Champaran Satyagraha(1917)

The first Satyagraha movement led by Gandhi in India was the Champaran Satyagraha in 1917. Champaran, a district in the state of Bihar where farmers are forced to grow indigo on 3/20ths of their land, and the British paid a very low price for this indigo, due to this, farmers suffer financial hardships. Indigo’s value declined with the development of synthetic dyes, and farmers’ situations worsened when landlords levied high taxes and rents.

Mahatma Gandhi was persuaded to travel to Champaran by Raj Kumar Shukla, which ultimately resulted in the Satyagraha. On his arrival to Champaran, the region magistrate issued him a notice that he could not stay here and go back from here on the first train available here, but Gandhi disobeyed this instruction given by the regional magistrate.

For the research of farmers, complain Gandi stayed in that area and also went to many villages. He also interrogates and investigates the document and grievance.

The Tinkathia System

  • During the British colonial period in the Champaran district of Bihar, farmers were forced to grow indigo on 3/20th (or 15%) of their total landholding.
  • This system is known as the Tinkathia system. 
  • Indigo cultivation is not good for soil, it reduces the soil fertility, which results in growing other crops is very tough.