Indigo: Summary, Themes and Q&A with Important MCQs

Summary of Indigo

The story Indigo by Louis Fischer talks about how Mahatma Gandhi helped poor farmers in Champaran (a district in Bihar) fight against the unfair treatment by British landlords. The farmers were forced to grow indigo (a plant used to make blue dye) on part of their land and give it to the landlords as rent. Later, when synthetic indigo was developed in Germany, the British landlords no longer needed the crop. Instead, they started demanding cash compensation from the farmers to release them from the agreement. The farmers, being poor and uneducated, felt helpless.

One such farmer, Rajkumar Shukla, was determined to get help and requested Gandhi to visit Champaran. Shukla followed Gandhi everywhere until Gandhi agreed to go. When Gandhi reached Champaran, he spoke with the farmers and collected information about their problems. He also refused to leave the area despite pressure from British officials. This peaceful defiance marked the beginning of civil disobedience.

Gandhi involved local lawyers and leaders in the movement and motivated the farmers to overcome their fear. Finally, after much negotiation, the British landlords agreed to refund 25% of the money they had taken from the farmers. Although the refund was small, it symbolized victory for the peasants because it proved that they could fight against injustice.

After this, indigo farming stopped, and the landlords left the area. Gandhi stayed back to improve the lives of the people by setting up schools and promoting hygiene. The Champaran episode became a turning point in Gandhi’s life, as it showed him the power of non-violent resistance and mass movements. It was also an example of how ordinary people could contribute to the freedom struggle through courage and unity.

Indigo Chapter Class 12 Summary in Hindi

इस कहानी में बताया गया है कि कैसे महात्मा गांधी ने बिहार के चंपारण जिले में किसानों की मदद की। 1917 में गांधीजी की मुलाकात एक जिद्दी किसान, राजकुमार शुक्ल से हुई, जो उन्हें चंपारण बुलाने में कामयाब रहा। वहाँ के किसान अंग्रेज़ ज़मींदारों के दबाव में नील की खेती करने पर मजबूर थे, लेकिन बदले में उन्हें कोई फायदा नहीं मिलता था। ये खेती का सारा मुनाफा अंग्रेज़ों के पास ही जाता था और किसान बेहद परेशान थे।

गांधीजी चंपारण पहुँचे, किसानों से बातचीत की और उनकी तकलीफ़ों को समझा। उन्होंने ठान लिया कि वो अंग्रेजों से बात करेंगे और किसानों का हक दिलवाएंगे। इसके लिए उन्होंने वहाँ पर सच्चाई और अहिंसा के रास्ते पर चलकर आंदोलन शुरू किया। इस संघर्ष में गांधीजी को कई बार गिरफ्तार करने की धमकी भी मिली, लेकिन वो नहीं डरे।

आखिरकार, गांधीजी की मेहनत रंग लाई और अंग्रेजों को किसानों के पक्ष में झुकना पड़ा। किसानों को थोड़ी राहत मिली और इस आंदोलन ने उन्हें आत्म-सम्मान और निडरता का पाठ पढ़ाया। इस घटना ने भारतीय स्वतंत्रता संग्राम में गांधीजी का कद बढ़ा दिया और दिखाया कि कैसे सच्चाई और हिम्मत से किसी भी बड़ी ताकत का सामना किया जा सकता है।

Indigo Chapter Class 12 Summary in Urdu

اس سبق میں مصنف لوئیس فشر نے چمپارن کے کسانوں کے مسائل پر روشنی ڈالی ہے اور کس طرح مہاتما گاندھی نے ان کی مدد کی۔ کہانی کا آغاز اس وقت سے ہوتا ہے جب 1916 میں ایک کسان، راج کمار شکلہ، گاندھی جی سے ملاقات کے لیے آتا ہے اور ان سے درخواست کرتا ہے کہ وہ چمپارن آئیں اور کسانوں کو انصاف دلائیں۔ شکلہ نے گاندھی کو انگریز زمینداروں کے ظلم و ستم اور کسانوں کی مشکلات کے بارے میں بتایا جو اپنی زمین پر نیل کی کاشت کرنے پر مجبور تھے۔

گاندھی جی نے پہلے کسانوں کی کہانی سنی اور پھر چمپارن کے حالات کا جائزہ لینے کا فیصلہ کیا۔ وہاں پہنچ کر گاندھی نے انگریز حکام سے ملاقات کی اور کسانوں کے مسائل پر بات چیت کی۔ انہیں حکام کی طرف سے روکنے کی کوشش کی گئی اور نوٹس دیا گیا کہ وہ چمپارن چھوڑ دیں، مگر گاندھی نے انکار کر دیا اور عدالت میں پیش ہوئے۔

گاندھی جی کی کوششوں کے نتیجے میں چمپارن کے کسانوں کو اپنا حق ملنے کی امید پیدا ہوئی۔ ان کی رہنمائی میں کسانوں نے ہمت اور خود اعتمادی حاصل کی۔ آخرکار، برطانوی حکام کو مجبور ہو کر کسانوں کو معاوضہ دینا پڑا اور نیل کی کاشت سے نجات ملی۔

چمپارن کی یہ تحریک گاندھی کی زندگی کا ایک اہم موڑ تھی، جس نے ان کی غیر متشدد تحریک اور ستیہ گرہ کے اصولوں کو مضبوط کیا۔ یہ واقعہ ہندوستان کی آزادی کی تحریک میں بھی ایک سنگ میل ثابت ہوا، جس نے عوام کو خود اعتمادی اور برطانوی راج کے خلاف کھڑے ہونے کا سبق دیا۔

Theme of Indigo

The central theme of Indigo focuses on Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership in securing justice for oppressed peasants in Champaran. Gandhi’s leadership was not based on power or force but on persuasion, negotiation, and non-violent resistance. His involvement began with a simple request from Rajkumar Shukla, a poor sharecropper, and evolved into a major movement. Gandhi’s approach was grounded in truth and non-violence (satyagraha), emphasizing the need to address the real issues of people’s suffering rather than merely relying on legal solutions.

Through calm argumentation and dialogue, Gandhi confronted British officials and landlords, exposing their unjust practices. Even when the landlords and the British authorities tried to intimidate or dismiss him, Gandhi persisted without anger or aggression. His decision to accept a 25% refund demonstrated his practical wisdom. He realized that achieving justice was not just about recovering money but about helping the peasants overcome their fear and showing them that oppression could be challenged.

In this episode, Gandhi’s leadership shines as he mobilizes not only lawyers and activists but also ordinary villagers, proving that leadership requires patience, empathy, and a commitment to justice for the common people. His combination of negotiation and non-violent defiance laid the foundation for future movements in India’s freedom struggle.

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Sub-Theme of Indigo

The Indigo episode also highlights the contributions of anonymous Indians—people who did not gain fame or recognition but played significant roles in the freedom movement. Rajkumar Shukla, for instance, was an illiterate farmer, yet his persistent efforts brought Gandhi to Champaran. Similarly, local lawyers and villagers risked their safety to support Gandhi, despite being afraid of British retaliation. These small but significant contributions reflect the spirit of ordinary Indians, who, through individual courage and collective effort, helped bring about change.

The episode shows how ordinary peasants and villagers gathered at Motihari, standing together in large numbers to support Gandhi during his trial. Though many of them were poor and uneducated, they demonstrated courage in defying British authorities. Gandhi’s work in Champaran was a collaborative effort, involving many unsung heroes—lawyers, teachers, and even women like Kasturba Gandhi—who helped set up schools and improve sanitation in the region.

The Champaran movement serves as an example of how India’s freedom struggle was not only led by prominent leaders like Gandhi but also fueled by the efforts of common people. Their actions might have gone unnoticed individually, but collectively, they made a powerful impact in breaking the chains of colonial oppression.

Think as you read – I (Q&A of Indigo)

1. Strike out what is not true in the following.
a. Rajkumar Shukla was
(i) a sharecropper.
(ii) a politician.
(iii) a delegate.
(iv) a landlord.

b. Rajkumar Shukla was
(i) poor.
(ii) physically strong.
(iii) illiterate.

2. Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as being ‘resolute’?
Rajkumar Shukla is called “resolute” because he was determined to bring Gandhi to Champaran. Despite Gandhi’s busy schedule, Shukla followed him everywhere until Gandhi finally agreed to visit Champaran.

3. Why do you think the servants thought Gandhi to be another peasant?
The servants mistook Gandhi for a peasant because of his simple clothing and humble behaviour. At that time, Gandhi was not widely recognized, and he dressed just like ordinary people.

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Think as you read – II (Q&A of Indigo)

1. List the places that Gandhi visited between his first meeting with Shukla and his arrival at Champaran.
After meeting Shukla, Gandhi went to:

• Cawnpore
• His ashram near Ahmedabad
• Calcutta (where he finally agreed to meet Shukla)
• Patna (where they stayed at Rajendra Prasad’s house)
• Muzaffarpur (to gather information)
• Finally, Champaran

2. What did the peasants pay the British landlords as rent? What did the British now want instead and why? What would be the impact of synthetic indigo on the prices of natural indigo?
The peasants had to plant 15% of their land with indigo and give the entire crop to the landlords as rent. After synthetic indigo was developed in Germany, the British wanted cash compensation from the farmers instead of continuing with indigo planting, as it was no longer profitable. Synthetic indigo would cause the price of natural indigo to fall, making it unviable to grow.

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Think as you read – III (Q&A of Indigo)

1. The events in this part of the text illustrate Gandhi’s method of working. Can you identify some instances of this method and link them to his ideas of satyagraha and non-violence?
Gandhi’s methods reflect satyagraha and non-violence.

• Persistence and Inquiry: Gandhi refused to leave Champaran even when threatened, showing peaceful resistance.
• Involving People: He inspired local lawyers and peasants to stand up for justice without fear.
• Civil Disobedience: Gandhi stayed despite being asked to leave, yet cooperated with the authorities calmly, demonstrating his non-violent defiance.

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Think as you read – IV (Q&A of Indigo)

1. Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of 25 per cent refund to the farmers?
Gandhi accepted the 25% refund because the amount was less important than the principle. It made the landlords give up part of their power, which showed the farmers that they had rights and could fight for them.

2. How did the episode change the plight of the peasants?
The Champaran episode boosted the confidence of the peasants. They realized they had rights and began to fight against unfair treatment. Eventually, the landlords left, and indigo sharecropping ended.

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Understanding the text (Q&A of Indigo)

1. Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his life?
The Champaran episode was a turning point for Gandhi because it was his first major involvement in a mass movement in India. It showed him the power of non-violent resistance and gave him confidence to lead other struggles for India’s freedom.

2. How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers? Give instances.
Gandhi influenced the lawyers by showing his willingness to go to jail for the farmers. When the lawyers saw his commitment, they decided to support him and the farmers instead of returning home.

3. What was the attitude of the average Indian in smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home rule’?
In smaller localities, people were often afraid to support advocates of “home rule” because they feared punishment from the British government.

4. How do we know that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement?
Ordinary people contributed by showing their support for Gandhi. For example, when Gandhi was in court, a large crowd of peasants gathered to support him. Their unity demonstrated that people were ready to fight for their freedom.

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Talking about the text

1. “Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor.” Do you think that the poor of India are free from fear after Independence?
The answer varies. While India is politically independent, poverty, inequality, and corruption still cause fear among the poor. Some people feel that true freedom from fear has not been achieved yet.

2. The qualities of a good leader.
A good leader should:

• Be courageous and stand up for what is right.
• Be empathetic and care for others.
• Be patient and persistent.
• Inspire others to act without fear.

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Extract-Based MCQs from ‘Indigo’

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Extract 1

“Gandhi told Shukla he had an appointment in Cawnpore and was also committed to go to other parts of India. Shukla accompanied him everywhere. Then Gandhi returned to his ashram near Ahmedabad. Shukla followed him to the ashram. For weeks he never left Gandhi’s side.”

Q1. Why did Rajkumar Shukla follow Gandhi persistently?
a) To collect money for his travel
b) To convince Gandhi to visit Champaran
c) To join Gandhi’s ashram
d) To meet other freedom fighters

Answer: b) To convince Gandhi to visit Champaran

Q2. What does this extract reveal about Rajkumar Shukla’s character?
a) He was shy and quiet
b) He was physically strong
c) He was determined and persistent
d) He was disrespectful

Answer: c) He was determined and persistent

Q3. Where did Gandhi agree to meet Shukla before going to Champaran?
a) Patna
b) Calcutta
c) Cawnpore
d) Lucknow

Answer: b) Calcutta

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Extract 2

“The news of Gandhi’s advent and of the nature of his mission spread quickly through Muzzafarpur and to Champaran. Sharecroppers from Champaran began arriving on foot and by conveyance to see their champion.”

Q1. How did the news of Gandhi’s arrival spread?
a) Through newspapers
b) By telegrams
c) Through word of mouth
d) By the British government

Answer: c) Through word of mouth

Q2. Why did the sharecroppers come to meet Gandhi?
a) To donate money for the movement
b) To show their support and seek help
c) To meet British officials
d) To request jobs in Gandhi’s ashram

Answer: b) To show their support and seek help

Q3. Which city did Gandhi visit before arriving in Champaran?
a) Calcutta
b) Muzzafarpur
c) Patna
d) Ahmedabad

Answer: b) Muzzafarpur

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Extract 3

“Gandhi stayed there for two days in the home of Professor Malkani, a teacher in a government school. ‘It was an extraordinary thing in those days,’ Gandhi commented, ‘for a government professor to harbour a man like me.'”

Q1. Why was it unusual for Professor Malkani to host Gandhi?
a) Because he was against the freedom movement
b) Because government employees were afraid to help activists
c) Because Gandhi was a foreigner
d) Because Gandhi refused to follow British laws

Answer: b) Because government employees were afraid to help activists

Q2. How long did Gandhi stay at Professor Malkani’s house?
a) One day
b) Two days
c) A week
d) One month

Answer: b) Two days

Q3. What does this incident reflect about the situation in smaller towns at that time?
a) People were unaware of Gandhi’s work
b) People were happy to oppose the British
c) Many were afraid to show open support for home-rule
d) British officials encouraged protests in small towns

Answer: c) Many were afraid to show open support for home-rule

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Extract 4

“The British planters were forced to agree, in principle, to refund part of the money they had taken illegally. But they asked Gandhi, ‘How much must we pay?’ Gandhi asked for only 50 percent. The planters, thinking he would demand full repayment, offered 25 percent, and Gandhi accepted it.”

Q1. Why did Gandhi accept only 25% refund instead of 50%?
a) To prevent conflict
b) To establish a sense of justice over monetary gain
c) Because the landlords threatened him
d) Because the British refused to negotiate further

Answer: b) To establish a sense of justice over monetary gain

Q2. What was the British planters’ reaction to Gandhi’s acceptance of 25%?
a) They were relieved and surprised
b) They refused to pay any amount
c) They demanded more negotiations
d) They offered a full refund immediately

Answer: a) They were relieved and surprised

Q3. What does this decision by Gandhi reveal about his leadership style?
a) He focused on moral victories rather than material gains
b) He was unwilling to negotiate
c) He relied heavily on lawyers to resolve disputes
d) He wanted to punish the British planters

Answer: a) He focused on moral victories rather than material gains

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Extract 5

“The Champaran episode was a turning-point in Gandhi’s life. ‘What I did,’ he explained, ‘was a very ordinary thing. I declared that the British could not order me about in my own country.'”

Q1. Why did Gandhi call the Champaran episode a turning point?
a) It was his first involvement in politics
b) It was his first success in using non-violent resistance in India
c) He became a famous national leader after this
d) He defeated the British army

Answer: b) It was his first success in using non-violent resistance in India

Q2. What does Gandhi mean by saying “the British could not order me about in my own country”?
a) He refused to obey British laws and asserted Indian self-respect
b) He wanted to overthrow the British government immediately
c) He believed only landlords could give orders
d) He thought Indians should follow only religious laws

Answer: a) He refused to obey British laws and asserted Indian self-respect

Q3. How did this episode affect the peasants of Champaran?
a) They became wealthy
b) They gained courage and learned to fight for their rights
c) They migrated to other places
d) They started working for the British planters again

Answer: b) They gained courage and learned to fight for their rights

Working with words

List the words used in the text that are related to legal procedures.

• Deposition
• Commission
• Summons
• Magistrate
• Bail

List other words that you know that fall into this category.

• Verdict
• Plaintiff
• Defendant
• Appeal
• Trial

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Thinking about language (Indigo)

1. Notice the sentences in the text which are in ‘direct speech’. Why does the author use quotations in his narration?
The author uses direct speech to make the narrative more vivid and engaging. It helps the reader connect with the characters and understand their thoughts and emotions better.

2. Notice the use or non-use of the comma in the following sentences.
(a) When I first visited Gandhi in 1942 at his ashram in Sevagram, he told me what happened in Champaran.

• A comma is used to separate the introductory clause from the main clause.

(b) He had not proceeded far when the police superintendent’s messenger overtook him.

• No comma is used since the sentence flows directly without an introductory clause.

(c) When the court reconvened, the judge said he would not deliver the judgment for several days.

• A comma is used to separate the introductory clause from the main clause.

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Things to do (Indigo)

1. Choose an issue that has provoked a controversy like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy or the Narmada Dam Project in which the lives of the poor have been affected.

• Example: The Bhopal Gas Tragedy
  2. Find out the facts of the case.
• A gas leak from a factory killed thousands of people in Bhopal in 1984.
  3. Present your arguments.
• The victims need better compensation and medical care.
  4. Suggest a possible settlement.
• The government and the company responsible should work together to ensure proper compensation, healthcare, and safety measures to prevent future incidents.