Indigo | Lesson 5 | Prose | English 12th | Flamingo | Summary | Questions | Answers

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Indigo | Lesson 5 | Prose | English 12th | Flamingo | Summary | Questions | Answers

 

Short Summary

The chapter Indigo from Glimpses of the World highlights Mahatma Gandhi's role in securing justice for poor farmers in Champaran, Bihar. These farmers were exploited by British landlords who forced them to grow indigo on 15% of their land and then sell it at unfair prices.

Gandhi arrived in Champaran to address the issue. Despite opposition from the authorities, he conducted a thorough inquiry into the farmers' grievances. His persistence and non-violent approach forced the British landlords to negotiate. Eventually, they agreed to repay the farmers partially, which symbolized a significant victory and restored their dignity.

The episode also marked Gandhi's first successful experiment in Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) in India, inspiring future struggles for independence. It emphasized the power of self-reliance, unity, and courage among ordinary people to challenge injustice.

 

Think as you read

(Page No. 47)

1. Strike out what is not true in the following.

a. Rajkumar Shukla was

(i) a sharecropper.

(ii) a politician.

(iii) delegate.

(iv) a landlord.

Answer: (ii) a politician.

b. Rajkumar Shukla was

(i) poor.

(ii) physically strong.

(iii) illiterate.

Answer: (ii) physically strong.

2. Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as being ‘resolute’?

Answer: Rajkumar Shukla is described as being ‘resolute’ because he was determined to bring Gandhi to Champaran to address the plight of the sharecroppers. Despite his poverty and illiteracy, he persisted in convincing Gandhi, following him everywhere until Gandhi agreed to accompany him.

3. Why do you think the servants thought Gandhi to be another peasant?

Answer: The servants thought Gandhi to be another peasant because of his simple appearance, humble demeanor, and modest clothing, which made him indistinguishable from the ordinary peasants who often visited the landlord’s house.

 

(Page No. 49)

1. List the places that Gandhi visited between his first meeting with Shukla and his arrival at Champaran.

Answer: Between his first meeting with Rajkumar Shukla and his arrival at Champaran, Gandhi visited Calcutta, Patna (to meet Rajendra Prasad), and Muzaffarpur before finally reaching 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?

Answer: The peasants paid the British landlords a portion of their land’s produce as rent, specifically indigo. The British landlords wanted compensation in cash instead of indigo because synthetic indigo had been developed in Germany, which significantly reduced the demand for natural indigo. This development would drastically lower the price of natural indigo, making its cultivation less profitable.

 

(Page No. 51)

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?

Answer: Instance 1: Gandhi first collected detailed facts and testimonies from the peasants and landlords to understand the situation thoroughly. This reflects his belief in truth (satyagraha) as the foundation of his actions.

Instance 2: He refused to leave Champaran when ordered by the authorities, choosing instead to face arrest. This exemplifies his principle of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience.

Instance 3: He involved lawyers, local leaders, and ordinary people in the struggle, empowering them and promoting self-reliance. This aligns with his belief in the collective power of non-violence to bring about change.

 

(Page No. 53)

1. Why did Gandhi agree to a settlement of 25 per cent refund to the farmers?

Answer: Gandhi agreed to the settlement of a 25 per cent refund because he was more focused on the principle of justice being acknowledged rather than the amount of money refunded. He believed this would break the deadlock and set a precedent for the landlords to respect the rights of the farmers.

2. How did the episode change the plight of the peasants?

Answer: The episode brought significant change to the plight of the peasants. It gave them confidence to fight against exploitation and demand their rights. The British landlords eventually abandoned their estates, and the peasants gained control of the land. This marked the beginning of their freedom from oppression and set a precedent for collective resistance against injustice.

 

Understanding the text

1. Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his life?

Answer: Gandhi regarded the Champaran episode as a turning point because it marked his first successful application of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance) in India. It demonstrated the power of organized, peaceful protest in addressing systemic injustice. By helping the oppressed farmers in Champaran gain justice against the British landlords, Gandhi realized the potential of grassroots mobilization and self-reliance. This success boosted his confidence in leading larger movements for India's independence and inspired the masses to believe in their strength and dignity.

2. How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers? Give instances.

Answer: Gandhi influenced the lawyers through his humility, logic, and dedication to the farmers' cause:

* When the lawyers hesitated to support the farmers, fearing legal repercussions, Gandhi questioned their sense of duty. He asked if they would abandon the farmers if he were imprisoned, making them realize their moral responsibility.

* His firm commitment inspired the lawyers to join him and stay in Champaran, even agreeing to provide legal aid without fees.

* His practical and empathetic approach convinced them to prioritize the well-being of the farmers over personal gains.

3. What was the attitude of the average Indian in smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home rule’?

Answer: The average Indian in smaller localities was generally indifferent or hesitant towards the advocates of ‘home rule.’ This attitude stemmed from fear of British retaliation, lack of awareness, and a sense of helplessness. However, as leaders like Gandhi interacted with ordinary people, their confidence grew, and they began to see the possibility of resistance against oppression. Over time, Gandhi’s efforts in Champaran turned passive spectators into active participants in the freedom struggle.

4. How do we know that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement?

Answer: The Champaran episode illustrates the crucial role of ordinary people:

* Poor farmers shared their grievances and trusted Gandhi to lead them, despite the risks involved.

* Villagers supported Gandhi by providing information and assistance during his investigation.

* Even women, such as Rajkumar Shukla’s wife, played roles in motivating the community.

* Their collective strength and unity compelled the British landlords to negotiate and concede.

This participation showed how the collective efforts of ordinary people, guided by inspiring leaders, could challenge and overcome oppression.

 

Talking about the text

Discuss the following.

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?

Answer: Discussion:

Freedom from fear ensures dignity, confidence, and the ability to demand one’s rights. While legal justice provides a framework for fairness, it is ineffective if people are too afraid to access it. For the poor, fear often stems from systemic oppression, economic instability, and lack of awareness. Gandhi’s Champaran episode demonstrated how empowering the oppressed to overcome fear was the first step toward achieving justice.

Are the Poor of India Free from Fear After Independence?

Despite progress since Independence, many poor people in India still live under various fears—fear of exploitation, poverty, discrimination, and lack of opportunities. Marginalized communities often hesitate to challenge authority or demand justice due to unequal power dynamics. While constitutional rights exist, the enforcement and accessibility of these rights remain inconsistent. Efforts like social reforms, legal aid, and grassroots activism are essential to ensure the poor feel secure and empowered.

2. The qualities of a good leader.

Answer: The Qualities of a Good Leader:

A good leader possesses a blend of personal, moral, and practical qualities that inspire others and bring about positive change. Key qualities include:

Vision: A clear and inspiring goal for the future. For example, Gandhi envisioned a free India based on equality and self-reliance.

Empathy: Understanding and addressing the needs of others, especially the marginalized.

Courage: Taking bold actions and standing firm against challenges, as seen in Gandhi’s non-violent protests.

Integrity: Being honest and consistent in words and actions, earning trust and respect.

Effective Communication: The ability to inspire, persuade, and mobilize people through words and actions.

Adaptability: Responding to changing circumstances while maintaining focus on the ultimate goal.

Resilience: Remaining determined in the face of adversity or setbacks.

Inclusiveness: Engaging people from diverse backgrounds and ensuring everyone feels valued.

Such qualities enable leaders to guide people toward shared goals, even in difficult circumstances.

 

Working with words

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

For example: deposition

Answer: Words Related to Legal Procedures from the Text (Indigo):

1.     Deposition

2.     Summons

3.     Court

4.     Trial

5.     Advocate

6.     Prosecution

7.     Plea

8.     Verdict

9.     Magistrate

Petition

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

Answer: Other Words Related to Legal Procedures:

1.     Affidavit

2.     Bail

3.     Conviction

4.     Defendant

5.     Litigation

6.     Plaintiff

7.     Appeal

8.     Evidence

9.     Judgment

10. Oath

11. Subpoena

12. Hearing

13. Arbitration

14. Cross-examination

15. Testimony

These words are frequently used in the legal domain and are essential for understanding judicial processes.

 

Thinking about language

1. Notice the sentences in the text which are in ‘direct speech’.

Why does the author use quotations in his narration?

Answer: The author uses quotations in direct speech to:

Bring Authenticity: Quoting the actual words of Gandhi and others makes the narrative more credible and vivid.

Convey Emotions and Tone: The spoken words reflect the speaker's emotions, beliefs, and tone, adding depth to the story.

Engage the Reader: Direct speech makes the text more interactive and engaging, allowing readers to connect with the characters and events on a personal level.

Highlight Key Moments: Important statements, like Gandhi’s firm replies to the authorities, are given prominence through direct speech to emphasize their significance.

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.

Answer: A comma is used after the introductory clause, "When I first visited Gandhi in 1942 at his ashram in Sevagram," to separate it from the main clause. This improves clarity and readability.

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

Answer: No comma is used here because the sentence has a straightforward structure, and the main clause flows naturally with the subordinate clause.

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

Answer: A comma is used after the introductory adverbial clause, "When the court reconvened," to set it apart from the main clause for better readability.

 

Rules Observed for Comma Usage

Introductory Clauses: A comma is often used after introductory phrases or clauses for clarity (as in (a) and (c)).

No Unnecessary Comma: If the sentence is short or flows naturally, a comma may not be used (as in (b)).
This deliberate use of commas enhances the narrative’s clarity and pace.

 

Things to do

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.

2. Find out the facts of the case.

3. Present your arguments.

4. Suggest a possible settlement.

Answer:

Issue: The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Controversy

1. Background and Controversy

The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP), located in Tamil Nadu, India, has faced protests since its inception in the late 1980s. The controversy centers around concerns raised by locals, activists, and environmentalists about safety, displacement, and environmental degradation. The plant's establishment posed significant risks to the livelihoods of nearby fishing communities and raised fears of a potential nuclear disaster, especially in the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan.

 

2. Facts of the Case

Proposed Benefits: The plant aims to address India's growing energy demands by generating large-scale nuclear energy.

Local Opposition: Fisherfolk and villagers fear radiation leakage, potential displacement, and harm to marine ecosystems.

Government's Stand: Authorities assert that the plant adheres to international safety standards and is critical for energy security.

Current Status: Despite opposition, the plant became operational in 2013, but protests continue.

 

3. Arguments

For the Project:

Energy Security: India needs clean and reliable energy sources to meet its development goals.

Technological Advancement: The plant uses advanced safety mechanisms and has international oversight.

Economic Growth: Large-scale energy generation boosts industries and creates jobs.

Against the Project:

Safety Concerns: Proximity to the coast and seismic activity raises the risk of disasters.

Displacement: Fisherfolk face livelihood disruptions due to restricted access to fishing zones.

Environmental Impact: Marine biodiversity may be affected by the plant's operations.

 

4. Possible Settlement

Strengthen Safety Measures: Regular inspections by international agencies and transparent reporting of safety protocols can build public confidence.

Compensation for Affected Communities: Adequate financial and resettlement support for displaced families, along with training for alternative livelihoods.

Local Participation: Involving community representatives in decision-making processes can ensure their concerns are addressed.

Promotion of Renewable Energy: Investing in solar and wind energy alongside nuclear energy to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on high-risk projects.

Such a balanced approach could address energy needs while safeguarding the rights and well-being of affected communities.