Worksheet Solutions: Indigo | English Class 12 PDF Download

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Q1: Raj Kumar Shukla, a ________, sought Gandhi’s help to protest against the injustice of the landlord system in Champaran.
Ans: tenant farmer
Raj Kumar Shukla, a tenant farmer, sought Gandhi’s help to protest against the injustice of the landlord system in Champaran, highlighting the plight of the agricultural workers.

Q2: Gandhi and Shukla reached ______ to meet Dr. Rajendra Prasad, but he was out of town.
Ans: Patna
Gandhi and Shukla reached Patna to meet Dr. Rajendra Prasad, but he was out of town, delaying their meeting with the influential leader.

Q3: To gather detailed information about Champaran sharecroppers, Gandhi decided to go to ______ first.
Ans: Motihari
To gather detailed information about Champaran sharecroppers, Gandhi decided to go to Motihari first, laying the groundwork for his investigations and understanding of the peasants' struggles.

Q4: The landlords in Champaran compelled tenants to plant ______ of their land with indigo and surrender the entire harvest as rent.
Ans: three-fourths
The landlords in Champaran compelled tenants to plant three-fourths of their land with indigo and surrender the entire harvest as rent, illustrating the extent of their exploitative practices.

Q5: Germany’s development of ______ freed Indian farmers from the 15% indigo arrangement.
Ans: synthetic indigo
Germany’s development of synthetic indigo freed Indian farmers from the 15% indigo arrangement, changing the dynamics of the agricultural agreements.

Q6: Gandhi visited the secretary of the British landlord association in Champaran but was denied information because he was considered an ______.
Ans: outsider
Gandhi visited the secretary of the British landlord association in Champaran but was denied information because he was considered an outsider, facing initial resistance in his quest for justice.

Q7: Gandhi disobeyed orders to leave Trihut and proceeded to ______, the capital of Champaran.
Ans: Bettiah
Gandhi disobeyed orders to leave Trihut and proceeded to Bettiah, demonstrating his commitment to the cause and challenging British authority.

Q8: Gandhi agreed to a ______ refund by the landowners, symbolizing the surrender of their prestige.
Ans: token
Gandhi agreed to a token refund by the landowners, symbolizing the surrender of their prestige, marking a significant victory for the peasants.

Q9: Gandhi emphasized counseling to give peasants enough ______ to fight their fear during the struggle.
Ans: confidence
Gandhi emphasized counseling to give peasants enough confidence to fight their fear during the struggle, ensuring they felt empowered and supported in their fight for justice.

Q10: Apart from justice, Gandhi also worked towards social, economic reforms and taught the lesson of ______ to the peasants.
Ans: self-reliance
Apart from justice, Gandhi also worked towards social and economic reforms and taught the lesson of self-reliance to the peasants, fostering independence and sustainability among the community.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: Gandhi visited Muzzafarpur to gather information about Champaran sharecroppers.
Reason: He wanted to understand the plight of the peasants before taking any vital steps.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Gandhi visited Muzzafarpur to gather information about Champaran sharecroppers. The reason for this was his desire to understand the plight of the peasants before taking any vital steps. His objective was to assess the situation comprehensively, ensuring he had accurate information before formulating his strategy for the movement.

Q2: Assertion: The British landlords freed Indian farmers from the 15% indigo arrangement after Germany developed synthetic indigo.
Reason: The British landlords no longer needed the indigo crop due to the availability of synthetic indigo.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true because the British landlords did free Indian farmers from the 15% indigo arrangement after Germany developed synthetic indigo. The reason is also true because the availability of synthetic indigo rendered the cultivation of natural indigo unnecessary for the British landlords. Therefore, the reason correctly explains why the assertion is true.

Q3: Assertion: Gandhi chided Muzzafarpur lawyers for taking high fees from poor sharecroppers.
Reason: Gandhi believed that high legal fees were burdensome for poor peasants.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Assertion is true. Gandhi did chide Muzzafarpur lawyers for taking high fees from poor sharecroppers. Reason is also true. Gandhi believed that high legal fees were burdensome for poor peasants. So, the correct option is (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion. Gandhi criticized the lawyers for their high fees, emphasizing the importance of counseling and support rather than the financial burden on the peasants.

Q4: Assertion: Gandhi’s visit to Champaran resulted in spontaneous demonstrations and widespread support from peasants.
Reason: The peasants were inspired by Gandhi’s courage and determination to fight against injustice.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Assertion is true. Gandhi's visit to Champaran did result in spontaneous demonstrations and widespread support from peasants. Reason is also true. The peasants were indeed inspired by Gandhi's courage and determination to fight against injustice. So, the correct option is (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion. Gandhi's presence inspired the peasants, leading to their demonstrations and support for the movement.

Q5: Assertion: Gandhi’s agreement to a 25% refund by the landowners symbolized the surrender of their prestige.
Reason: The landowners realized the strength of the peasants’ movement and had to compromise.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
Ans: (a)
Assertion is true. Gandhi's agreement to a 25% refund by the landowners did symbolize the surrender of their prestige. Reason is also true. The landowners realized the strength of the peasants' movement and had to compromise. So, the correct option is (a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion. The landowners, by agreeing to the refund, acknowledged the power of the peasants' movement and made a concession to their demands.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What did Raj Kumar Shukla want from Gandhi's help for?
Ans: Raj Kumar Shukla sought Gandhi's help to protest against the injustice of the landlord system in Champaran.

Q2: Where did Gandhi and Shukla go to meet Dr. Rajendra Prasad?
Ans: Gandhi and Shukla went to Patna to meet Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

Q3: What was the chief commercial crop in Champaran?
Ans: The chief commercial crop in Champaran was Indigo.

Q4: Why did the British landlords demand compensation from Indian farmers?
Ans: The British landlords demanded compensation from Indian farmers after Germany developed synthetic indigo, rendering the 15% indigo arrangement unnecessary.

Q5: Why did Gandhi stress counseling during the struggle?
Ans: Gandhi stressed counseling to give the peasants enough confidence to fight their fear during the struggle.

Q6: Why did Gandhi visit the secretary of the British landlord association in Champaran?
Ans: Gandhi visited the secretary to gather information about the plight of the peasants but was denied as he was considered an outsider.

Q7: Where did Gandhi proceed after being ordered to leave Trihut?
Ans: Gandhi proceeded to Motihari, the capital of Champaran, after being ordered to leave Trihut.

Q8: What did the 25% refund by the landowners symbolize?
Ans: The 25% refund by the landowners symbolized the surrender of their prestige in front of the peasants' movement.

Q9: Apart from justice, what reforms did Gandhi work towards in Champaran?
Ans: Apart from justice, Gandhi worked towards social, economic reforms and taught the lesson of self-reliance to the peasants.

Q10: What did Gandhi teach the poor peasants of Champaran?
Ans: Gandhi taught the poor peasants of Champaran the lesson of self-reliance.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe Raj Kumar Shukla’s role in Gandhi's Champaran movement.
Ans: Raj Kumar Shukla, a poor sharecropper, played a pivotal role in Gandhi's Champaran movement. He sought Gandhi's help to protest against the injustice of the landlord system in Champaran. Shukla followed Gandhi persistently, urging him to fix a date to come to Champaran. His determination and insistence compelled Gandhi to visit Champaran and address the long-term injustice faced by the peasants.

Q2: Explain the significance of counseling during the Champaran struggle.
Ans: Counseling was significant during the Champaran struggle as it gave the peasants the confidence to overcome their fear. Gandhi stressed counseling to empower the sharecroppers mentally. By providing them guidance and support, the peasants felt more capable of standing up against the oppressive landlord system. This psychological support bolstered their resolve, making the struggle more effective.

Q3: Describe the situation of the peasants in Champaran before Gandhi's arrival.
Ans: Before Gandhi's arrival, the peasants in Champaran were trapped in an exploitative system. Most of the arable land in Champaran was owned by English landlords and worked by Indian tenants. The chief commercial crop was Indigo. The landlords forced all tenants to plant 15% of their land with indigo and surrender the entire indigo harvest as rent through long-term contracts. When Germany developed synthetic indigo, the British landlords no longer needed the indigo crop. They freed Indian farmers from the 15% arrangement but demanded compensation, leading to protests and resistance among the peasants.

Q4: Explain the challenges faced by Gandhi during his investigation in Champaran.
Ans: Gandhi faced several challenges during his investigation in Champaran. Firstly, he was denied information by the secretary of the British landlord association, who considered him an outsider. Secondly, the British government punished those who sheltered national leaders or protesters, making it risky for Indians to show sympathy to the supporters of home rule. Despite these challenges, Gandhi continued his investigation, visiting maltreated villagers and gathering evidence. He was even stopped by the police superintendent but disobeyed the order, showing immense courage and determination in the face of adversity.

Q5: Discuss the role of lawyers in the Champaran movement.
Ans: Lawyers played a significant role in the Champaran movement. Initially, many lawyers and peasant groups came in large numbers to support Gandhi when news of his arrival and mission spread. However, Gandhi rebuked the Muzzafarpur lawyers for collecting high fees from the poor sharecroppers, which would burden them further. He emphasized counseling and moral support instead of legal fees. This shift in approach empowered the peasants and built their confidence. Lawyers who aligned with Gandhi's principles provided valuable legal assistance, ensuring that the struggle for justice was carried out effectively.

Q6: Explain the impact of Gandhi's agreement to a 25% refund by the landowners.
Ans: Gandhi's agreement to a 25% refund by the landowners symbolized a significant victory for the peasants in Champaran. It marked the surrender of the landlords' prestige and power in the face of the peasants' movement. The agreement showcased the strength of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. By compromising and agreeing to the refund, the landlords acknowledged the peasants' grievances and the legitimacy of their demands. This victory not only brought economic relief to the peasants but also inspired other movements for social and economic justice across India.

Q7: Describe Gandhi's approach towards social and economic reforms in Champaran.
Ans: Gandhi's approach in Champaran focused on improving education, healthcare, and hygiene for the impoverished peasants. He established schools, advocated for better healthcare facilities, and promoted hygiene practices, aiming to uplift the overall well-being of the community.

Q8: Explain the significance of Gandhi's Champaran movement in India's freedom struggle.
Ans: Gandhi's Champaran movement was significant in India's freedom struggle because it introduced civil disobedience as a powerful tactic, empowered the common people, fostered national unity, and forced a reevaluation of British policies.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Explain the role of Raj Kumar Shukla in the Champaran movement and how his initiative contributed to the cause.
Ans: Raj Kumar Shukla, a poor sharecropper, played a pivotal role in the Champaran movement by bringing Mahatma Gandhi to the region. Shukla, deeply aware of the injustices faced by the peasants due to the exploitative landlord system, sought out Gandhi's help. His determination and relentless pursuit led him to meet Gandhi and implore him to visit Champaran. Shukla's firsthand experience and impassioned plea resonated with Gandhi, compelling him to take action. Shukla's initiative served as a catalyst, drawing Gandhi's attention to the plight of the peasants and initiating a movement that would challenge the oppressive regime.

Q2: Describe the challenges faced by the peasants in Champaran under the landlord system. Explain how the landlords exploited the tenants and the subsequent impact on the lives of the peasants.
Ans: The peasants in Champaran faced severe challenges under the exploitative landlord system. The landlords, predominantly Englishmen, compelled the tenants to plant 15% of their land with indigo and surrender the entire indigo harvest as rent. This arrangement was enforced through long-term contracts, creating a cycle of indebtedness and poverty for the peasants. The landlords' exploitation extended beyond economic oppression; tenants were subjected to harsh working conditions and maltreatment. The tenants lived in fear, unable to assert their rights or escape the clutches of the landlords. This exploitation led to abject poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare for the peasants, perpetuating a cycle of generational poverty and despair.

Q3: Explain the significance of civil disobedience in the Champaran movement. Describe the events and actions that led to the triumph of civil disobedience in Champaran.
Ans: Civil disobedience was a cornerstone of the Champaran movement, marking a significant shift in the peasants' resistance against the oppressive landlord system. Gandhi's approach of nonviolent protest and civil disobedience empowered the peasants to challenge unjust laws and oppressive authorities. The movement gained momentum when Gandhi, despite orders, stayed in Motihari and continued his investigations. The peasants, inspired by Gandhi's resolve, spontaneously demonstrated, creating a groundswell of support. Gandhi's arrest by the police superintendent further galvanized the movement. The sheer number of protesters and their unwavering commitment forced the authorities to release Gandhi without bail, signaling the triumph of civil disobedience. This victory not only emboldened the peasants in Champaran but also served as a powerful example of nonviolent resistance, inspiring similar movements across India.

Q4: Discuss the long-term impact of Gandhi's Champaran movement on the socio-economic fabric of the region. How did the movement pave the way for lasting change and empowerment of the peasants?
Ans: Gandhi's Champaran movement had a profound and lasting impact on the socio-economic fabric of the region. By challenging the exploitative landlord system, Gandhi not only secured immediate relief for the peasants but also laid the groundwork for enduring change. The movement inspired a sense of collective identity among the peasants, instilling in them the confidence to assert their rights. The emphasis on self-reliance encouraged economic independence, empowering the peasants to break free from the cycle of poverty. Additionally, the social and economic reforms implemented by Gandhi, including improved education, healthcare, and hygiene, uplifted the living standards of the peasants and created a foundation for their holistic development. The movement also served as a catalyst for future socio-economic reforms in the region, setting an example for grassroots empowerment and inspiring similar movements across the country. Gandhi's Champaran movement, therefore, not only transformed the lives of the peasants in the immediate context but also contributed significantly to the broader social and economic progress of the region, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and change.