Introduction:
During the colonial period in India, the British landlords encouraged the sharecroppers to stop growing Indigo and instead cultivate other cash crops like tea, coffee, and jute. This shift in agricultural practices was primarily driven by economic and political factors.

Reasons for freeing sharecroppers from growing Indigo:

1. Decline in demand: The demand for Indigo in the global market had significantly decreased by the mid-19th century. Synthetic Indigo was being produced in Europe, which was cheaper and of better quality compared to the natural Indigo produced in India. As a result, the British landlords saw a decline in profits from Indigo cultivation.

2. Rigid land tenure system: The land tenure system imposed by the British landlords was highly exploitative. The farmers, who were mostly peasants and sharecroppers, were forced to grow Indigo on a significant portion of their land as per the "tinkathia" system. This system required them to give a fixed portion of their land for Indigo cultivation, regardless of their own needs or preferences.

3. Indigo Revolt: The Indigo Revolt of 1859-1860 had a profound impact on the Indigo industry. The revolt was a result of the oppressive practices of the British landlords and the exploitative tinkathia system. The revolt led to widespread protests and violence, forcing the landlords to reconsider their approach towards Indigo cultivation.

Desired alternative cash crops:

1. Tea: The British landlords encouraged the cultivation of tea as it had a growing demand in the global market. Tea plantations were established in regions like Assam and Darjeeling, which had suitable climatic conditions for tea cultivation. The landlords saw tea as a profitable alternative to Indigo.

2. Coffee: Coffee cultivation was promoted in regions like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where the climate was suitable for coffee plantations. The British landlords saw potential in the coffee market and encouraged farmers to switch from Indigo to coffee cultivation.

3. Jute: Jute cultivation gained prominence as the demand for jute fibers increased due to the growth of the global textile industry. The British landlords promoted jute cultivation in regions like Bengal and Bihar, where the soil and climate were suitable for jute production.

Conclusion:
The British landlords freed the sharecroppers from growing Indigo due to declining demand, the oppressive land tenure system, and the Indigo Revolt. They encouraged the cultivation of alternative cash crops like tea, coffee, and jute, which had better prospects in the global market. This shift in agricultural practices aimed to maximize profits for the British landlords and adapt to changing economic conditions.