"The Champaran Episode: A Turning Point in Gandhi's Life"

Introduction: Discover the transformative journey of Mahatma Gandhi through the remarkable Champaran episode, which became a defining moment in his life and an important milestone in India's struggle for independence. This web page delves into the gripping narrative from Louis Fischer's book "The Life of Mahatma Gandhi," recounting the events that unfolded during Gandhi's visit to Champaran in 1917. Through this chapter, readers will gain insight into the values, actions, and qualities that shaped Gandhi as a leader and a symbol of nonviolent resistance.

1. The Encounter with Rajkumar Shukla: The web page begins with an account of Gandhi's fateful meeting with Rajkumar Shukla, an impoverished sharecropper from Champaran, who sought Gandhi's help in addressing the unjust landlord system. Learn about Shukla's unwavering determination and the profound impact he had on Gandhi's mission.

2. Civil Disobedience and Fearlessness: Explore Gandhi's nonviolent approach to civil disobedience, where he emphasized that freedom from fear was more vital than mere legal justice. Understand how Gandhi's fearless actions and determination to stand up to British authorities in Champaran paved the way for a powerful movement of self-reliance and empowerment among the peasants.

3. Influence on Lawyers and Local Communities: Discover the unique leadership style of Gandhi and how he could influence lawyers and local communities alike. Gain insights into the solidarity and bravery displayed by lawyers who stood by Gandhi's side during the trials, despite potential consequences.

4. The Inquisition and the Commission of Inquiry: Learn about Gandhi's encounters with British officials and their attempts to impede his mission. Delve into the establishment of the official Commission of Inquiry and Gandhi's role as the sole representative of the oppressed peasants.

5. Triumph and Aftermath: Experience the euphoria of the peasants as civil disobedience triumphed, leading to significant reforms and refunds for the oppressed sharecroppers. Understand how Gandhi's commitment to social upliftment extended beyond legal justice, as he initiated educational and health reforms in the Champaran villages.

6. Gandhi's Leadership Qualities: Analyze the key leadership qualities demonstrated by Gandhi during the Champaran episode. Explore his empathy, fearlessness, persuasiveness, and commitment to truth and integrity, which continue to inspire leaders worldwide.

Conclusion: The Champaran episode marked a turning point in Gandhi's life and underscored the essence of his philosophy of nonviolent resistance and self-reliance. Through this captivating web page, gain a deeper understanding of the significant role played by ordinary people in shaping the course of history and how leadership can bring about positive change and empower communities. Gandhi's legacy remains a beacon of hope, reminding us that individual actions can spark transformation and contribute to the greater good of society.

SUMMARY

In the year 1917, Mahatma Gandhi undertook a visit to Champaran, a district located in Bihar, India. Rajkumar Shukla, a peasant, asked Gandhi for help in addressing the injustices built into the British landlord system, which led to this tour. The sharecroppers were compelled by the landlords to allocate a substantial section of their land for the cultivation of indigo and afterwards relinquish the whole of the indigo harvest as a kind of rent.

Upon his arrival, Gandhi encountered opposition from British officials, who issued an order for his departure. However, he steadfastly refused to comply with their directive, even though he was subjected to the danger of incarceration. Rather than capitulating, he orchestrated demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience, resulting in substantial backing from the indigenous rural population and the beginning of their emancipation from the oppressive grasp of British colonial governance.

Mahatma Gandhi, together with a collective of legal professionals, undertook a comprehensive investigation into the problems of the agricultural community, afterwards presenting substantial evidence that strongly implicated the large-scale plantation owners. Gandhi's acceptance of the planters' proposal for a 25% return, which came as a surprise, effectively resolved the impasse and compelled the landlords to relinquish a portion of their unlawfully acquired profits.

The aforementioned settlement was a momentous triumph for the peasant class since the British planters ultimately relinquished their estates, resulting in their reversion to the indigenous farmers. Consequently, the repressive indigo sharecropping system was eradicated. Furthermore, Gandhi's efforts to tackle the cultural and social underdevelopment in rural areas resulted in the establishment of elementary educational institutions and advancements in health and sanitation provisions.

The Champaran incident was a significant milestone in Gandhi's personal journey, showcasing his unwavering dedication to addressing the pragmatic and immediate challenges encountered by the general populace. The method he adopted placed significant emphasis on self-sufficiency and the use of nonviolent resistance as potent strategies in the struggle for India's independence.

Who are sharecroppers during the British period in India?

Sharecroppers were people with the status of agricultural tenants who worked on land that belonged to landlords or other landowners during the colonial era in India. The practise of sharecropping was widely observed in many regions of India, particularly in areas where British landlords or affluent Indian landowners had extensive estates.

The sharecropping system included the division of land into sizable estates, where landlords would provide peasants, referred to as sharecroppers, the opportunity to cultivate a designated area of the land. In return, the sharecroppers would provide a percentage of the crops produced as compensation. The sharecroppers lacked ownership of the property and functioned as tenants, engaging in labour-intensive activities on the land and afterwards dividing the resulting agricultural yield with the landlords.

Sharecroppers were often people who experienced poverty and marginalisation, hence facing limited access to their own land and resources. The sharecropping agreements sometimes imposed harsh conditions on the peasants, necessitating them to allocate a substantial amount of their produce as rent to the landlords. The exploitative nature of this arrangement resulted in economic difficulties and the imposition of debt bondage on several sharecroppers, maintaining a continuous cycle of poverty and dependency.

During the Indian independence struggle, Mahatma Gandhi and other prominent activists aggressively endeavoured to redress the problems of sharecroppers and combat the oppressive landlord system. The passage from Louis Fischer's book "The Life of Mahatma Gandhi" elucidates the Champaran event, whereby Gandhi undertook a significant endeavour to advocate for the rights of sharecroppers in Bihar, aiming to liberate them from the clutches of exploitation and instil a sense of security.

Here are 50 difficult words from the chapter "Indigo" along with their meanings:

1. emaciated - abnormally thin or weak due to illness or lack of food.

2. tenacity - the quality of being persistent and determined.

3. appointed - chosen or designated for a particular position or task.

4. resolute - determined and unwavering in purpose.

5. conveyance - the act of transporting or carrying something from one place to another.

6. imparting - communicating or sharing information or knowledge.

7. litigate - to engage in a legal dispute or contest in a court of law.

8. baffled - to be puzzled or confused by something.

9. conscience - the inner sense of what is right or wrong in one's actions.

10. anecdote - a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.

11. commission - a formal group appointed to investigate or report on a specific issue.

12. protracted - prolonged or extended in time; lengthy.

13. desist - to stop doing something; cease.

14. admonish - to reprimand or warn someone firmly.

15. assented - to express approval or agreement, typically by nodding or saying yes.

16. odious - extremely unpleasant; repulsive.

17. embolden - to make someone feel more courageous or confident.

18. amassed - to gather or collect in large quantities.

19. reprehensible - deserving of criticism or condemnation; morally wrong.

20. vehement - showing strong feeling; passionate or intense.

21. coerced - to persuade or force someone to do something against their will.

22. precarious - not securely held or in position; dangerously unstable.

23. evading - to avoid or escape from something, especially through cunning or deception.

24. adamant - refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind; unyielding.

25. indictment - a formal accusation or charge of a serious crime.

26. maltreated - to treat someone or something cruelly or with violence.

27. retaliate - to respond to an attack by counterattacking; seek revenge.

28. proprietor - the owner of a business, property, or establishment.

29. revert - to return to a previous state or condition.

30. contentious - causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.

31. agitator - a person who stirs up public discontent or unrest, often for political reasons.

32. alleviate - to make suffering, pain, or hardship less severe or burdensome.

33. precarious - not securely held or in position; dangerously unstable.

34. unyielding - not giving way to pressure or persuasion; stubborn or inflexible.

35. abject - experienced to the maximum degree; wretched or miserable.

36. sycophantic - behaving or acting in an obsequious manner to gain favor with influential people.

37. inflict - to cause suffering or harm on someone deliberately.

38. plight - a difficult, dangerous, or unfortunate situation.

39. incarceration - the state of being confined in prison; imprisonment.

40. deprivation - the lack or denial of something considered essential.

41. perseverance - steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

42. sanitation - conditions relating to public health, especially the provision of clean drinking water and adequate sewage disposal.

43. coated - covered or adorned with a layer of a particular substance.

44. desertion - the act of abandoning or leaving behind without intending to return.

45. mould - to shape or form a particular character or quality in someone or something.

46. liberation - the act of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression.

47. throbbed - to beat or pulsate with a strong, regular rhythm.

48. intertwined - twisted or woven together in a complex or elaborate manner.

49. illiterate - unable to read or write; lacking basic literacy skills.

50. self-reliance - the ability to depend on one's own efforts and abilities rather than relying on others.

Understanding the text

1. Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his life?

2. How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers? Give instances.

3. What was the attitude of the average Indian in smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home rule’?

4. How do we know that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement?

ANSWERS:

1.  Gandhi saw the Champaran affair as a pivotal moment in his life due to its profound impact on his perspective and methodology in the realm of social and political engagement. Prior to that time, Gandhi's primary attention had been on matters pertaining to Indian populations residing in South Africa. Nevertheless, upon being contacted by Rajkumar Shukla, a financially disadvantaged sharecropper, and being implored to visit Champaran, Gandhi made the decision to champion the plight of the marginalised agricultural workers in India. This particular occurrence signified his initiation into the Indian liberation struggle and underscored his dedication to resolving the routine challenges and inequities encountered by common Indian citizens. The Champaran movement served as the bedrock for Gandhi's distinctive concepts of nonviolent civil disobedience and self-sufficiency, principles that he subsequently used in several other campaigns aimed at securing India's autonomy.

2. 
Gandhi's principled and convincing arguments have the ability to exert influence on attorneys. An exemplification of this impact occurred when he reprimanded the solicitors who were advocating for the sharecroppers in the legal system, criticising their exorbitant fees imposed upon the already destitute peasants. According to Gandhi, resorting to legal proceedings was of little use to the peasants, and he encouraged them to pursue peaceful methods and self-sufficiency as a way to achieve justice. The attorneys were receptive to this approach, ultimately endorsing Gandhi's strategies of nonviolent resistance, as they saw the need to transcend the confines of the legal framework in order to effect substantial change.

3. 
In smaller communities in India, the typical individual displayed apprehension and reluctance towards proponents of 'home rule'. The article highlights that in smaller towns, individuals of Indian descent exhibited apprehension when openly expressing support for proponents of home rule. The apprehension experienced by individuals during that period might perhaps be attributed to the harsh governance of the British Empire as well as the possible consequences they would encounter for publicly supporting groups advocating for India's autonomy. Individuals residing in smaller towns in India, who may lack substantial political influence and resources, may have shown a tendency to exercise caution and discretion while expressing their support for the liberation struggle.

4. 
The essay presents substantiation of the involvement of common people in the struggle for independence by means of their impromptu backing and public displays of support during the Champaran incident. Upon the dissemination of information on Gandhi's imminent presence and purpose in Muzzafarpur and Champaran, a substantial number of peasants congregated in order to demonstrate their unwavering support for him. The demonstration of their readiness to assemble at the courts and actively engage in the campaign demonstrated their courage and resolve to confront the British authority and assert their rights. Additionally, the book highlights that the campaign garnered substantial backing from sharecroppers who travelled from faraway areas to see the presence of their leader, Gandhi. The active participation of ordinary people in the battle for India's freedom was evident in their engagement and readiness to express their problems to both Gandhi and the official commission of inquiry.

Talking about the text

Discuss the following.

1. “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?

2. The qualities of a good leader.

ANSWERS:

The prioritisation of freedom from terror above legal justice for the impoverished has more significance. The assertion posits that marginalised and disadvantaged populations prioritise the attainment of freedom from fear and insecurity above pursuing legal justice via traditional methods. Within the given setting, Gandhi espoused the principles of nonviolent civil disobedience as a strategy to empower the impoverished and downtrodden peasants residing in Champaran. This approach facilitated their ability to confront and contest the prevailing landlord system, which perpetuated their subjugation. According to Gandhi, the virtues of fearlessness and self-reliance were deemed crucial to the emancipation of people from the constraints of injustice and inequity.

Nevertheless, the assessment of the post-independence scenario in India raises a multifaceted inquiry into the extent to which the impoverished population is really liberated from apprehension. Although India achieved formal independence from colonial authority, the actual situation on the ground remains complex and complicated. Persistent economic gaps, social inequities, and regional conflicts persist, resulting in vulnerable people, particularly those experiencing poverty, being exposed to a range of fears and insecurities.

Despite achieving independence, several underprivileged areas continue to encounter various obstacles, including insufficient access to fundamental services, poor healthcare provisions, and restricted educational prospects. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that in many regions of the nation, enduring challenges such as land rights, labour exploitation, and discrimination continue to prevail, engendering a prevailing sentiment of susceptibility and apprehension among those of lower socioeconomic status.

Hence, the attainment of India's independence marked a noteworthy milestone in the redressal of historical inequities. However, to really emancipate the impoverished populace from apprehension, sustained endeavours are imperative to confront the underlying factors contributing to their susceptibilities. Furthermore, it is crucial to guarantee fair and inclusive progress, along with the establishment of social equity, for the entirety of society.

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2. The attributes of an effective leader The article offers an analysis of the characteristics shown by Mahatma Gandhi, which are often recognised as fundamental attributes of an effective leader. The following are a few essential characteristics:

a. Empathy: Gandhi had profound empathy and comprehension for the challenges faced by the sharecroppers in Champaran. Empathy facilitates a leader's ability to establish a connection with the individuals they are responsible for, acknowledge their difficulties, and formulate solutions that are characterised by compassion.

b. Gandhi's unwavering bravery in confronting adversity played a pivotal role in his leadership. He showed remarkable courage in challenging the British government and advocating for the rights of marginalised individuals. A proficient leader should exhibit the attribute of fortitude in order to adopt principled positions and confront obstacles directly.

c. Persuasiveness: Gandhi had exceptional proficiency in communication and the art of persuasion. The individual showed a proficient ability to effectively communicate their vision, incite others to align with their cause, and successfully persuade even those who initially had doubts to endorse their beliefs.

d. honesty: Gandhi had an unrelenting dedication to truth and maintained a high level of honesty. An effective leader should prioritise the maintenance of robust ethical principles, exhibit transparency in their actions, and be led by the principles of honesty and integrity.
Gandhi's adherence to the principles of self-reliance and nonviolent civil disobedience exemplified his unwavering faith in the capacity of ordinary people to bring about transformative outcomes. An effective leader should foster an environment that promotes and enables individuals to take responsibility for their challenges and actively contribute to the advancement of the group as a whole.

In terms of inclusivity, Gandhi showed a strong commitment to embracing variety and fostering unity among individuals from various social and cultural backgrounds, all in the pursuit of shared objectives. An effective leader should cultivate inclusion, demonstrate a willingness to value and consider many ideas, and establish a climate of belonging among their followers.

Gandhi exhibited visionary qualities through his discernible goal for the attainment of India's freedom and the establishment of social justice. An effective leader is characterised by possessing a compelling vision and the capacity to establish long-term objectives, therefore motivating others to collaborate towards a collective destiny.

Gandhi's life was notable for its altruistic dedication to the good of others and for exemplifying a profound devotion to service. An effective leader needs to place emphasis on the welfare of their society and strive towards the advancement of the collective interest rather than pursuing individual benefits.

Gandhi's example of what makes a good leader emphasises the significance of displaying empathy, honesty, bravery, and a sense of purpose in order to facilitate positive societal transformation.

CHARACTERS

1) Mahatma Gandhi: The central figure in the story, Mahatma Gandhi, was a visionary leader and an advocate of nonviolent civil disobedience. His unwavering commitment to justice and his determination to free India from British rule made him a revered figure. In the Champaran episode, Gandhi's encounter with Rajkumar Shukla, the peasant seeking help, inspired him to take up the cause of the indigo sharecroppers. Gandhi's unique approach of combining political activism with practical problem-solving made him a beacon of hope for millions of Indians and led to the eventual triumph of civil disobedience in Champaran.

2) Rajkumar Shukla: Rajkumar Shukla, a poor and illiterate peasant from Champaran, played a pivotal role in shaping Gandhi's resolve to address the injustices faced by the sharecroppers. His determination and persistence in convincing Gandhi to visit Champaran showcased the plight of the oppressed farmers and led to the start of the Champaran movement. Shukla's character symbolizes the struggles of the marginalized masses under British rule, and his unwavering spirit served as a catalyst for change.

3) Rajendra Prasad: Rajendra Prasad, a prominent lawyer and nationalist leader, supported Gandhi's cause in the Champaran movement. Later becoming the first President of independent India, Prasad provided legal expertise and played a crucial role in gathering evidence and representing the peasants in court. He demonstrated unwavering dedication to justice and the betterment of the oppressed, aligning perfectly with Gandhi's principles.

4) Charles Freer Andrews: An English pacifist and devoted follower of Gandhi, Charles Freer Andrews, was supportive of the Champaran movement. His willingness to stay and help in Champaran, however, was met with Gandhi's insistence on self-reliance. Andrews' character exemplifies the complexities of support from outside forces and the importance of empowering local communities to fight for their rights independently.

5) Professor J.B. Kripalani: Professor J.B. Kripalani, a faculty member at the Arts College in Muzzafarpur, was an acquaintance of Gandhi from their meeting at Tagore's Shantiniketan school. Gandhi sought his assistance to gather information about the conditions in Champaran. Kripalani's support and involvement in the movement showcased the unity among educated Indians in addressing social injustices.

6) Maulana Mazharul Haq: Maulana Mazharul Haq was a prominent lawyer and leader who joined Gandhi in Champaran. His participation in the movement highlighted the cross-sectional support that the cause gained, transcending religious and regional boundaries.

    7) Brij Kishor Babu: Brij Kishor Babu was another prominent lawyer and associate who supported Gandhi in Champaran. His willingness to go to jail alongside Gandhi and the others demonstrated the solidarity among legal professionals in championing the rights of the oppressed sharecroppers.

EXTRA QUESTIONS:

1. When did Louis Fischer first visit Gandhi at his ashram in Sevagram?

2. Who was Rajkumar Shukla, and why did he approach Gandhi?

3. Where was Champaran located, and what issue did the peasants face there?

4. What was the main commercial crop in the Champaran district during the British period?

5. Why did some sharecroppers in Champaran agree to pay compensation to the landlords?

6. How did Gandhi decide to gather more information about the conditions in Champaran?

7. Who accompanied Gandhi to Champaran, and why did the British officials feel powerless?

8. What was the outcome of the official commission of inquiry into the indigo sharecroppers' situation?

9. How did Gandhi aim to address the cultural and social backwardness in the Champaran villages?

10. How did Gandhi's philosophy of self-reliance manifest during the Champaran episode?

11. What did Gandhi consider to be more important for the poor than legal justice?

12. How did the average Indian in smaller localities view advocates of home rule?

13. What role did Charles Freer Andrews play during the Champaran action?

14. Why did Gandhi oppose Andrews' involvement in the struggle in Champaran?

15. According to Gandhi, what was the significance of the Champaran episode in his life?

16. How did the farmers' attitude change after the Champaran episode?

17. Why did Gandhi decide to court arrest and disobey the British authorities in Champaran?

18. What were the main qualities of a good leader as demonstrated by Gandhi during the Champaran episode?

19. How did sharecroppers contribute to the freedom movement in India?

20. How did the British landlords react when confronted with evidence against them during the official inquiry?

21. What type of legal justice did Gandhi seek for the sharecroppers in Champaran?

22. How did Gandhi's actions in Champaran showcase his loyalty to living human beings?

23. Why did the landlords agree to make refunds to the peasants, and how much did Gandhi demand?

24. How did the Champaran episode influence the average Indian's perception of freedom from fear?

25. What was the role of lawyers in the Champaran episode, and how did they support Gandhi's cause?

26. How did Gandhi's actions in Champaran contribute to the larger Indian independence movement?

27. How did the peasants in Champaran react when they heard about a Mahatma who wanted to help them?

28. Did the Champaran episode mark a significant turning point in Gandhi's approach to the struggle for freedom?

ANSWERS

1. When did Louis Fischer first visit Gandhi at his ashram in Sevagram?

Answer: Louis Fischer first visited Gandhi in 1942 at his ashram in Sevagram, central India.

2. Who was Rajkumar Shukla, and why did he approach Gandhi?

Answer: Rajkumar Shukla was a poor and emaciated peasant from Champaran who approached Gandhi at the Indian National Congress party's annual convention in Lucknow in 1916. He wanted Gandhi to come to Champaran and address the injustice of the landlord system.

3. Where was Champaran located, and what issue did the peasants face there?

Answer: Champaran was located in the foothills of the towering Himalayas, near the kingdom of Nepal. The peasants in Champaran were sharecroppers who faced exploitation by British landlords and were forced to grow indigo as a commercial crop.

4. What was the main commercial crop in the Champaran district during the British period?

Answer: The main commercial crop in the Champaran district during the British period was indigo.

5. Why did some sharecroppers in Champaran agree to pay compensation to the landlords?

Answer: When the landlords learned about Germany developing synthetic indigo, they obtained agreements from some sharecroppers to pay them compensation in exchange for being released from the obligation of planting 15 percent of their holdings with indigo.

6. How did Gandhi decide to gather more information about the conditions in Champaran?

Answer: Gandhi decided to gather more information by sending a telegram to Professor J.B. Kripalani in Muzzafarpur, a region en route to Champaran. He wanted to obtain a more complete picture of the conditions and issues faced by the sharecroppers.

7. Who accompanied Gandhi to Champaran, and why did the British officials feel powerless?

Answer: Rajkumar Shukla, the peasant who initially approached Gandhi, accompanied him to Champaran. British officials felt powerless because thousands of peasants spontaneously demonstrated around the courthouse, challenging their authority.

8. What was the outcome of the official commission of inquiry into the indigo sharecroppers' situation?

Answer: The official commission of inquiry found substantial evidence against the British landlords, and they eventually agreed to make refunds to the peasants. The commission's decision was influenced by Gandhi's demand for justice.

9. How did Gandhi aim to address the cultural and social backwardness in the Champaran villages?

Answer: Gandhi appealed for teachers and volunteers to address the cultural and social backwardness in the Champaran villages. Primary schools were opened, and efforts were made to improve health conditions and sanitation.

10. How did Gandhi's philosophy of self-reliance manifest during the Champaran episode?

Answer: Gandhi believed in self-reliance and discouraged dependence on outside help, even from sympathetic Englishmen like Charles Freer Andrews. He emphasized that the cause was just and that Indians must rely on themselves to win the battle.

11. What did Gandhi consider to be more important for the poor than legal justice?

Answer: Gandhi believed that freedom from fear was more important than legal justice for the poor. He sought to empower the peasants and liberate them from the oppressive landlord system.

12. How did the average Indian in smaller localities view advocates of home rule?

Answer: In smaller localities, the average Indians were afraid to show sympathy for advocates of home rule, fearing consequences from the British authorities.

13. What role did Charles Freer Andrews play during the Champaran action?

Answer: Charles Freer Andrews, an English pacifist and devoted follower of Gandhi, supported the Champaran action and offered to stay and help. However, Gandhi opposed his involvement, emphasizing the need for self-reliance.

14. Why did Gandhi oppose Andrews' involvement in the struggle in Champaran?

Answer: Gandhi opposed Andrews' involvement because he believed that seeking an Englishman's help in an unequal fight showed weakness of heart. He wanted the cause to rely on the strength and determination of Indians.

15. According to Gandhi, what was the significance of the Champaran episode in his life?

Answer: Gandhi considered the Champaran episode a turning point in his life because it marked the moment when he decided that the British could not order him around in his own country. It demonstrated his commitment to nonviolent resistance and self-reliance.

16. How did the farmers' attitude change after the Champaran episode?

Answer: After the Champaran episode, the farmers' attitude changed significantly. They began to see their rights and defenders, gained courage, and realized that they could challenge the oppressive British landlords.

17. Why did Gandhi decide to court arrest and disobey the British authorities in Champaran?

Answer: Gandhi decided to court arrest and disobey the British authorities in Champaran to stand up for the rights of the sharecroppers and challenge the unjust and oppressive landlord system.

18. What were the main qualities of a good leader as demonstrated by Gandhi during the Champaran episode?

Answer: Some of the main qualities of a good leader demonstrated by Gandhi during the Champaran episode were courage, determination, empathy, humility, and the ability to inspire and mobilize people for a just cause.

19. How did sharecroppers contribute to the freedom movement in India?

Answer: Sharecroppers in Champaran played a crucial role in the freedom movement by seeking Gandhi's help and participating in protests against the oppressive British landlords. Their collective struggle and demonstrations led to positive changes and contributed to the larger Indian independence movement.

20. How did the British landlords react when confronted with evidence against them during the official inquiry?

Answer: When confronted with evidence against them during the official inquiry, the British landlords agreed, in principle, to make refunds to the peasants. They recognized the weight of evidence and realized that they had to surrender part of the money they had illegally extorted.

21. What type of legal justice did Gandhi seek for the sharecroppers in Champaran?

Answer: Gandhi sought legal justice that would lead to the landlords making refunds to the sharecroppers. He aimed to expose the injustice and exploitation faced by the peasants and hold the landlords accountable for their actions.

22. How did Gandhi's actions in Champaran showcase his loyalty to living human beings?

Answer: Gandhi's actions in Champaran showcased his loyalty to living human beings by actively addressing the practical, day-to-day problems faced by the poor peasants. He personally involved himself in their struggles and sought solutions to alleviate their suffering.

23. Why did the landlords agree to make refunds to the peasants, and how much did Gandhi demand?

Answer: The landlords agreed to make refunds to the peasants because of the weight of evidence presented during the official inquiry. Gandhi initially demanded 50 percent of the illegally extorted money, but he eventually accepted a compromise of 25 percent.

24. How did the Champaran episode influence the average Indian's perception of freedom from fear?

Answer: The Champaran episode showed the average Indian that collective resistance and nonviolent protests could challenge the might of the British authorities and bring about positive changes. This empowered them and reduced their fear of challenging oppressive systems.

25. What was the role of lawyers in the Champaran episode, and how did they support Gandhi's cause?

Answer: Lawyers in the Champaran episode played a significant role in supporting Gandhi's cause. They represented peasant groups in court and provided valuable information about the injustices faced by the sharecroppers. Some lawyers even refused to collect big fees from the peasants, supporting Gandhi's call to be free from fear.

26. How did Gandhi's actions in Champaran contribute to the larger Indian independence movement?

Answer: Gandhi's actions in Champaran laid the foundation for his approach to nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience. The successful outcome of the Champaran episode inspired Gandhi and many others to continue the struggle for India's independence through nonviolent means.

27. How did the peasants in Champaran react when they heard about a Mahatma who wanted to help them?

Answer: The peasants in Champaran were enthusiastic and eager to seek Gandhi's help when they heard about a Mahatma who wanted to address their grievances. They welcomed him and participated in spontaneous demonstrations around the courthouse.

28. Did the Champaran episode mark a significant turning point in Gandhi's approach to the struggle for freedom?

Answer: Yes, the Champaran episode marked a significant turning point in Gandhi's approach to the struggle for freedom. It reinforced his belief in nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience as powerful tools to challenge oppressive systems and secure justice for the oppressed. The success of the Champaran action strengthened Gandhi's resolve to continue the struggle for India's independence through nonviolent means.