Efforts by Gandhiji to put an end to sharecropping in champaran:
Mahatma Gandhi's efforts to end sharecropping in Champaran (1917) were a landmark in India's
struggle for independence. This was Gandhi's first major intervention in Indian rural issues,
marking the beginning of his leadership in India's freedom movement.
Gandhi’s Efforts
1. Study and Investigation:
○ Gandhi arrived in Champaran in 1917 at the request of local leaders like
Rajkumar Shukla.
○ He made extensive village tours to learn more about this.
○ Gandhi conducted interviews and testimonies with thousands of farmers.
○ Gandhi worked closely with local leaders.
○ Gandhi systematically documented the farmers' testimonies, creating a
comprehensive record of the oppressive practices.
○ He organized public meetings where farmers could voice their issues collectively.
○ Gandhi also met local lawyers, teachers, and other educated individuals to get
additional perspectives on the issue.
○ Gandhi’s nonviolent and humble demeanor encouraged farmers to speak freely
and without fear.
○ His willingness to live among them and share their hardships built trust and
rapport.
○ He traveled extensively across the region to understand the plight of farmers.
○ Gandhi interviewed thousands of farmers and documented their grievances.
2. Civil Disobedience:
○ The Incident: Upon arriving in Champaran to investigate the plight of farmers,
Gandhi was served with an order by the District Magistrate asking him to leave
the area immediately.
○ Gandhi’s Response: He refused to obey the order and stayed in Champaran,
asserting that his duty to help the farmers was more important than following an
unjust directive.
○ Voluntary Arrest: Gandhi willingly accepted the legal consequences of his
defiance, presenting himself before the court.
○ Court Appearance: When Gandhi was brought to trial, he declared that his action
was not a crime but a moral duty to serve the oppressed.
○ Public Support: Thousands of farmers and local supporters gathered outside the
court in a show of solidarity with Gandhi.
○ Outcome: The colonial government, wary of the growing unrest, eventually
withdrew the case against Gandhi and allowed him to stay in Champaran.
○ Gandhi’s refusal to leave Champaran exemplified his philosophy of Satyagraha,
where disobedience to unjust laws is a moral duty if done nonviolently and
truthfully.
○ This act of defiance demonstrated the power of peaceful resistance against
colonial rule.
3. Legal and Administrative Pressure:
○ Gandhi met British officials and planters, pressuring them to acknowledge the
unjust nature of the tinkathia system.
○ Propaganda: Attempts were made to portray Gandhi as an agitator disrupting law
and order.
○ Threats: Local authorities and planters intimidated farmers who cooperated with
Gandhi’s investigations.
○ Prolonged negotiations were held with Gandhi to tire him out and weaken his
resolve.
○ Officials attempted to divide the movement by offering partial reforms.
○ He prepared a strong case based on the testimonies of farmers, forcing the
authorities to take action.
4. Empowerment of Farmers:
○ Gandhi mobilized local leaders and volunteers to educate farmers about their
rights.
○ Moral Support: Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to their cause inspired farmers
to believe in their own strength and ability to resist injustice.
○ Self-Reliance: Gandhi’s message of self-reliance, through nonviolent resistance
and truth, instilled confidence in farmers to address future challenges.
○ The empowerment of farmers in Champaran was not just a short-term
achievement but a long-term transformation.
○ He emphasized nonviolent resistance and collective action, which boosted the
morale of the oppressed farmers.
5. Negotiations and Resolution:
○ Evidence Collection: Gandhi’s meticulous documentation of farmers’ grievances,
combined with his calm and persuasive demeanor, gave him a strong position in
negotiations.
○ Dialogue with Planters: Gandhi engaged in direct talks with the British planters,
challenging their exploitative practices and urging them to consider fair reforms.
○ Pressure on Authorities: His refusal to leave Champaran and the massive public
support for his cause pressured the colonial administration to engage in
discussions.
○ Abolition of Tinkathia System: The most significant outcome was the abolition of
the tinkathia system, freeing farmers from the compulsory indigo cultivation.
○ Compensation Agreement: Planters agreed to refund a portion of the illegal taxes
and dues collected from farmers. While the compensation amount was modest,
the agreement was symbolic of the farmers’ victory.
○ Improved Practices: New agreements were introduced, ensuring fairer treatment
for farmers and reducing their exploitation.
○ After months of sustained efforts, Gandhi successfully negotiated with the
planters.
○ Farmers were granted freedom to grow crops of their choice and received
compensation.
