Question

Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of 25 per cent refund to the farmers? (Indigo)

Hint:

Remember: Gandhi accepted 25% not as a compromise but as a strategic victory. He understood that breaking the planters' prestige and empowering the farmers was more important than the monetary amount.

Answer 1

Step 1: Background of the Champaran issue.
The farmers of Champaran were forced by British planters to grow indigo on 15% of their land (tinkathia system) and surrender the entire harvest as rent. This exploitative system had continued for decades, leaving farmers in deep poverty and debt.
Step 2: The demand for refund.
When Gandhi took up the cause, the farmers demanded that they should get back the money illegally extorted from them by the planters over the years. The planters had collected huge sums through unfair practices.
Step 3: The negotiation.
After prolonged struggle and pressure, the planters agreed to refund only 25% of the amount. Many leaders and farmers felt this was inadequate and wanted to continue the fight for full refund.
Step 4: Gandhi's reasoning for accepting 25%.
Gandhi agreed to the 25% settlement for several important reasons:

• Breaking the prestige of planters: For the first time, the planters had admitted their guilt by agreeing to any refund. This was a moral victory that shattered their authority.
• Psychological victory: The farmers realized they could stand up against injustice. They gained confidence in their ability to fight exploitation.
• Practical wisdom: Gandhi knew that a long legal battle would drain the farmers' resources and energy. Accepting 25% immediately was better than fighting for years with uncertain results.
• Setting a precedent: This settlement established that peasants could challenge the planters and win. It laid the foundation for future struggles.
• Achieving the larger goal: Gandhi's primary aim was not just monetary compensation but to liberate the farmers from fear and oppression. The 25% refund achieved this by proving their collective strength.

Step 5: The significance of the settlement.
The 25% refund was not about the money but about the principle. It marked the beginning of the end of the planters' exploitation and established Gandhi's leadership in India's freedom struggle.