Question

How did the Champaran episode change the plight of the peasants?

Hint:

Focus on the psychological shift (courage over fear) as it was a more significant victory than just the financial refund.

Answer 1

Identify the outcome of Gandhi's intervention in "Indigo" by Louis Fischer.

Before the Champaran episode, the poor sharecroppers were thoroughly exploited and paralyzed by the fear of British planters. Gandhi's successful movement forced the landlords to refund 25% of the extorted money. More importantly, it broke the psychological grip of terror; the peasants realized they had rights and defenders, ultimately leading to their self-reliance.