MP Board 12th English Flemingo Indigo by LouisFischer

MP Board 12th English Flemingo Indigo by LouisFischer

📖 Indigo

Author: Louis Fischer Genre: Biography excerpt (from The Life of Mahatma Gandhi) Based on: Gandhi’s visit to Champaran, Bihar in 1917

✍️ About the Author (Brief)

Louis Fischer (1896–1970) Louis Fischer was an American journalist and writer born in Philadelphia. He served in the British Army (1918–1920) and later became a renowned international correspondent. He wrote for major publications like The New York Times and The Saturday Review and also taught at Princeton University. His famous biography The Life of Mahatma Gandhi is considered one of the finest works on Gandhi’s life and philosophy.

👤 Main Characters

• Mahatma Gandhi – Central figure who led the Champaran movement
• Rajkumar Shukla – A poor but determined peasant from Champaran
• British planters and authorities – Exploiters of indigo farmers
• Indian lawyers and peasants – Supporters of Gandhi’s cause

📚 Summary (Short)

This chapter recounts how Rajkumar Shukla a poor sharecropper from Champaran, approached Gandhiji in Lucknow to seek help for the oppressed farmers of Bihar. These farmers were being forced by British planters to grow indigo on 15% of their land and surrender it as rent.

Gandhi visited Champaran, investigated the issue, and refused to leave even after being warned by officials. His courage inspired the locals. Through peaceful resistance, he negotiated with the British and got the unjust system abolished. Gandhi’s efforts marked the beginning of civil disobedience and helped instill self-reliance and courage among Indians.

🎯 Themes / Ideas

• Social injustice and British exploitation
• Courage and leadership through non-violence
• Beginning of India’s civil disobedience movement
• Empowerment through truth and mass support

📝 Moral / Message

One determined individual can ignite change. Gandhi proved that truth and non-violence can overcome oppression and awaken an entire nation’s spirit of justice and self-respect.

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Questions and Answers in Simple Words with Hindi

1. Strike out what is not true in the following.
   o a. Rajkumar Shukla was
   (i) a sharecropper.
   (ii) a politician.
   (iii) a delegate.
   (iv) a landlord.
   Answer: (ii) a politician and (iv) a landlord are not true. Rajkumar Shukla was a sharecropper and delegate.
   o b. Rajkumar Shukla was
   (i) poor.
   (ii) physically strong.
   (iii) illiterate.
   Answer: (ii) physically strong is not true. Rajkumar Shukla was poor and illiterate.
2. Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as being ‘resolute’?
   o Answer: Rajkumar Shukla is described as ‘resolute’ because he was determined and persistent. He followed Gandhi everywhere and did not leave him until Gandhi agreed to visit Champaran.
   o राजकुमार शुक्ल को ‘दृढ़निश्चयी’ के रूप में इसलिए वर्णित किया गया है क्योंकि वह दृढ़ और अडिग थे। उन्होंने गांधी का हर जगह पीछा किया और जब तक गांधी ने चंपारण जाने के लिए सहमति नहीं दी, तब तक उनका साथ नहीं छोड़ा।
3. Why do you think the servants thought Gandhi to be another peasant?
   o Answer: The servants thought Gandhi to be another peasant because of his simple appearance and the fact that he was with Rajkumar Shukla, who was known to be a poor sharecropper.
   o नौकरों ने गांधी को एक और किसान समझा क्योंकि उनकी सादगी भरी वेशभूषा और इस तथ्य के कारण कि वे राजकुमार शुक्ल के साथ थे, जो एक गरीब हिस्सेदार के रूप में जाने जाते थे।
4. List the places that Gandhi visited between his first meeting with Shukla and his arrival at Champaran.
   o Gandhi met Shukla at the Indian National Congress meeting in Lucknow. He then went to Kanpur and other parts of India. Finally, he went to Muzaffarpur before arriving at Champaran.
   o गांधी ने शुक्ल से लखनऊ में भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस की बैठक में मुलाकात की। फिर वे कानपुर और भारत के अन्य हिस्सों में गए। अंत में वे चंपारण पहुँचने से पहले मुजफ्फरपुर गए।
5. What did the peasants pay the British landlords as rent? What did the British now want instead and why? What would be the impact of synthetic indigo on the prices of natural indigo?
   o The peasants paid the British landlords 15% of their land’s indigo harvest as rent. The British now wanted money instead of indigo because Germany had developed synthetic indigo. Synthetic indigo would lower the price of natural indigo, making it less profitable.
   o किसानों ने ब्रिटिश जमींदारों को अपनी जमीन की 15% नील की फसल किराए के रूप में दी। जर्मनी ने सिंथेटिक नील विकसित कर ली थी, इसलिए ब्रिटिश अब नील के बजाय पैसे चाहते थे। सिंथेटिक नील प्राकृतिक नील की कीमत कम कर देती, जिससे यह कम लाभदायक हो जाता।
6. The events in this part of the text illustrate Gandhi’s method of working. Can you identify some instances of this method and link them to his ideas of satyagraha and non-violence?
   o Gandhi’s methods included gathering facts, non-violent resistance, and involving the community. Here are some instances:
    Gathering Facts: Gandhi first gathered information about the conditions in Champaran by meeting with local officials and visiting places.
    जानकारी जुटाना: गांधी ने सबसे पहले चंपारण की स्थितियों के बारे में जानकारी जुटाई, स्थानीय अधिकारियों से मुलाकात की और जगहों का दौरा किया।
    Non-Violent Resistance: When Gandhi was ordered to leave Champaran, he politely refused to obey the order and was ready to face legal consequences.
    अहिंसक प्रतिरोध: जब गांधी को चंपारण छोड़ने का आदेश दिया गया, तो उन्होंने शांति से आदेश का पालन करने से इनकार कर दिया और कानूनी परिणामों का सामना करने के लिए तैयार थे।
    Involving the Community: Gandhi involved the local peasants and lawyers in his mission, showing them the power of unity and non-violent protest.
    समुदाय को शामिल करना: गांधी ने अपने मिशन में स्थानीय किसानों और वकीलों को शामिल किया, उन्हें एकता और अहिंसक विरोध की शक्ति दिखाई।
   These methods align with his ideas of satyagraha (holding onto truth) and non-violence, demonstrating the strength of peaceful resistance and the importance of collective action. ये तरीके उनके सत्याग्रह (सत्य पर टिके रहना) और अहिंसा के विचारों के अनुरूप हैं, जो शांतिपूर्ण प्रतिरोध की ताकत और सामूहिक कार्रवाई के महत्व को दर्शाते हैं।
7. Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of 25 per cent refund to the farmers?
   o Answer: Gandhi agreed to a 25% refund because he believed that the victory lay not in the amount but in the fact that the landlords had to surrender part of their money and prestige. This small victory showed the peasants that they had rights and defenders.
   o गांधी ने 25% वापसी पर इसलिए सहमति जताई क्योंकि उनका मानना था कि जीत राशि में नहीं थी, बल्कि इस तथ्य में थी कि जमींदारों को अपने पैसे और प्रतिष्ठा का एक हिस्सा छोड़ना पड़ा। इस छोटी सी जीत ने किसानों को दिखाया कि उनके भी अधिकार हैं और उनके समर्थक हैं।
8. How did the episode change the plight of the peasants?
   o Answer: The episode changed the plight of the peasants by showing them that they could challenge the landlords and seek justice. It gave them courage and hope. Eventually, the British planters left their estates, and the indigo sharecropping system ended.
   o इस घटना ने किसानों की दुर्दशा को बदल दिया क्योंकि इसने उन्हें दिखाया कि वे जमींदारों को चुनौती दे सकते हैं और न्याय प्राप्त कर सकते हैं। इससे उन्हें साहस और आशा मिली। अंततः, ब्रिटिश जमींदार अपनी संपत्ति छोड़कर चले गए, और नील हिस्सा बटाई प्रणाली समाप्त हो गई।
   Understanding the text
9. Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his life?
   o Answer: Gandhi considered the Champaran episode a turning-point because it marked his first significant victory in India against British rule. It showed that non-violent protest could bring about real change.
   o गांधी ने चंपारण घटना को एक महत्वपूर्ण मोड़ माना क्योंकि यह भारत में ब्रिटिश शासन के खिलाफ उनकी पहली महत्वपूर्ण जीत थी। इससे पता चला कि अहिंसक विरोध से वास्तविक परिवर्तन लाया जा सकता है।
10. How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers? Give instances.
    o Answer: Gandhi influenced the lawyers by showing them the importance of self-reliance and fighting for justice without depending on an Englishman’s help. When the lawyers saw his dedication, they decided to follow his lead even if it meant going to jail.
    o गांधी ने वकीलों को आत्मनिर्भरता और न्याय के लिए लड़ने के महत्व को दिखाकर प्रभावित किया, बिना किसी अंग्रेज की मदद पर निर्भर किए। जब वकीलों ने उनकी प्रतिबद्धता देखी, तो उन्होंने जेल जाने का मतलब होने पर भी उनके नेतृत्व का पालन करने का निर्णय लिया।
11. What was the attitude of the average Indian in smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home rule’?
    o Answer: The average Indian in smaller localities was generally fearful of showing support for advocates of home rule due to the fear of British authorities.
    o छोटे स्थानों में औसत भारतीय आमतौर पर स्व-शासन के समर्थकों के लिए समर्थन दिखाने से डरते थे क्योंकि उन्हें ब्रिटिश अधिकारियों का डर था।
12. How do we know that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement?
    o Answer: Ordinary people contributed to the freedom movement by participating in protests and supporting leaders like Gandhi. For example, the peasants in Champaran gathered in large numbers to support Gandhi despite the risks.
    o साधारण लोगों ने विरोध प्रदर्शनों में भाग लेकर और गांधी जैसे नेताओं का समर्थन करके स्वतंत्रता आंदोलन में योगदान दिया। उदाहरण के लिए, चंपारण के किसानों ने जोखिम के बावजूद गांधी का समर्थन करने के लिए बड़ी संख्या में इकट्ठा हुए।
    Talking about the text
13. “Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor.” Do you think that the poor of India are free from fear after Independence?
    o Answer: While India has made significant progress since Independence, many poor people still live in fear due to economic, social, and political challenges. There is still a need for empowering the poor and ensuring their rights and security.
    o हालाँकि स्वतंत्रता के बाद से भारत ने महत्वपूर्ण प्रगति की है, कई गरीब लोग अभी भी आर्थिक, सामाजिक और राजनीतिक चुनौतियों के कारण डर में जीते हैं। गरीबों को सशक्त बनाने और उनके अधिकारों और सुरक्षा को सुनिश्चित करने की आवश्यकता अभी भी बनी हुई है।
14. The qualities of a good leader.
    o Answer: A good leader is compassionate, empathetic, and dedicated to the welfare of others. They are honest, courageous, and able to inspire and mobilize people towards a common goal. Good leaders also lead by example and prioritize the needs of the community over personal gains.
    o एक अच्छा नेता करुणामय, सहानुभूतिपूर्ण और दूसरों के कल्याण के लिए समर्पित होता है। वे ईमानदार, साहसी होते हैं और लोगों को एक सामान्य लक्ष्य की ओर प्रेरित और संगठित करने में सक्षम होते हैं। अच्छे नेता खुद उदाहरण बनते हैं और व्यक्तिगत लाभ के बजाय समुदाय की जरूरतों को प्राथमिकता देते हैं।

Important Short Answer Type Questions with Hindi

Question 1: Why did Rajkumar Shukla meet Gandhi and what was his request?
Answer: Rajkumar Shukla met Gandhi to seek his help against the injustice faced by the indigo sharecroppers in Champaran. He requested Gandhi to visit Champaran and help the farmers fight against the British landlords.
• राजकुमार शुक्ल ने गांधी से मुलाकात की ताकि वे चंपारण में नील बटाईदारों को झेलने वाले अन्याय के खिलाफ उनकी मदद मांग सकें। उन्होंने गांधी से चंपारण आने और किसानों को ब्रिटिश जमींदारों के खिलाफ लड़ाई में मदद करने का अनुरोध किया।
Question 2: How did Gandhi manage to gather support from the local peasants during the Champaran episode?
Answer: Gandhi managed to gather support from the local peasants by empathizing with their plight, encouraging them to speak out about their issues, and organizing a far-reaching inquiry into their grievances. His genuine concern and efforts to bring justice made the peasants rally around him.
• गांधी ने स्थानीय किसानों से समर्थन प्राप्त किया क्योंकि उन्होंने उनकी दुर्दशा के प्रति सहानुभूति दिखाई, उन्हें अपनी समस्याओं के बारे में बोलने के लिए प्रोत्साहित किया, और उनकी शिकायतों की व्यापक जांच का आयोजन किया। उनके सच्चे प्रयास और न्याय लाने के प्रयासों ने किसानों को उनके साथ खड़ा कर दिया।
Question 3: What role did the lawyers play in the Champaran movement?
Answer: The lawyers played a significant role in the Champaran movement by supporting Gandhi’s efforts. They provided legal advice and assistance to the peasants and were ready to follow Gandhi’s lead, even if it meant going to jail.
• वकीलों ने चंपारण आंदोलन में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई क्योंकि उन्होंने गांधी के प्रयासों का समर्थन किया। उन्होंने किसानों को कानूनी सलाह और सहायता प्रदान की और गांधी के नेतृत्व का पालन करने के लिए तैयार थे, चाहे इसका मतलब जेल जाना ही क्यों न हो।
Question 4: What was the reaction of the British authorities to Gandhi’s activities in Champaran?
Answer: The British authorities were initially dismissive and tried to intimidate Gandhi. However, as Gandhi’s movement gained support and gathered evidence against the landlords, the authorities felt pressured and eventually agreed to form an inquiry commission and make concessions to the farmers.
• ब्रिटिश अधिकारी शुरुआत में गांधी की गतिविधियों को लेकर उपेक्षापूर्ण थे और उन्हें डराने की कोशिश की। हालांकि, जब गांधी का आंदोलन समर्थन प्राप्त करने लगा और जमींदारों के खिलाफ सबूत जुटाए, तो अधिकारियों ने दबाव महसूस किया और अंततः जांच आयोग बनाने और किसानों को रियायतें देने पर सहमति जताई।
Question 5: How did the Champaran episode reflect Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and self-reliance?
Answer: The Champaran episode reflected Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and self-reliance as he led a peaceful protest against the injustices faced by the peasants. He encouraged the peasants and his followers to rely on their own strength and unity to fight against oppression without resorting to violence.
• चंपारण घटना ने गांधी के अहिंसा और आत्मनिर्भरता के सिद्धांतों को प्रतिबिंबित किया क्योंकि उन्होंने किसानों के साथ हुए अन्याय के खिलाफ शांतिपूर्ण विरोध का नेतृत्व किया। उन्होंने किसानों और अपने अनुयायियों को अपनी ताकत और एकता पर निर्भर रहने और हिंसा का सहारा लिए बिना उत्पीड़न के खिलाफ लड़ने के लिए प्रोत्साहित किया।

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) from the chapter “Indigo”

1. Who was Rajkumar Shukla?
   • a) A politician
   • b) A lawyer
   • c) A sharecropper
   • d) A landlord
   • Answer: c) A sharecropper
2. Where did Gandhi first meet Rajkumar Shukla?
   • a) Calcutta
   • b) Lucknow
   • c) Ahmedabad
   • d) Patna
   • Answer: b) Lucknow
3. What was the main issue faced by the peasants in Champaran?
   • a) High taxes
   • b) Lack of water
   • c) Indigo sharecropping system
   • d) Poor health conditions
   • Answer: c) Indigo sharecropping system
4. Why did the British landlords want to change the indigo sharecropping arrangement?
   • a) Because of synthetic indigo
   • b) Because of a poor harvest
   • c) To increase taxes
   • d) To reduce land rents
   • Answer: a) Because of synthetic indigo
5. How did Gandhi respond when he was asked to leave Champaran?
   • a) He immediately left
   • b) He refused to leave
   • c) He negotiated for more time
   • d) He went into hiding
   • Answer: b) He refused to leave
6. What was the outcome of Gandhi’s efforts in Champaran?
   • a) The peasants got full refund
   • b) The British landlords left immediately
   • c) The indigo sharecropping system was abolished
   • d) The peasants received 25% refund
   • Answer: d) The peasants received 25% refund
7. How long did Gandhi stay in Champaran initially?
   • a) One month
   • b) Three months
   • c) Seven months
   • d) One year
   • Answer: c) Seven months
8. What was Gandhi’s main principle in dealing with the Champaran issue?
   • a) Violence
   • b) Legal action
   • c) Civil disobedience
   • d) Political negotiation
   • Answer: c) Civil disobedience
9. Which English pacifist and follower of Gandhi visited Champaran during the episode?
   • a) Charles Freer Andrews
   • b) Lord Irwin
   • c) Edwin Montagu
   • d) Alfred Webb
   • Answer: a) Charles Freer Andrews
10. What did the Champaran episode demonstrate about Gandhi’s leadership?
    • a) His ability to use force
    • b) His ability to negotiate deals
    • c) His ability to mobilize people through non-violent means
    • d) His reliance on British support
    • Answer: c) His ability to mobilize people through non-violent means

Additional Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) from the chapter “Indigo”

1. What did Gandhi do first upon arriving in Champaran?
   • a) Held a mass protest
   • b) Visited the British landlord’s secretary
   • c) Met with local peasants
   • d) Set up schools
   • Answer: b) Visited the British landlord’s secretary
2. How did the British landlord’s secretary react to Gandhi’s visit?
   • a) Welcomed him warmly
   • b) Ignored him
   • c) Refused to provide information
   • d) Threatened him
   • Answer: c) Refused to provide information
3. What action did Gandhi take when he was served with an official notice to leave Champaran?
   • a) He ignored it
   • b) He complied immediately
   • c) He signed the receipt but stated he would disobey
   • d) He filed a lawsuit
   • Answer: c) He signed the receipt but stated he would disobey
4. What was the reaction of the peasants in Motihari when Gandhi was summoned to court?
   • a) They did not care
   • b) They fled the area
   • c) They gathered in large numbers to support him
   • d) They protested violently
   • Answer: c) They gathered in large numbers to support him
5. How did the British officials respond to the large gathering of peasants?
   • a) They ordered the crowd to disperse
   • b) They called in reinforcements
   • c) They postponed the trial
   • d) They arrested the peasants
   • Answer: c) They postponed the trial
6. What was Gandhi’s plea in court regarding his involvement in Champaran?
   • a) He pleaded not guilty
   • b) He pleaded guilty and explained his duty to help the peasants
   • c) He remained silent
   • d) He fled the court
   • Answer: b) He pleaded guilty and explained his duty to help the peasants
7. What was the final outcome of Gandhi’s court case in Champaran?
   • a) He was sentenced to jail
   • b) The case was dropped
   • c) He was fined
   • d) He was deported
   • Answer: b) The case was dropped
8. Who were some of the prominent lawyers who supported Gandhi in Champaran?
   • a) Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel
   • b) Rajendra Prasad and Maulana Mazharul Huq
   • c) Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose
   • d) Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai
   • Answer: b) Rajendra Prasad and Maulana Mazharul Huq
9. What did Gandhi focus on in addition to fighting the indigo planters?
   • a) Starting new businesses
   • b) Social reforms and education
   • c) Building infrastructure
   • d) Political campaigns
   • Answer: b) Social reforms and education
10. How long did the Champaran episode last in Gandhi’s life?
    • a) A few weeks
    • b) Several months
    • c) Almost a year
    • d) Three years
    • Answer: c) Almost a year