CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo Chapter 5 Indigo NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Chapter 5, 'Indigo,' from the CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo textbook. It covers questions related to understanding key expressions from the text, identifying the true characteristics of Rajkumar Shukla, and explaining his resolute nature. The solutions offer clear explanations and context to help students grasp the nuances of the chapter, focusing on the historical significance of the Champaran episode and Gandhi's role. These solutions are designed to aid students in their exam preparation by clarifying complex ideas and providing accurate answers to textbook questions, ensuring a thorough understanding of the chapter's content and its underlying themes.

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 12
SubjectEnglish Flamingo
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 5

Chapter summary

Chapter 5, 'Indigo,' focuses on the Champaran episode, a pivotal moment in India's struggle for independence led by Mahatma Gandhi. These NCERT Solutions break down the key questions, including interpreting significant phrases and understanding the background and determination of Rajkumar Shukla, the sharecropper who invited Gandhi to Champaran. The solutions clarify the reasons behind Shukla's persistence and his role in initiating Gandhi's activism in India.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the meaning of key expressions used in the chapter 'Indigo'.
  • Identify the true characteristics of Rajkumar Shukla based on textual evidence.
  • Explain the significance of Rajkumar Shukla's 'resolute' nature.
  • Analyze the role of Rajkumar Shukla in initiating Gandhi's Champaran movement.
  • Gain insights into the historical context of the Indigo sharecroppers' plight.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Understanding key expressions
  • Character analysis of Rajkumar Shukla
  • The Champaran episode
  • Gandhi's role in Indian independence
  • Sharecroppers' plight
  • Resolute nature
  • Historical context of Indigo farming

Important topics

  • Meaning of key expressions
  • Rajkumar Shukla's characteristics
  • Significance of Shukla's persistence
  • The Champaran movement's initiation

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meanings from the context.
Solution:

The following expressions from the text can be understood in their context as:

  • urge the departure: This phrase implies a strong insistence or demand for the departure of someone, in this case, the British from India.
  • conflict of duties: This refers to a situation where a person faces a clash between two or more obligations or responsibilities, making it difficult to fulfill all of them.
  • harbor a man like me: This means to give shelter or protection to a person, particularly one who is an advocate for a cause like home-rule or significant political change.
  • seek a prop: This expression means to look for support, assistance, or a stabilizing influence, especially during a difficult or uncertain time.

Question 2

Strike out what is not true in the following. Rajkumar Shukla was:
  • a sharecropper.
  • a politician.
  • a delegate.
  • a landlord.
Solution:

Based on the chapter's narrative, the true descriptions of Rajkumar Shukla are:

  • a sharecropper. (This is true; he worked on land owned by others and shared the produce.)
  • a politician. (This is not true; his primary role was that of a farmer seeking redressal.)
  • a delegate. (This can be considered true in the sense that he represented the grievances of his fellow sharecroppers.)
  • a landlord. (This is not true; landlords owned the land, whereas Shukla was a tenant farmer.)

Therefore, 'a politician' and 'a landlord' should be struck out as they are not true descriptions of Rajkumar Shukla.

Question 3

Strike out what is not true in the following. Rajkumar Shukla was:
  • poor.
  • physically strong.
  • illiterate.
Solution:

The chapter describes Rajkumar Shukla with the following characteristics:

  • poor. (This is true; his economic condition was dire due to the exploitative system.)
  • physically strong. (This is not true; the text implies he was not physically imposing or robust, which made his persistence even more remarkable.)
  • illiterate. (This is true; he was uneducated, which highlights his determination to seek justice despite his limitations.)

Thus, 'physically strong' should be struck out as it is not a true description of Rajkumar Shukla.

Question 4

Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as being 'resolute'?
Solution:

Rajkumar Shukla is described as 'resolute' because of his unwavering determination and persistence in pursuing his goal. Even after being informed about Mahatma Gandhi's prior commitments and engagements in places like Cawnpore and other parts of the country, Shukla did not give up. He accompanied Gandhi everywhere he went, relentlessly pursuing him. Furthermore, he persistently requested Gandhi to fix a date for his visit to Champaran, Shukla's native district, to witness and address the plight of the Indigo sharecroppers. His steadfastness in the face of obstacles and his commitment to his cause exemplify his resolute character.

Common mistakes

  • Misinterpreting the context of specific phrases.
  • Incorrectly identifying Rajkumar Shukla's profession or characteristics.
  • Underestimating the importance of Shukla's persistence.

Revision tips

  • Focus on understanding the contextual meanings of the given expressions.
  • Pay close attention to the description of Rajkumar Shukla and why he is called 'resolute'.
  • Connect Shukla's actions to the broader theme of the Champaran struggle.
  • Review the solutions to ensure accurate recall of character traits and events.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What does the expression 'urge the departure' likely mean in the context of the chapter?

Q2. Which of the following is NOT a true description of Rajkumar Shukla as presented in the text?

Q3. What characteristic is highlighted by Rajkumar Shukla's persistent efforts to meet Gandhi?

Q4. Why did Rajkumar Shukla persistently follow Gandhi?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of the NCERT Solutions for Chapter 5 'Indigo'?

The solutions focus on understanding key expressions from the text and analyzing the character and determination of Rajkumar Shukla, who played a crucial role in bringing Mahatma Gandhi to Champaran.

Who was Rajkumar Shukla?

Rajkumar Shukla was a poor and illiterate sharecropper from the Champaran district who was 'resolute' in his efforts to bring Gandhi to address the grievances of the Indigo farmers.

What does it mean for Rajkumar Shukla to be 'resolute'?

Being 'resolute' means Shukla was determined and unwavering in his goal. Despite Gandhi's prior engagements and initial unavailability, Shukla persisted until Gandhi agreed to visit Champaran.

How do these solutions help in preparing for the CBSE Class 12 English exam?

These solutions provide clear explanations for potentially difficult expressions and character traits, helping students to better understand the chapter's content and answer related questions accurately during their exams.

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