Champaran, also known as Champaran district, was a district in Bihar during the British rule in India. It is located in the northern part of Bihar and is currently known as West Champaran district. Let's explore the details of Champaran and its historical significance:

Location:
Champaran is situated in the present-day state of Bihar, India. It is located in the western part of the state, bordering Nepal. The district is surrounded by the districts of East Champaran, Gopalganj, and Siwan.

Historical Significance:
Champaran gained significant historical importance due to the Champaran Satyagraha, which was one of the earliest non-violent protests led by Mahatma Gandhi during the Indian independence movement.

The Champaran Satyagraha:
The Champaran Satyagraha was a movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917. It aimed to address the grievances of indigo farmers who were being forced by British landlords to cultivate indigo against their will. Indigo was a cash crop used for dyeing purposes but had caused immense hardships for the farmers.

Gandhi's Arrival:
Upon arrival in Champaran, Gandhi conducted a detailed investigation into the plight of the farmers and met with them to understand their grievances. He organized mass meetings and urged the farmers to resist the unjust indigo cultivation system.

Non-Violent Protest:
Gandhi encouraged the farmers to refuse to cultivate indigo, which resulted in clashes with the British authorities. However, the protests remained peaceful, and Gandhi emphasized the principle of non-violence throughout the movement.

Impact and Resolution:
The Champaran Satyagraha garnered significant attention and support across India. It not only highlighted the issues faced by the indigo farmers but also became a symbol of the non-violent resistance movement in India. Eventually, the British authorities were compelled to set up an inquiry committee to address the grievances, leading to the abolition of the oppressive indigo system.

Conclusion:
Champaran, located in Bihar, was a district in British India. It gained historical significance due to the Champaran Satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi. This movement played a crucial role in shaping the Indian independence movement and emphasized the power of non-violent resistance in achieving social and political change.