Complete History Notes on Champaran Satyagraha for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025

Complete History Notes on Champaran Satyagraha available for BPSC and for other Competitive Exams aspirants in 2025

History of Bihar-14

Here is a detailed explanation of the Champaran Satyagraha (1917) for BPSC Mains/CCE Mains preparation:

Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

 India’s First Civil Disobedience Movement under Mahatma Gandhi

Background of Champaran Satyagraha

The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was a historic peasant movement that emerged due to the long-standing exploitation of indigo farmers in the Champaran district of northwestern Bihar. The oppressive Tinkathia system, under which European planters forced peasants to cultivate indigo on a fixed portion of their land, led to widespread economic distress. The declining profitability of indigo cultivation due to the rise of synthetic dyes further worsened the farmers’ conditions, prompting Mahatma Gandhi to intervene.

• Location: Champaran district, Bihar
• Time: 1917
• Issue: Exploitation of indigo (neel) cultivators by British planters under the Tinkathia system
• Historical Significance: This was Mahatma Gandhi’s first satyagraha on Indian soil, marking the beginning of mass Gandhian movements in India.

Indigo Cultivation and the Tinkathia System

Evolution of Indigo Cultivation

• Indigo farming had been prominent in Champaran since the late 18th century.
• By 1850, it had become the region’s most important crop, surpassing even sugarcane.

Nature of the Tinkathia System

• Under this exploitative system, European planters compelled tenant farmers (ryots) to grow indigo on 3/20th (or 3 Kathas per bigha) of their land.
• Initially, around 1860, the obligation was to grow indigo on 5 Kathas per bigha, which was later reduced to 3 Kathas.
• This system restricted food crop production and trapped farmers in cycles of debt and poverty.

Factory Owners and Exploitation

• Factory owners leased land from large zamindaris like Bettiah Raj under short-term arrangements.
• They often deceived zamindars and manipulated tenant farmers into unfair agreements, extracting profits while shifting the risks to the peasants.
• If a ryot failed to grow indigo, he had to pay heavy penalties. Even when indigo was cultivated, farmers received inadequate and fluctuating compensation.

Causes of the Champaran Satyagraha

Economic Exploitation

• Farmers were forced to grow indigo on the most fertile portions of their land.
• Payments were based on land area, not crop yield, resulting in unfair remuneration.
• With the fall of natural indigo demand, planters imposed “tawan” (fines) to release farmers from contracts.

Social Oppression and Historical Unrest

• Protests erupted as early as 1867 and again during 1907–08, indicating long-standing resentment.
• The oppressive nature of the Tinkathia system caused both economic hardship and social unrest.

Causes of the Movement

Mahatma Gandhi’s Role in Champaran

Initial Contact and Reluctance

• Gandhi was approached by local leaders Raj Kumar Shukla and Brajkishore Prasad during the 1916 Lucknow Congress Session.
• Though initially hesitant, Gandhi agreed to visit Champaran only after assessing the situation firsthand.

Visit to Muzaffarpur and Champaran

• Gandhi arrived in Muzaffarpur and wrote to the British authorities expressing his intentions of conducting an impartial inquiry.
• Despite his cooperative approach, officials feared unrest and served him a notice under Section 144 CrPC to leave the district.

Gandhi’s Defiance and Trial

• Gandhi defied the order and appeared in court on April 18, 1917, refusing to leave or defend himself.
• His moral stance puzzled officials, leading to the withdrawal of the case by the Lieutenant Governor, who then permitted Gandhi to carry on his investigation.

Leadership and Support in Champaran Satyagraha

Team of Leaders

• Gandhi’s work in Champaran was supported by key nationalist leaders like:
  • Dr. Rajendra Prasad
  • J.B. Kripalani
  • Mazharul Haq
  • Ramnavami Prasad
  • Brajkishore Prasad

Local Participation and Opposition

• Thousands of ryots came forward to share their grievances.
• The Bihar Planters’ Association opposed the inquiry, claiming it was biased and could incite rebellion.
• Some European officials feared the investigation could transform into an anti-European movement.

Formation of Inquiry Committee and British Response

Government Involvement

• Due to rising tensions, the Lieutenant Governor formed a Committee of Inquiry, which included Gandhi as a member.
• Gandhi submitted a preliminary report on May 13, 1917, highlighting the farmers’ exploitation.

Final Recommendations (October 4, 1917)

The Committee recommended:

• Abolition of the Tinkathia system
• Refund of one-fourth of the “tawan” fines paid by farmers
• Prohibition of illegal cesses (abwab)
• Indigo cultivation should be voluntary, with tenure not exceeding three years
• Farmers should have the right to choose the land for indigo cultivation

Government Action

• The British government accepted the recommendations, passing the Champaran Agrarian Act (1918).
• This led to the formal abolition of the Tinkathia system, marking a historic victory for peasant rights.

Significance for BPSC/CCE Mains

Model Answer (For CCE Mains)

The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was the first major Gandhian movement in India and a milestone in the freedom struggle. Initiated in Bihar’s Champaran district, it was aimed at addressing the plight of indigo cultivators suffering under the exploitative tinkathia system. Gandhi’s peaceful civil disobedience not only led to the abolition of this system but also instilled confidence among the masses in the power of non-violence and satyagraha. It marked a significant transformation in the Indian nationalist movement, placing Bihar at the heart of India’s struggle for independence.