Page 3 - Lesson Notes

wanted to do justice to thousands of poor sharecroppers. He decided not to leave
Champaran. Gandhi had full respect for lawful authority. But in the end, he heard ‘the voice

of his conscience. The court didn’t deliver the judgments for several days. Meanwhile,
Gandhi was allowed to stay in Champaran.

7. Battle of Champaran

Rajendra Prasad and many other prominent/famous lawyers had arrived from Bihar. They
supported to Gandhi. What would they do if Gandhi was sent to jail? The lawyers decided to

follow him into jail. Gandhi exclaimed: The battle of Champaran is won.” Several days after
the lieutenant-governor of the province decided to listen to the case.

8. Commission of Inquiry

Gandhi had four interviews with the lieutenant-governor. He appointed an official

commission of inquiry into the indigo sharecroppers’ situation. Gandhi was representative of
the peasants/farmers. He remained/stayed in Champaran for more than seven months.

There were many evidences/proofs against the landlords and British officers. They had
illegally extorted /taken money from the sharecroppers. Gandhi demanded back for 50%.
The planters/landlord offered to refund only 25%. Gandhi agreed because the British

government first time bent down in Indian history. The deadlock was broken.

9. Social Work in Champaran

Gandhi saw the cultural and social backwardness in the Champaran villages. He wanted to
do something about it immediately. Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh, two young men

joined Gandhi as disciples. Even their wives volunteered for the work. Many more came
from Bombay, Poona and other distant parts. Gandhi’s son Devdas also joined

them. Primary schools were opened in six villages. Kasturbai wife of Gandhi taught lessons
of cleanliness and sanitation.

10. Champaran Episode-A turning point

The Champaran episode was a turning point in Gandhi’s life. It was not a simple victory; it

awoke the soul of the poor peasants. Gandhi tried to mold/change a new free Indian. He
wanted to stand them in his own feet and thus make India free. Some people wanted C.F.

Andrews to stay in Champaran and help them. But Gandhi opposed it. He didn’t want that