The Indigo Commission and its Findings
The Indigo Commission was established to investigate and examine the system of indigo production in India during the British colonial period. After conducting a thorough inquiry, the Commission reached its conclusions regarding the parties responsible for the issues surrounding indigo production. The Commission held the following guilty:
1. The Planters:
- The Commission found the planters, who were the European indigo cultivators, responsible for various unfair practices in the indigo industry.
- The planters were accused of exploiting the indigenous farmers, known as ryots, by imposing harsh and unjust contracts.
- They were found guilty of using coercion, deceit, and other unethical means to force the ryots into cultivating indigo against their will.
2. The Government:
- The Commission also held the British colonial government responsible for the problems in the indigo production system.
- The government was criticized for its lack of regulation and oversight, which allowed the planters to engage in exploitative practices.
- The Commission found that the government did not take adequate measures to protect the interests of the ryots or ensure fair treatment in the indigo industry.
3. Both (a) and (b):
- Ultimately, the Indigo Commission concluded that both the planters and the government were collectively responsible for the injustices and problems in the indigo production system.
- The planters' exploitation of the ryots was enabled by the government's failure to regulate and intervene.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option C: The planters were found guilty by the Indigo Commission. However, it is important to note that the government also shared responsibility for the issues surrounding indigo production, as highlighted by the Commission's findings.

Introduction to the Indigo Commission
The Indigo Commission was established in 1859 by the British government in India to investigate the grievances of the indigo farmers (ryots) regarding the oppressive practices of indigo planters. The commission's findings highlighted the exploitative nature of indigo production.
Key Findings of the Commission
- The Commission concluded that the planters were primarily responsible for the injustices faced by the ryots.
- It found that planters coerced farmers into cultivating indigo instead of food crops, leading to financial distress.
- The planters employed various forms of intimidation and deceit, such as providing loans with high-interest rates, which trapped farmers in a cycle of debt.
Guilt of the Planters
- The commission specifically identified the planters as guilty of exploiting the farmers.
- They were found to have used forceful methods to ensure that the ryots adhered to indigo cultivation, often leading to violent confrontations.
- The planters' practices not only harmed the financial stability of the ryots but also affected their social and familial structures.
Conclusion
In summary, the Indigo Commission held the planters guilty of the oppressive system surrounding indigo cultivation. While the government also had a role in enforcing these exploitative practices, the primary responsibility lay with the planters, who manipulated the ryots for personal gain. This finding was crucial as it marked a significant moment in the struggle against colonial exploitation in India.