Chapter 5 of the CBSE Class 12 English Textbook – Flamingo includes a prose titled “Indigo.” In Indigo, from Louis Fischer’s book “The Life of Mahatma Gandhi,” the writer recounts how Gandhi addressed the plight of Indigo sharecroppers in Bihar’s Champaran district. Rajkumar Shukla, an illiterate peasant from Champaran, sought Gandhi’s assistance against the harsh exploitation by British landowners. What began as a small incident escalated into a prolonged struggle against British authorities, empowering the suffering peasants to stand up for their rights and find relief from their hardships.
Here, we provide a brief summary of the prose- Indigo.

CBSE Class 12 English Indigo Summary

Louis Fischer begins the chapter by recalling his meeting with Mahatma Gandhi at his ashram in Sevagram in 1942. He remembers Gandhi talking about his desire to start the movement to drive the British out of India. This journey began in 1917 when Gandhi attended the annual Indian National Congress Party convention in Lucknow in December 1916. During the event, a farmer named Rajkumar Shukla approached Gandhi, seeking help for himself and other farmers facing injustice from the landlord system in Bihar.

Rajkumar Shukla followed Gandhi to his ashram until Gandhi agreed to visit Champaran. They planned to travel from Calcutta to Champaran together. After several months, when Gandhi arrived in Calcutta, he found Rajkumar waiting for him at the agreed spot and time. Rajkumar then took Gandhi to the house of Rajendra Prasad, a lawyer, who was not at home. So, Gandhi decided to go to Muzaffarpur. At the train station, he was greeted by Professor J.B. Kripalani and many students. Despite the local people’s fear of sheltering home-rule supporters like Gandhi, a government school teacher, Professor Malkani, let Gandhi stay at his house for two days.

When many lawyers and farmers came to meet Gandhi, he learned about their problems. The farmers were sharecroppers working on land owned by British landlords. They were forced to grow indigo on fifteen percent of their land and give the entire harvest to the landlords. When the landlords learned that Germany had developed synthetic indigo, they no longer wanted the farmers to grow indigo. Instead, they asked the farmers to pay a fee to be released from the fifteen percent arrangement. Some farmers agreed and paid willingly, while others hired lawyers to fight back. However, when they learned about synthetic indigo, they wanted their money back.

Gandhi faced many difficulties when dealing with government officials about the Champaran issue. They made excuses and turned him away several times. However, he persisted and, with the support of prominent lawyers and local farmers, filed a case. After numerous meetings with the Lieutenant-Governor, Gandhi managed to arrange investigations into the sharecroppers’ problems. Significant evidence was found, leading the official inquiry to agree to refund the money that had been unfairly taken from the farmers.

Gandhi initially asked for fifty percent of the money to be refunded, but the official inquiry offered twenty-five percent instead. Gandhi gladly accepted this offer. For him, the amount of money was less important than the fact that the British landlords were forced to give it back. He believed that by doing so, the landlords were also losing their prestige.

As a result of this event, the once fearful and suppressed farmers gained self-reliance and courage to fight for their rights. The writer emphasizes that Gandhi’s politics was not just about ideals but about being loyal to the people. He initiated various efforts to improve the lives of the people in Champaran. Gandhi started schools and health and sanitation campaigns to help them overcome poverty and misery. His wife, disciples, and many others volunteered to help Gandhi bring development to Champaran.

Conclusion of Indigo

In the conclusion of the chapter “Indigo,” the successful resolution of the Champaran issue led to significant changes for the farmers. They gained self-reliance and the courage to stand up for their rights. The episode highlighted Gandhi’s unique approach to politics, which focused on helping people rather than just following ideals. Gandhi’s efforts went beyond solving the immediate problem; he initiated educational, health, and sanitation programs to improve the overall quality of life in Champaran. His actions, supported by his wife, disciples, and other volunteers, brought lasting development to the region and inspired further movements for justice and equality in India.

We trust that this summary of the CBSE Class 12 English Flamingo Prose, “Indigo,” has provided you with a quick grasp of the chapter. Stay connected with GK Publications for the latest updates on CBSE and study materials. Explore sample papers and question papers from various years to enhance your preparation for the Board exams.

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