ENGLISH PROJECT
CHAPTER – INDIGO
Name – Amish Gupta
Class- XII A
Theme -"The Struggle for Justice and the
Power of Non-Violent Protest"
Board Roll no. -
BAL BHAVAN PUBLIC SCHOOL
Submitted to – Mrs. Pooja Balodi Mam
Index
Acknowledgment
Introduction
About the Author
Summary of the Chapter
Theme and Its Implication on Society and
Real Life
Copies of the Reference Articles
Cases in Real Life
Survey: The Struggle for Justice and the
Power of Non-Violent Protest
Bibliography
Acknowledgment
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have
helped me throughout the completion of this project.
First and foremost, I would like to thank my English teacher, Ms.
Pooja Balodhi, for her constant support and guidance. Her insights
into the chapter’s plot, characters, and themes were crucial in shaping
my understanding and approach to this project. I am truly grateful for
her patience and encouragement.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Bal Bhavan Public
School, Mayur Vihar, for providing me with a platform to explore
and enhance my academic abilities. The resources and learning
environment have been instrumental in the successful completion of
this project.
A special thanks to our respected Principal, Mr. Vividh Gupta, for
his leadership and for fostering a school environment that encourages
creativity and learning.
Lastly, I would like to thank my family and friends for their
unwavering support and encouragement. Their belief in me motivated
me to complete this project with dedication.
Thank you all for your valuable help and support.
___________
Teachers Signature
INDIGO
Introduction
The chapter “The Indigo” by Louis Fischer, taken from the
Class 12 English textbook, presents the inspiring and
significant story of Mahatma Gandhi's role in the Indigo
Rebellion of 1917 in Champaran, Bihar. The chapter focuses
on the pivotal moment when Gandhi, then a young lawyer, led
the peasants of Champaran in their fight against the
oppressive policies of the British colonial government and the
indigo planters. The story not only highlights Gandhi’s
leadership but also introduces his philosophy of non-violence
and civil disobedience, which would later become the
cornerstone of India's struggle for independence.
Through this chapter, Fischer gives readers a glimpse into the
social, economic, and political conditions of colonial India,
particularly the plight of the indigo farmers who were forced
into unfair contracts by the British. Gandhi’s intervention in
the situation marked the beginning of his activism in India and
played a crucial role in shaping the future of India's
independence movement. The chapter emphasizes themes of
justice, human rights, and the power of peaceful protest,
which continue to resonate in various movements around the
world today.
About the Author
Louis Fischer (1907-1970) was an American journalist, biographer,
and author, renowned for his work on Mahatma Gandhi and the
Indian independence movement. Fischer was born in the United
States and became one of the most influential writers and historians of
the 20th century, particularly known for his ability to communicate
the complexities of political and historical issues.
Fischer’s most famous work is his biography "The Life of Mahatma
Gandhi", which was published in 1950. This biography is widely
regarded as one of the most comprehensive and insightful accounts of
Gandhi’s life, philosophy, and impact. It offers a detailed portrayal of
Gandhi’s personal struggles, his journey towards non-violence, and
his role in leading India to independence.
What makes Fischer’s work particularly significant is his first-hand
experience with Gandhi. Fischer traveled to India in the 1940s, where
he met Gandhi and became closely acquainted with him. This direct
connection allowed Fischer to write with authority and depth about
Gandhi’s beliefs, actions, and the movement he led. Fischer's writings
provided Western readers with an accessible understanding of
Gandhi’s non-violent methods and their relevance to both the Indian
independence struggle and broader global movements for peace and
justice.
Summary of the Chapter
"The Indigo" by Louis Fischer recounts the historical events of the
Indigo Rebellion of 1917 in Champaran, Bihar, India, and the role of
Mahatma Gandhi in leading the peasants against the oppressive
policies of British colonial rule. The chapter focuses on how Gandhi,
then a young lawyer, came to Champaran to support the poor farmers
who were being exploited by the British indigo planters.
The indigo farmers were forced into signing unfair contracts by the
British, which required them to grow indigo instead of food crops,
often at a loss. The peasants had no choice but to comply, as they
were bound by the oppressive system. Gandhi’s involvement in
Champaran marked the beginning of his active resistance against
British rule. He urged the farmers to stand up for their rights and
helped them organize a non-violent protest.
The chapter highlights Gandhi’s approach to solving problems using
non-violence and civil disobedience. By establishing his leadership
in Champaran, Gandhi not only secured justice for the indigo farmers
but also set the stage for his larger role in India’s independence
movement. His intervention ultimately led to the British authorities’
decision to pay compensation to the farmers, marking a significant
victory for the peasants.
Through this story, Louis Fischer not only portrays the struggles of
the farmers but also introduces the ideals that Gandhi would later
popularize in India’s fight for freedom. The chapter reflects themes of
justice, empowerment, and the power of peaceful resistance.
Theme and Its Implication on Society
and Real Life
The theme taken from the poem is "The Struggle for
Justice and the Power of Non-Violent Protest"
The theme of "The Struggle for Justice and the Power of Non-
Violent Protest" is central to the story of Indigo and resonates
deeply with the larger social and political movements in India’s
history. The story, set against the backdrop of the British colonial rule
in India, illustrates the power of peaceful protest in the face of
exploitation, highlighting the efforts of Indigo farmers who, under
the leadership of Gandhi, chose non-violence to challenge the
oppressive British policies. The Indigo Revolt symbolizes a crucial
turning point in India's fight for freedom, showcasing how non-
violent resistance can lead to meaningful change even in the most
challenging circumstances.
In the context of the story, the Indigo farmers struggled against the
British landlords who forced them to cultivate indigo under harsh
conditions. They faced economic exploitation, social injustice, and
physical abuse. However, instead of resorting to violence, they
embraced the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and non-violent
protest. Gandhi, who advocated for truth and ahimsa (non-
violence), encouraged the farmers to engage in peaceful satyagraha
(non-violent resistance), which became a hallmark of India's fight
against British colonialism.
Implications on Society
This theme of non-violence and the pursuit of justice has wide-
reaching implications on modern society. In contemporary India, the
principles of satyagraha continue to influence various social
movements. The power of peaceful protest has been demonstrated in
multiple movements, both within India and globally, where justice
and rights are at the core of the struggle. Non-violence remains a
powerful weapon against injustice, especially when other means of
addressing issues fail.
1. Social Movements: In India, many modern social movements,
such as the Farmers’ Protest (2020-2021) or the Anti-CAA
protests (2019-2020), have seen people come together to
demand justice without resorting to violence. These movements
reflect the continued relevance of non-violence as a tool for
social justice and civil rights. For example, the farmers'
protests, which were largely peaceful, brought about a
significant political shift by forcing the government to
reconsider controversial laws.
2. Global Impact: The principle of non-violence, inspired by
leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.,
has become a global tool for social change. In the face of racial,
gender, and economic injustices worldwide, peaceful protests
such as the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States
or the Hong Kong protests have showcased the transformative
power of non-violence.
3. Non-Violence in Policy Change: Non-violence and peaceful
protests have forced governments to address societal injustices,
leading to reforms in human rights laws, economic policies,
and environmental protections. For example, climate change
protests, like the ones led by Greta Thunberg, emphasize non-
violent resistance to push for global action on environmental
issues.
Copies of the Reference articles
Cases in real life
Survey about The Struggle for
Justice and the Power of Non-Violent
Protest
Bibliography
1. "The Role of Non-Violent Protest in India's Struggle for Justice."
The Hindu. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com
2. "Indigo Revolt: A Fight for Justice." Indian Express. Retrieved
from https://www.indianexpress.com
3. "The Indigo Rebellion: A Historical Overview." BBC History.
Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/history
4. "Gandhi's Non-Violence: A Tool for Social Justice." Times of
India. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
5. "Understanding Non-Violent Protests in Indian History." India
Today. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in
6. "The Power of Non-Violence: Gandhi’s Legacy." National
Geographic. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com
7. "Non-Violent Movements and Their Impact in India." NDTV.
Retrieved from https://www.ndtv.com
