Indigo Chapter Questions and Answers for Class 12 English
Q1. Why was Champaran considered a turning point in Gandhiji’s life?
Answer:
Champaran was Gandhiji's first successful experiment with Satyagraha in India. It demonstrated the power of non-violent protest against injustice and inspired future mass movements for India's freedom. It also showed Gandhiji that political freedom could not be achieved without addressing social and economic issues.
Q2. How did Gandhiji use non-violence to solve the problems in Champaran?
Answer:
Gandhiji used the principle of non-violence (Satyagraha) to solve the issues in Champaran. He encouraged the peasants to protest peacefully against the exploitation by British landlords. His efforts led to negotiations with the landlords, resulting in a settlement that was favorable to the peasants.
Q3. What was the attitude of the British authorities towards Gandhiji?
Answer:
The British authorities initially tried to suppress Gandhiji by ordering him to leave Champaran. They later realized his influence over the peasants and agreed to negotiate with him. Their attitude shifted from resistance to acceptance due to Gandhiji’s persistence and non-violent approach.
Q4. What were the social issues Gandhiji addressed in Champaran?
Answer:
Gandhiji addressed several social issues in Champaran, including education, sanitation, and health. He opened schools, improved hygiene, and educated the peasants about their rights. He believed that addressing social issues was essential for achieving political freedom.
Indigo Class 12 E Questions and Answers Part 1
Character Sketch of Rajkumar Shukla
- Determined and Persistent: Shukla traveled across cities to meet Gandhiji and convince him to visit Champaran.
- Dedicated to the Peasants' Cause: He represented the plight of the Champaran peasants and was committed to ending their exploitation.
- Courageous: Despite being a poor and uneducated farmer, Shukla was brave enough to challenge the British landlords.
Character Sketch of Gandhiji (from Indigo)
- Empathetic Leader: Gandhiji showed great empathy towards the suffering of the Champaran peasants.
- Non-Violent: He believed in non-violent protest and encouraged the peasants to fight for their rights peacefully.
- Practical Reformer: Gandhiji did not just address political issues but also worked to improve the social and economic conditions of the peasants.
- Determined and Focused: He remained steadfast despite resistance from British authorities and eventually succeeded in securing justice for the peasants.
Themes in Indigo
- Exploitation and Injustice: The British landlords exploited the peasants by forcing them into unfair sharecropping arrangements.
- Non-Violence (Satyagraha): Gandhiji's principle of non-violence played a key role in the success of the Champaran Movement.
- Social and Economic Reform: Gandhiji worked to improve the social and economic conditions of the peasants, showing that true freedom includes more than just political independence.
- Courage and Determination: The courage and determination of both Rajkumar Shukla and Gandhiji led to the success of the movement.
Key Takeaways from the Chapter
- Injustice can be fought through non-violence.
- Leadership requires empathy and determination.
- Social and economic issues must be addressed along with political freedom.
- Ordinary people can make a big difference through courage and persistence.
Long Answer Questions (6-10 marks)
Q5. Discuss the relevance of Gandhiji’s principles in today’s world.
Answer:
Gandhiji’s principles of non-violence, truth, and social reform are still relevant today. In a world filled with violence and conflict, his philosophy of peaceful protest can be a powerful tool for bringing about change. His focus on self-reliance and addressing social issues remains significant in solving modern-day problems like poverty, discrimination, and inequality.
Q6. How did Gandhiji’s involvement in Champaran help in improving the life of peasants?
Answer:
Gandhiji’s involvement in Champaran not only ended the exploitative sharecropping system but also improved the lives of the peasants in many ways. He set up schools for education, improved sanitation and hygiene, and made the peasants aware of their rights. His efforts helped them become self-reliant and courageous in standing up against injustice.
