Champaran Satyagraha 1917: Causes, Significance, and Outcome

Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was a landmark event in India's freedom struggle. It marked Mahatma Gandhi's first experiment with civil disobedience in India. This movement highlighted the severe exploitation faced by Champaran indigo farmers under the oppressive tinkathia system. Understanding this pivotal moment is crucial for students studying Indian history and preparing for competitive exams like UPSC.

Introduction to Champaran Satyagraha

The Champaran Satyagraha was a peasant uprising in the Champaran district of Bihar in 1917. This Champaran movement 1917 was initiated by Mahatma Gandhi. It aimed to address the grievances of farmers forced to cultivate indigo under harsh conditions. This marked the first satyagraha of Mahatma Gandhi in India, setting a precedent for future mass movements.

Causes of Champaran Satyagraha

The causes of Champaran Satyagraha stemmed from the severe exploitation of local farmers.

Tinkathia System

The tinkathia system Champaran compelled ryots (tenant farmers) to grow indigo on three-twentieths (3/20th) of their land. This system had no legal basis. Indigo planters, mostly European, enforced it through unfair agreements. Farmers received very low payment for their indigo crops.

Economic Distress

After 1900, European synthetic indigo dyes impacted the market. Indigo factories in Bihar faced losses. Planters cancelled agreements. They charged a high "tawan" (damages) to free farmers from indigo obligations. Farmers unable to pay faced high-interest loans and mortgage bonds. This led to extreme financial burden for farmers.

Harassment and Oppression

Farmers also suffered constant harassment and oppression from factory owners and their servants. This continuous exploitation caused widespread discontent. Earlier protests in 1867 and 1907-08 showed farmer unrest. However, these protests failed to bring lasting relief.

Role of Mahatma Gandhi in Champaran

Mahatma Gandhi's involvement was central to the success of the Gandhian mass movements in India.

Invitation to Champaran

Raj Kumar Shukla, a prosperous farmer, urged Gandhi to visit Champaran. He met Gandhi at the 1916 Lucknow Congress session. Shukla highlighted the plight of Champaran indigo farmers movement. Gandhi initially hesitated but agreed to visit after persistent requests.

Gandhi's Inquiry and Defiance

Gandhi arrived in Motihari, Champaran, on April 15, 1917. He started gathering facts directly from the farmers. British officials ordered him to leave under Section 144. Gandhi refused, ready to face arrest. This act of Champaran civil disobedience garnered wide public support. His willingness to go to jail baffled the authorities. The Lieutenant Governor eventually allowed Gandhi to continue his inquiry.

Support from Leaders

Several prominent leaders assisted Gandhi in Bihar Champaran. They included Rajendra Prasad, Brajkishore Prasad, Mazharul Haq, and J.B. Kriplani. They helped record thousands of farmer statements, exposing the depth of the crisis.

Champaran Enquiry Committee and Outcome

The Champaran Satyagraha outcome brought significant change.

Formation of Committee

Due to Gandhi's persistent efforts and the mounting evidence, the government formed the Champaran Enquiry Committee. Gandhi was appointed as a member. This marked a turning point in addressing the Champaran agrarian issue.

Recommendations and Act

The committee's report, submitted in October 1917, recommended:

• Abolition of the tinkathia system.

• Partial refund (one-fourth) of illegal tawan payments to farmers.

• Voluntary indigo cultivation, with terms not exceeding three years.

• Stopping abwab (illegal cesses).

The government accepted these recommendations. The Champaran Agrarian Act of 1918 was passed. This formally ended the exploitative system.

Significance of Champaran Satyagraha

The Champaran Satyagraha significance extends beyond local relief.

First Satyagraha in India

It was the first satyagraha of Mahatma Gandhi in India. This movement proved the effectiveness of his non-violent civil disobedience method. This success boosted Gandhi's standing as a national leader.

Impact on Freedom Struggle

The Champaran Satyagraha's impact on the freedom struggle was immense. It linked local peasant issues to the broader national movement. It showed that mass mobilisation could challenge British authority. This event laid the groundwork for future Gandhian mass movements in India.

Champaran Satyagraha Importance

Information Relevance for Students/Aspirants

The Champaran Satyagraha is a fundamental topic in modern Indian history. Students learn about the origins of non-violent resistance and Gandhi's rise. It demonstrates the power of truth and collective action against injustice.

Competitive Exam Focus Areas

This topic is crucial for competitive exams, especially for Champaran Satyagraha UPSC notes. Key aspects to remember are the Champaran Satyagraha year (1917), its Champaran Satyagraha place in Bihar, the tinkathia system, Champaran Satyagraha leaders, and its historical significance. Questions often focus on the causes, Gandhi's role, and the outcomes of the movement.