Which of the following movements of Mahatma Gandhi was his first movement in British India against indigo planters?

The correct answer is Champaran Satyagraha.

Key Points

• Champaran Satyagraha (1917) was Mahatma Gandhi's first civil disobedience movement in British India against indigo planters.
• It was initiated after farmers in Champaran, Bihar, were forced to cultivate indigo under the oppressive tinkathia system by British landlords.
• Gandhi's involvement was prompted by a request from local farmer Raj Kumar Shukla, who highlighted the plight of indigo farmers.
• The movement marked Gandhi's transition into Indian politics and his experimental application of satyagraha principles in the country.
• The success of Champaran Satyagraha led to the abolition of the tinkathia system and paved the way for further movements against colonial exploitation.

Additional Information

• Tinkathia System:
  • Under this system, farmers were forced to dedicate 3/20th of their land to indigo cultivation without adequate compensation.
  • The system caused severe economic hardship and environmental degradation for farmers.
• Satyagraha:
  • A principle of nonviolent resistance developed by Gandhi to fight injustice.
  • It emphasizes truth, nonviolence, and peaceful protest as tools to achieve social change.
• Raj Kumar Shukla:
  • A farmer from Champaran who played a pivotal role in bringing Gandhi to Bihar to address the plight of indigo farmers.
  • He is considered a key figure in the initiation of the Champaran Satyagraha.
• Impact of Champaran Satyagraha:
  • The movement successfully pressured the British administration to form an inquiry committee to address farmers' grievances.
  • It marked the first victory of satyagraha in India and established Gandhi's leadership in the national independence struggle.