5. Indigo - Prose - Class 12 -Flamingo

BhashaLab
Jul 15
4 min read

Updated: Jul 16

Author: Louis Fischer

Textbook: Flamingo

Genre: Biography / Historical Narrative

Summary

"Indigo" by Louis Fischer is an extract from the biography The Life of Mahatma Gandhi that focuses on the Champaran movement of 1917. It tells how Gandhi took up the cause of poor peasants in Champaran, Bihar, who were forced by British landlords to grow indigo on 15% of their land and surrender the entire crop. With the invention of synthetic indigo, the British landlords demanded compensation to release the peasants from the agreement. Rajkumar Shukla, a determined peasant, invited Gandhi to visit Champaran and help the villagers. Gandhi agreed and, upon reaching there, defied British orders to leave. He was summoned to court, but due to immense public support, the case was dropped.

Gandhi then carried out a detailed inquiry into the exploitation and negotiated a 25% refund from the landlords. The event became a turning point in India's freedom struggle, showing the power of non-violent civil disobedience. Gandhi also worked to improve village life by promoting education, cleanliness, and self-reliance. The chapter presents Gandhi not just as a political leader, but as a reformer who worked for the social and economic upliftment of the masses.

Character Sketch

Mahatma Gandhi:

Gandhi appears as a courageous, wise, and morally upright leader. He was deeply concerned about justice and human dignity. His non-violent and truthful methods, even when defying unjust laws, inspired the masses and showed the power of civil disobedience. He also believed in holistic progress, addressing health, education, and social reform in Champaran.

Rajkumar Shukla:

Rajkumar Shukla was a simple but determined peasant. His persistent efforts and faith in Gandhi led to the historic Champaran movement. Though illiterate, his sense of justice and dedication to the cause make him an unsung hero of India's freedom struggle.

Themes

Theme	Description
Social Injustice	Highlights the exploitation of poor farmers by colonial landlords.
Civil Disobedience	Demonstrates how peaceful resistance can challenge oppressive rule.
Leadership	Showcases Gandhi's leadership style — rooted in truth, patience, and service.
Empowerment of the Poor	Peasants gained courage and awareness of their rights.
Self-reliance and Upliftment	Gandhi’s work went beyond politics to include education, hygiene, and unity.

✨ Literary Devices / Poetic Devices

Device	Example
Imagery	“The town of Motihari was black with peasants.” — creates visual impact.
Anecdote	Personal incidents and small stories within the narrative build connection.
Irony	Gandhi was mistaken for a poor peasant at Rajendra Prasad’s home.
Direct Speech	Conversations enhance realism — “Fix a date,” said Shukla.
Symbolism	Champaran becomes a symbol of India’s awakening and self-rule.

Title Justification

The title "Indigo" is significant as the entire chapter revolves around the exploitation of Indian peasants by British landlords over indigo cultivation. The Champaran movement, led by Gandhi, centered on this issue and ultimately led to a larger awakening among the people. The term ‘Indigo’ thus not only identifies the specific cause of the conflict but symbolises resistance, justice, and the beginning of India's freedom struggle. It is apt and reflective of the core theme of the narrative.

One-Mark Questions

Who was Rajkumar Shukla?
Rajkumar Shukla was a poor indigo sharecropper from Champaran. He approached Gandhi for help against British oppression.
Why did British landlords want compensation from farmers?
After synthetic indigo was developed, they wanted to release farmers from their contracts and demanded compensation.
What was Gandhi’s response to the official notice to leave Champaran?
Gandhi refused to leave, stating his moral duty to help the peasants. He was later summoned to court.
What was the outcome of Gandhi’s appearance in court?
The case was dropped due to public support, marking a moral victory for Gandhi.
Why did Gandhi accept only 25% refund from the landlords?
He wanted to secure justice through compromise and show landlords’ admission of guilt. The amount was symbolic.

Three-Mark Questions

How did the Champaran episode mark a turning point in Gandhi’s life?
It was Gandhi’s first civil disobedience movement in India. It showed the power of peaceful resistance and earned him immense respect. It laid the foundation for future mass movements against British rule.
How did Gandhi blend politics with social reform in Champaran?
Besides fighting legal battles, Gandhi opened schools, improved hygiene, and promoted self-reliance. He believed political freedom was incomplete without social upliftment.
How did Gandhi manage to win the support of lawyers and local people in Champaran?
His courage and commitment inspired others. When lawyers saw his sincerity, they joined him, realizing that moral strength lay in unity and service.

Value-Based Question

What does the Champaran episode teach us about the role of individual courage and leadership in fighting social injustice?

The episode teaches that even a single individual, guided by truth and moral courage, can lead massive social change. Gandhi’s determination, non-violence, and refusal to accept injustice motivated others to stand up for what was right. It inspires us to act responsibly and bravely in the face of injustice, no matter how small we may feel.

End

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