Mahatma Gandhi first started his Satyagraha in India at Champaran in Bihar in 1917. He was requested by Rajkumar Shukla to look into the problems of poor peasants caused by the indigo planters of Chamaparan.

Introduction:
Mahatma Gandhi is known for his non-violent resistance movement in India, which he called Satyagraha. Satyagraha means "truth-force" or "soul-force" and it became a powerful tool in India's struggle for independence from British rule. Gandhi initiated several Satyagraha movements throughout his life, but the first one took place in Bardoli, Gujarat, in 1928.

Explanation:
1. Background:
- Before the Bardoli Satyagraha, the farmers in Bardoli were burdened by high taxes imposed by the British government.
- The government had raised the land revenue rates by 22% due to poor harvests and increased the tax on salt, causing immense hardship for the farmers.
- These oppressive policies led to widespread discontent among the farming community in Bardoli.

2. Leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and a trusted associate of Mahatma Gandhi, played a crucial role in organizing and leading the Bardoli Satyagraha.
- Patel, who hailed from Gujarat, understood the grievances of the farmers and rallied them to protest against the unjust taxation policies.

3. The Satyagraha Movement:
- The Bardoli Satyagraha began in February 1928, with the goal of peaceful resistance against the British government's tax policies.
- The farmers, under the guidance of Patel, refused to pay the increased taxes and pledged to withhold their revenue.
- They adopted non-violent means of protest, such as non-cooperation and non-payment of taxes.
- The movement gained widespread support from the local community, and people from different backgrounds came together to participate in the Satyagraha.

4. Negotiations and Victory:
- The British government initially responded with repression, imposing fines and seizing property from those who refused to pay taxes.
- However, the Satyagrahis remained steadfast in their resistance and continued to demand a fair settlement.
- Eventually, the British government recognized the strength of the movement and agreed to negotiate with the leaders of the Satyagraha.
- The negotiations, led by Patel, resulted in a settlement known as the Bardoli Pact.
- Under the pact, the tax rates were revised, and the farmers were given relief from the oppressive taxation policies.

Conclusion:
The Bardoli Satyagraha marked the beginning of Mahatma Gandhi's Satyagraha movement in India. It was a significant event in India's struggle for independence and demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's leadership and the unity of the farmers played a crucial role in the success of the movement. The Bardoli Satyagraha remains an important chapter in India's history and a testament to the effectiveness of non-violent protest.

Champaran