Page 2 - Lesson Notes

Gandhi decided to go first to Muzaffarpur. He wanted to obtain more complete information
about the condition of Champaran. Professor J.B. Kripalani waited for Gandhi at the station

with a large body of students, a teacher in a government school. But he supported to
Gandhi. Gandhi stayed for two days in the home of professor Malkani. The news of
Gandhi’s arrival spread quickly through Muzaffarpur and then to Champaran.

Sharecroppers from Champaran arrived on foot to meet their champion. Muzaffarpur
lawyers called on Gandhi to brief him. Gandhi chided them for collecting huge fees from the

poor sharecroppers.

4. English landlords of Champaran.

Most of the arable land in Champaran was owned by Englishmen. Indian tenants worked on
the land. Germany had developed synthetic indigo. Now indigo plantation was not very
profitable. Therefore, they obtained agreements from the sharecroppers to pay to the

landlord's compensation for being released from the 15% arrangement. According to the
previous agreement, English landlords compelled all tenants to plant 15% of their land with

indigo. They had to surrender the whole indigo crop to the landlords as rent. Those who
opposed were tortured by their hired bullies. Meanwhile, the illiterate peasants saw through
the trick of the landlords they were not ready to pay the compensation.

5. Gandhi received a summons to appear in court

Gandhi met the secretary of the British landlord’s association, But he didn’t give him any
information. Gandhi met the commissioner. He only warned him and advised him to leave
the Place. Gandhi didn’t leave. He proceeded to Motihari, the capital of Champaran. A huge
crowd greeted Gandhi at the station. Then he got an official notice to quit Champaran
immediately Gandhi Ji made it clear that he would disobey the order. So Gandhi received a
summon /an order to appear in court the next day. All night Gandhi remained awake. He
prepared a full report to the viceroy. The next morning thousands of peasants demonstrated
in support of Gandhi. It was the beginning of their liberation from the fear of the British. The

6 The voice of conscience

The government was baffled/surprised. The authorities wanted to postpone the trial. Gandhi
protested against the delay. Gandhi told the court that he was involved/caught in a ‘conflict

of duties’. It was his duty not to set a bad example as a lawbreaker. On the other hand, he