Indigo – Class 12 English Flamingo Notes & Q&A
Your Complete Guide to Ace Exams
The chapter Indigo by Louis Fischer is an important part of the Class 12 English Flamingo textbook. It highlights Mahatma Gandhi’s efforts in the Champaran Movement, which played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle. Below is a compiled set of questions categorized by marks along with detailed answers.
✅ 1 Mark Questions
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| Indigo Questions Answers |
Q1. Who was the champion of the sharecroppers of Champaran?
Ans. Mahatma Gandhi.
Q2. What was the capital of Champaran?
Ans. Motihari.
Q3. Who was Rajkumar Shukla?
Ans. He was a poor peasant from Champaran who invited Gandhi to fight for the rights of the indigo sharecroppers.
Q4. What did the British landlords force the peasants to plant?
Ans. Indigo.
Q5. Where did Gandhi stay in Muzaffarpur?
Ans. At the house of Professor Malkani.
Q6. What was the name of Gandhi’s youngest son?
Ans. Devdas Gandhi.
Q7. Who was J.B. Kripalani?
Ans. A professor at the Arts College in Muzaffarpur.
Q8. Who received Gandhi at Muzaffarpur station?
Ans. J.B. Kripalani.
Q9. Why did Gandhi visit Champaran?
Ans. Gandhi visited Champaran to support the cause of indigo farmers who were being exploited by British landlords.
Q10. Why did Gandhi refuse to obey the court’s order in Champaran?
Ans. Gandhi wanted to show civil disobedience and highlight the unjust nature of British rule.
Q11. What was Gandhi’s approach towards the British in Champaran?
Ans. Gandhi used non-violent civil disobedience to resist British oppression.
Q12. Why was Gandhi impressed by Rajkumar Shukla?
Ans. Gandhi was moved by his determination and persistence in seeking justice for the peasants.
Q13. Why did Gandhi criticize the lawyers?
Ans. Because they charged high fees from poor peasants while Gandhi believed in selfless service.
Q14. Why did Professor Malkani's support surprise Gandhi?
Ans. He was a government servant, and at that time, it was rare for such individuals to support the freedom movement openly.
🧠 Long Answer Questions (3-4 Marks)
Q15. How did Gandhi bring social and cultural change in Champaran villages?
Ans: Gandhi focused not only on political reform but also on the social upliftment of the people. He worked on improving hygiene, education, and health services in the villages. With the help of volunteers including Kasturba Gandhi and others, he set up schools and taught villagers self-reliance and cleanliness.
Q16. How did Gandhi influence the lawyers in Champaran?
Ans: Initially, the lawyers were unwilling to support Gandhi's plan of civil disobedience. However, Gandhi's dedication and moral strength inspired them to stay and support the peasants’ cause. His sincerity made them realize their social responsibility.
Q17. What was the outcome of the Champaran movement?
Ans: The British landlords agreed to refund 25% of the money taken from the peasants, marking a major victory. This movement was Gandhi's first success in India, establishing his leadership and showing that non-violence could lead to real change.
Q18. Why is the Champaran episode considered a turning point in Gandhi's life?
Ans: It was Gandhi’s first active involvement in Indian mass politics. He realized the strength of masses and started using civil disobedience as a political tool effectively. This movement transformed Gandhi into a national leader.
💡 Additional Questions (Value-Based & Analytical)
Q1. What is the significance of the Champaran episode in Indian history?
Ans: The Champaran Satyagraha was the first civil disobedience movement led by Gandhi in India. It marked the beginning of mass involvement in the Indian independence movement and set the foundation for future struggles like the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Q2. How did Gandhi's methods in Champaran reflect the principles of Satyagraha?
Ans: Gandhi applied Satyagraha by peacefully resisting unjust British laws, encouraging peasants to speak the truth and remain non-violent despite oppression.
Q3. What role did Kasturba Gandhi play in the Champaran movement?
Ans: Kasturba Gandhi helped educate women and improve hygiene in Champaran villages. Her involvement emphasized the importance of women’s participation in India’s freedom struggle.
Q4. What was the Tinkathia system and why was it exploitative?
Ans: Under the Tinkathia system, peasants were forced to grow indigo on 3/20th of their land. It was exploitative as it left farmers vulnerable to price fluctuations and robbed them of income from more profitable crops.
Q5. How did Gandhi win the trust of the peasants?
Ans: Gandhi lived simply, spoke their language, listened to their grievances, and never treated them as inferiors. His honesty and dedication to truth (Satya) and justice gained the peasants’ confidence.
Q6. Why did the British agree to Gandhi's conditions in Champaran?
Ans: Facing growing public support for Gandhi and fearing national unrest, the British authorities agreed to his demands, showing the effectiveness of non-violent pressure.
Q7. What kind of education did Gandhi promote in Champaran?
Ans: Gandhi promoted basic education focused on self-reliance, cleanliness, and moral values, not just literacy. He set up schools with volunteers and taught practical skills.
Q8. How did the success of the Champaran movement influence future freedom struggles?
Ans: The success showed that united, non-violent protest could challenge British power. It inspired later movements like the Salt March and Quit India Movement.
Q9. What was the attitude of the British officials during Gandhi’s trial?
Ans: The British were initially hostile but gradually showed leniency due to Gandhi’s growing popularity and the fear of public backlash.
Q10. How did the local intellectuals and students help Gandhi in Champaran?
Ans: People like J.B. Kripalani and students of Muzaffarpur College helped organize meetings, record statements from peasants, and spread awareness. Their involvement showed the rise of youth participation in the freedom movement.
Q11. What was Gandhi’s view on real relief for peasants?
Ans. Gandhi believed that the real relief for peasants was to be free from fear, not just economic exploitation.
Q12. What was the role of ordinary people in the freedom struggle, as seen in this episode?
Ans. From professors like Malkani to peasants like Rajkumar Shukla, ordinary citizens played a pivotal role. Their courage, sacrifices, and participation in Gandhi’s mission helped shape the freedom movement.
📝 Conclusion
The Indigo chapter is a powerful account of how leadership, courage, and collective action can bring meaningful change. Mahatma Gandhi’s moral strength and commitment to justice turned a local issue into a national movement, inspiring generations.
If you're preparing for your CBSE Class 12 Board Exams, mastering this chapter through such Q&A format can really boost your confidence and understanding.
