Image: Gandhi in Champaran, historical archive.
Champaran in Bihar became the setting for Gandhi’s first major civil-resistance campaign in India in 1917. The immediate issue was the treatment of indigo cultivators under the plantation system.
Why farmers approached Gandhi
Raj Kumar Shukla, an indigo cultivator, repeatedly asked Gandhi to visit Champaran and investigate the farmers’ grievances.
Gandhi’s investigation
Gandhi travelled to Champaran in April 1917 and began collecting statements from cultivators. The district authorities ordered him to leave, but he chose to remain and face the legal consequences.
A turning point
The authorities eventually withdrew the order against him. Gandhi continued the investigation, gathering evidence about rents, cultivation arrangements and other complaints.
The Champaran Agrarian Committee
Gandhi was later included on an official inquiry committee. Its work contributed to reforms affecting indigo cultivators.
Beyond indigo
Gandhi and his associates also worked on sanitation, education and village conditions in Champaran.
Read the Gandhi Heritage Portal and NewsNationOnline’s related ashram history.
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