Class 12 - English Core - Chapter: Indigo (Flamingo) - Questions and Answers

Q1: Why did Gandhiji feel that it was useless for the peasants to go to law courts?

Answer: The peasants are crushed and fear-stricken. The lawyers charged a high fee.

Q2: How did Rajkumar Shukla establish that he was resolute?

Answer: Rajkumar Shukla the Champaran Sharecropper requested Gandhiji at Congress Session in Lucknow to fix a date to visit Champaran where the sharecroppers were being subjected to injustice. Till Gandhiji fixed date to go with him, he did not leave him rather he accompanied him where ever he went Gandhiji was impressed by his tenacity and determination and finally agreed to go there from Calcutta.

Q3: Why did Gandhiji agree to a settlement of a mere 25 per cent?

Answer: Gandhiji agreed to a settlement of a mere 25 per cent compensation from the British because he wanted them to part not only from money but also from their prestige.

Q4: What strategy did Gandhiji follow in removing the problems of sharecroppers?

Answer: Gandhiji discussed the problems with lawyers. He disregarded British order of eviction. He insisted peasants to remove their fear.

Q5: Why did Gandhiji feel that taking the Champaran case to court was useless?

Answer: Gandhiji went to Champaran to fight the case of the peasant. He collected all the information there and reached a conclusion that it was useless taking the Champaran case to the court. He found that the peasants were getting justice as the case was against the British landlords. He realised that making the peasant free from the fear of British landlords was more important than fighting for them in court.

Q6: Why and how did Rajkumar Shukla persuade Gandhiji to visit Champaran?

Answer: Rajkumar Shukla was a sharecropper from Champaran. He was illiterate but resolute. He had come to the congress session to complain about the injustice of the landlord system in Bihar. He wanted for several weeks. Gandhiji to come to Champaran district. He accompanied Gandhiji wherever he went for several weeks. Ultimately Gandhiji asked him to meet in Calcutta .on an appointed date and at a fixed spot.

Q7: What was the important lesson taught by Gandhiji to his disciples?

Answer: Gandhiji taught rules of personal hygiene and cleanliness. He also taught the -Champarans to win freedom independently without any support of the British.

Q8: Firm determination and resolution, aimed towards the positive track of life, becomes a turning point. Discuss with reference to indigo?

Answer: Persistent efforts firm determination and resolution lead a man to attain the goal of his life. For this perseverance plays an important role One must never lose the sight of one’s goal and keep on moving ahead of them with courage and resolution. Rajkumar Shukla, an illiterate peasant, was determined to seek assistance from Gandhiji in the matter of sharecropping. He brought the plight of The peasant of Champaran to the notice of Gandhiji. Gandhiji had some other appointments but this did not deter Rajkumar from his resolution and he followed Gandhiji wherever he went. Impressed by his determination, Gandhiji fixed an appointment and kept it also by reaching there on the appointed date, He listened to the grievances of the sharecroppers and started the Civil Disobedience Movement. They came out victorious and the landlords gave back their claims over their estates which reverted back to the farmers. The firm determination of Rajkumar Shukla was a milestone in achieving our independence. It was the beginning of the birth of courage and self-reliance which, later assisted us to get our freedom.

Q9(CBSE 2015): What were the terms of the Indigo contract between the British landlords and the Indian peasants?

Answer: The arable land was divided into large estates owned by Englishmen and worked by Indian tenants. The landlords compelled all tenants to plant 3/20 or 15% of their holdings with indigo (the chief commercial crop) and submit the entire indigo harvest as rent.

Q10(CBSE 2014): Why did Gandhiji oppose when his friend Andrews offered to stay in Champaran and help the peasants?

Answer: Mr Andrews was an Englishman and Gandhiji did not want his help. He did not believe in seeking a prop in him. Since the cause was good, he believed their victory was certain. He wanted the peasants to be self-reliant.

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