peasants confidence and marked a major victory for civil disobedience.
🔸 8. Why did Gandhi accept only 25% refund from the landlords?
🟩 20 words:
Gandhi accepted 25% to settle peacefully. For him, recognition of peasants’ rights was more important than the refund amount.
🟨 40 words:
Gandhi wasn’t focused on money. Accepting 25% showed that the landlords had to bow to justice. It broke their pride and showed the peasants they had power. The symbolic victory was more important than the actual amount of refund received.
🟦 60 words:
Though Gandhi demanded 50%, he accepted 25% to reach a peaceful resolution. His goal wasn’t the money but the principle that landlords had to surrender unjustly taken amounts. The acceptance of even a partial refund meant moral victory for the peasants. It changed the relationship between landlords and tenants and made the peasants aware of their rights and strength.
🟥 80 words:
Gandhi accepted 25% not because he settled for less but because he wanted to establish justice and break the psychological hold of the landlords. Accepting a smaller amount forced the British to recognize that they had exploited the peasants. Gandhi believed that this moral admission and change in attitude were more valuable than financial compensation. The peasants, for the first time, saw they had defenders, rights, and hope. This restored their confidence and shattered British dominance in Champaran.
🔸 9. What steps did Gandhi take to improve village life in Champaran?
🟩 20 words:
He opened schools, improved sanitation, and brought doctors. Gandhi addressed education, hygiene, and health, beyond just political problems.
🟨 40 words:
Gandhi opened primary schools in six villages, promoted hygiene and personal cleanliness, and invited a doctor for six months. He taught villagers about sanitation and self-reliance. His work went beyond politics and focused on improving rural life practically and morally.
🟦 60 words:
Gandhi brought lasting change in Champaran by addressing daily village problems. He opened schools, improved hygiene, and spread awareness on sanitation. Kasturbai taught women cleanliness. A volunteer doctor treated patients. Gandhi emphasized cleanliness, health, and education. His efforts proved that true freedom must include upliftment of the poor, not just political freedom. He sowed seeds of self-reliance and rural reform.
🟥 80 words:
Gandhi didn’t stop at political protest in Champaran. He focused on improving everyday life. He opened six schools with volunteers from across India. Kasturbai taught cleanliness to women. A doctor treated villagers using simple medicines. Gandhi also managed sanitation and cleanliness projects. His efforts addressed deep-rooted social problems like ignorance, disease, and poverty. He believed that India's freedom would be meaningless unless rural lives improved. His work in Champaran reflected his belief in self-help and community service as essential for true independence.
🔸 10. What lesson did Gandhi teach through his refusal to take help from Charles Andrews?
🟩 20 words:
He taught self-reliance. Gandhi felt Indians must fight their battles themselves and not depend on British support, even friendly.
🟨 40 words:
Gandhi rejected help from Charles Andrews, a British follower, because he wanted Indians to depend on their own strength. He believed the cause was just and didn’t need British support. This taught his followers the importance of courage and self-reliance.
🟦 60 words:
When lawyers wanted Charles Andrews to help, Gandhi refused. He said relying on an Englishman, even a supporter, showed weakness. He insisted Indians must fight their own battles. This taught everyone a powerful lesson in courage, confidence, and self-reliance. Gandhi’s leadership was about empowering Indians, not creating dependence—even on well-wishers like Andrews. It deepened his followers’ belief in themselves.
🟥 80 words:
Gandhi taught a vital lesson in self-reliance when he refused to let Charles Andrews, a British pacifist, support their cause. Though Andrews was willing to help, Gandhi opposed the idea. He told his lawyer friends that their faith in justice should be strong enough without needing a foreigner's support. His words inspired confidence and independence. This incident strengthened the lawyers’ belief in their own abilities and convinced them that Indians could stand up to the British without leaning on anyone.
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