CBSE Class 12 English Chapter 5: Indigo NCERT Solutions

Solution: To determine what is not true, we need to recall the description of Rajkumar Shukla from the chapter.

Part (a): The chapter identifies Rajkumar Shukla as a sharecropper from Champaran. Therefore, 'a politician', 'delegate', and 'a landlord' are not true descriptions of him. The correct option is (i) a sharecropper.

Part (b): Rajkumar Shukla is described as being 'resolute' and determined to bring Gandhi to Champaran. While he was poor and illiterate, the text emphasizes his determination rather than his physical strength or lack thereof. The description focuses on his persistence in pursuing Gandhi. Therefore, 'physically strong' is likely not true or not the defining characteristic mentioned.

Answer:

(a) (ii) a politician, (iii) delegate, (iv) a landlord are not true.

(b) (ii) physically strong is not true or not emphasized.

Solution: Rajkumar Shukla is described as 'resolute' because of his unwavering determination and persistence in pursuing Mahatma Gandhi to address the plight of the indigo sharecroppers in Champaran.

He had come all the way from the Champaran district, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, to Lucknow, where Gandhi was. Despite Gandhi's initial preoccupation, Shukla did not give up. He accompanied Gandhi everywhere, following him even to the ashram near Ahmedabad. For several weeks, he persistently stayed by Gandhi's side, ensuring Gandhi understood the severity of the issue. His relentless pursuit continued until Gandhi finally agreed to visit Champaran, asking Shukla to meet him later in Calcutta. This unwavering commitment and refusal to take 'no' for an answer clearly demonstrate his resolute nature.

Solution: The servants at Rajendra Prasad's house likely thought Gandhi was another peasant due to a combination of factors related to his appearance and his companion.

Firstly, Rajkumar Shukla, who led Gandhi to the house, was himself a poor peasant. His presence set a context. Secondly, Gandhi himself was dressed in a very simple dhoti, similar to what the poor peasants of the region wore. He did not appear to be a person of high social standing or wealth. Given that he was accompanying a known peasant and dressed in simple attire, the servants assumed he must also be a peasant, perhaps a fellow farmer accompanying Shukla.

Solution: Gandhi's journey from his first meeting with Rajkumar Shukla to his eventual arrival in Champaran involved several stops.

Their initial meeting took place in Lucknow. From Lucknow, Gandhi proceeded to Cawnpore (Kanpur). After Cawnpore, he continued his travels to other parts of India, as mentioned in the text. He then returned to his ashram near Ahmedabad. Subsequently, his itinerary included Calcutta (Kolkata), Patna, and Muzaffarpur before he finally reached Champaran. These travels were part of his broader engagements and his effort to understand the situation before committing to the Champaran cause.

Solution: The peasants in Champaran had a long-standing agreement with the British landlords regarding rent.

Rent paid by peasants: The peasants were obligated to pay rent to the British landlords in the form of indigo cultivation. They grew indigo on a portion of their land (typically 15%) and handed over the entire harvest as rent.

British demand: With the advent of synthetic indigo, which was developed in Germany, the market for natural indigo began to decline significantly. The British landlords, realizing that natural indigo was no longer as profitable, wanted to be released from the 15% indigo cultivation arrangement. Instead of continuing the cultivation, they demanded monetary compensation from the peasants as a release fee.

Impact of synthetic indigo: The availability of cheaper and readily produced synthetic indigo drastically reduced the demand and price for naturally grown indigo. Consequently, the prices of natural indigo were expected to fall sharply, making the traditional system of indigo farming economically unviable for the landlords.

Solution: The Champaran episode clearly showcases Gandhi's distinctive method of working, which was deeply rooted in his principles of Satyagraha (truth force) and non-violence.

Instances of Gandhi's Method:

• Intertwining Politics with People's Problems: Gandhi believed that his politics should be directly connected to the everyday struggles and problems faced by the common people of India. He didn't engage in politics detached from the masses; instead, he focused on their immediate needs, like the injustice faced by the Champaran sharecroppers.
• Opposition to Unjust Laws: Gandhi was prepared to challenge and oppose any law or system he deemed unjust. In Champaran, he stood against the oppressive indigo-cropping system imposed by the British landlords.
• Willingness to Court Arrest: A key aspect of his method was his readiness to break unjust laws and face the consequences, including arrest and imprisonment. This was a powerful way to highlight the injustice and mobilize public support. He was prepared to go to jail for his beliefs and actions.
• Peaceful Resistance: His entire approach was based on peaceful means. The resistance and disobedience he advocated were non-violent, focusing on truth and justice rather than causing harm.

Link to Satyagraha and Non-violence: These actions directly embody his philosophy. Satyagraha means 'holding firmly to truth,' and Gandhi believed that truth could only be achieved through non-violent means. By opposing injustice peacefully, courted arrest, and mobilizing people for a just cause without resorting to violence, Gandhi demonstrated the practical application of his core ideas, proving their effectiveness in achieving political and social change.

Solution: Gandhi's agreement to a 25 per cent refund was a strategic decision based on his understanding of the situation and his broader objectives.

While the peasants were legally entitled to more, and perhaps even the entire amount, Gandhi recognized that the landlords were being forced to concede. For Gandhi, the crucial aspect was not just the monetary amount but the psychological and moral victory it represented. The fact that the British landlords, who had held immense power and prestige, were compelled to return a portion of the money signified a significant shift. It demonstrated to the peasants that their oppressors were not invincible and that collective, non-violent action could yield results. This partial refund, therefore, served as a catalyst, boosting the peasants' confidence and breaking the landlords' absolute authority, which was more important to Gandhi than securing the full 100% refund at that stage.

Solution: The Champaran episode brought about significant and lasting positive changes in the plight of the peasants.

Firstly, it liberated the peasants from the burden of spending time and money on lengthy and often fruitless court cases. The settlement itself provided immediate financial relief. More importantly, the episode marked the beginning of the end for the oppressive indigo sharecropping system. Within a few years, the British planters, realizing the changing dynamics and the growing power of the peasants, began to abandon their estates. These lands eventually reverted to the peasants, freeing them from the exploitative arrangements. The disappearance of indigo sharecropping allowed the peasants to cultivate crops of their choice and regain control over their land and lives, fundamentally improving their socio-economic condition.

Solution: Gandhi viewed the Champaran episode as a pivotal turning point in his life for several profound reasons, marking a significant evolution in his activism and its impact.

Firstly, it was his first large-scale experiment with Satyagraha in India. He had previously used similar methods in South Africa, but Champaran represented the application of these principles on a massive scale within his homeland, demonstrating their potential effectiveness against British rule. Secondly, the spontaneous and overwhelming support he received from thousands of peasants and the local population validated his approach and showed him the power of collective action. He realized that his actions, though seemingly ordinary to him, had a profound impact on empowering the masses. Thirdly, the episode instilled a sense of self-reliance and courage in the Indian populace. Gandhi's assertion that the British could not order him around in his own country resonated deeply, inspiring a spirit of defiance and self-respect. It marked his transition from a lawyer concerned with legal rights to a leader capable of mobilizing and leading a mass movement for national liberation.

Solution: Gandhi effectively influenced the prominent lawyers of Champaran by challenging their commitment and demonstrating the principles of Satyagraha through his own actions and questions.

Instance 1: The Question of Jail: When Gandhi arrived, he met with a group of lawyers who had been representing the peasants in court. Gandhi asked them a crucial question: what would they do if he were arrested and sentenced to prison? The lawyers, accustomed to advising clients from a safe distance, replied that they would go home, as they had only come to advise him. This response highlighted their reluctance to face the risks associated with the movement.

Instance 2: The Challenge of Injustice: Gandhi then posed another question: what would they do about the injustice of the sharecroppers if he went to jail? This prompted the lawyers to hold consultations. They realized that abandoning Gandhi and the peasants in their time of need, especially after he was willing to face imprisonment for their cause, would be a 'shameful desertion'.

Outcome: Influenced by Gandhi's direct challenge and his willingness to sacrifice himself, the lawyers collectively decided to stand with him. They informed Gandhi that they were prepared to follow him into jail, signifying their commitment to the cause and their newfound resolve, which was a direct result of Gandhi's persuasive and principled approach.

Solution: In smaller localities during that era, the attitude of the average Indian towards advocates of 'home rule' (self-governance) was generally one of fear and apprehension.

Supporting the cause of home rule meant openly opposing the British government, which was a risky endeavor. The government's authority was absolute, and any perceived act of defiance could lead to severe repercussions, such as imprisonment, loss of livelihood, or other forms of persecution. Therefore, most ordinary people were afraid to openly express sympathy or support for those advocating for home rule. They preferred to remain inconspicuous to avoid attracting the attention of the authorities. The text illustrates this by noting that it was considered an 'extraordinary thing' for Professor Malkani, a government school teacher, to host Gandhi, a prominent advocate for Indian rights, in Muzaffarpur, highlighting the prevailing climate of fear.

Solution: The chapter provides several instances that clearly demonstrate the significant contribution of ordinary people to the freedom movement, even in its early stages.

Organized Support: When Gandhi arrived at Muzaffarpur railway station, he was met not just by a few individuals but by Professor J.B. Kripalani, who was accompanied by a large body of students. This indicates organized support from the educated youth.

Peasant Mobilization: Sharecroppers from Champaran, the very people whose cause Gandhi championed, came in large numbers to see him. They travelled on foot and by whatever conveyance they could arrange, showing their deep engagement and eagerness to participate.

Community Engagement: The lawyers of Muzaffarpur also called on Gandhi, showing their solidarity and willingness to get involved. Furthermore, upon Gandhi's arrival at the Motihari railway station, a vast multitude greeted him. Thousands of people demonstrated around the courtroom on the day of the hearing. This widespread participation, from students to farmers and legal professionals, underscores that the freedom movement was not just led by a few elites but was actively supported and contributed to by ordinary citizens across different strata of society.