Class 12 English NCERT solutions of the Lesson “Indigo” include answers and solutions to intext-questions and textbook exercise question and answers. Also see notes and explanations of the lesson “Indigo”.
Indigo: In-text Questions & Ans.
On Page 47
Q1: 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: (iv) a landlord
(b) Rajkumar Shukla was:
- (i) poor
- (ii) physically strong
- (iii) illiterate
Answer: (ii) physically strong
Q2: Why is Rajkumar Shukla described as being ‘resolute’?
Answer: Rajkumar Shukla was an illiterate indigo farmer from Champaran. He had come to invite Gandhiji to visit his district as there was rampant injustice and oppression prevailing there. Gandhiji mentioned his prior commitments to other parts of India, but Shukla accompanied him everywhere. Eventually, Shukla’s steadfast attitude bore fruit, and Gandhiji agreed to his request. After his Calcutta visit, the two of them proceeded to Patna.
Q3: Why do you think the servants thought Gandhi to be another peasant?
Answer: The servants knew that Rajkumar Shukla was a poor farmer who pestered their master to help the indigo sharecroppers. Since Gandhiji accompanied Shukla and was dressed simply, they mistook him for a peasant. Gandhiji’s modesty and unassertiveness also led to the assumption that he was a peasant.
On Page 49
Q1: List the places that he visited between his first meeting with Shukla and his arrival at Champaran.
Answer: Gandhiji did not visit Champaran immediately because he had prior commitments in other parts of the country. He was expected to visit Cawnpore, after which he returned to his ashram near Ahmedabad. It was only after his visits to Calcutta, Patna, and Muzzaffarpur that he was able to accompany Shukla to Champaran.
Q2: 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 British landlords had entered into a long-term contract with the farmers, compelling all tenants to plant 15% of their holdings with indigo. They had to surrender the entire indigo harvest as rent. Since Germany had developed synthetic indigo, which caused an enormous fall in indigo prices, the landlords wished to give up this arrangement. They demanded compensation for releasing the farmers’ land.
On Page 51
Q1: The events in this part of the text illustrate Gandhiji’s method of working. Can you identify some instances of this method and link them to his ideas of Satyagraha and non-violence?
Answer: Despite the orders from the commissioner to leave Tirhut, Gandhiji did not leave. He reported, “The commissioner proceeded to bully me and advised me forthwith to leave Tirhut,” but Gandhiji did not defer because he was fighting for the cause of truth, which is Satyagraha. He signed a receipt for the notice and wrote on it that he would disobey the order. The event of his going to court proves his method of non-violence. “Their spontaneous demonstration …”
Indigo: Exercise Solutions
Understanding the text
- Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his life?
- How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers? Give instances.
- What was the attitude of the average Indian in smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home rule’?
- How do we know that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement?
Answers:
Q1. Why do you think Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be a turning-point in his life?
Answer: Gandhi considered the Champaran episode to be a turning point in his life because it marked a shift in his approach and philosophy. Instead of beginning as an act of defiance, it originated from an attempt to alleviate the distress of poor peasants. Gandhi’s involvement in addressing the practical, day-to-day problems of millions of people, coupled with his assertion of the rights of Indians against British authority, marked a crucial moment in his journey. The Champaran episode demonstrated Gandhi’s commitment to social justice, nonviolent resistance, and the empowerment of the oppressed, setting the stage for his future endeavors in India’s struggle for independence.
Q2. How was Gandhi able to influence lawyers? Give instances.
Answer: Gandhi was able to influence lawyers through his moral authority, principles of nonviolence, and his commitment to justice. One instance is when he urged lawyers not to collect large fees from sharecroppers in Champaran. He stated that taking such cases to courts did little good and that the real relief for the oppressed peasants was to be free from fear. Gandhi’s persuasive power and his ability to appeal to their sense of justice influenced the lawyers to reconsider their approach, aligning their actions with his vision of nonviolent resistance and social justice.
Q3. What was the attitude of the average Indian in smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home rule’?
Answer: The text doesn’t explicitly mention the attitude of the average Indian in smaller localities towards advocates of ‘home rule.’ However, it can be inferred from Gandhi’s statement about the fear of showing sympathy for advocates of home rule in smaller localities. The text suggests that there might have been a sense of apprehension or fear among the average Indians in smaller localities, possibly due to the political climate or concerns about repercussions from authorities.
Q4. How do we know that ordinary people too contributed to the freedom movement?
Answer: The text provides instances that highlight the contributions of ordinary people to the freedom movement. In Champaran, it was a poor peasant named Rajkumar Shukla who approached Gandhi during the Indian National Congress party convention and implored him to come to his district. Shukla’s determination and initiative played a crucial role in bringing Gandhi to Champaran, emphasizing the significant contribution of ordinary individuals in initiating and inspiring actions for social change. Additionally, the text mentions that during the court proceedings in Champaran, thousands of peasants demonstrated around the courthouse in support of Gandhi, showcasing the spontaneous involvement of ordinary people in the movement. These instances illustrate that the freedom movement was not solely led by political leaders but also fuelled by the active participation and support of ordinary citizens.
Talking about the text
Discuss the following.
- “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 qualities of a good leader.
Answers:
Q1. “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: The statement “Freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor” reflects Gandhi’s emphasis on addressing the immediate and pressing concerns of the poor, even if it means bypassing formal legal processes. After Independence, the extent to which the poor in India are free from fear varies. While there have been improvements in various aspects of socio-economic conditions, challenges such as poverty, inequality, and access to basic rights persist, contributing to a sense of vulnerability among certain sections of the population.
Factors such as economic disparities, social discrimination, and bureaucratic complexities can create an environment where some marginalized communities and individuals may still face fear and insecurity. Issues like land disputes, lack of access to education, and inadequate healthcare can contribute to the perpetuation of fear among the poor. Additionally, political and social unrest in certain regions might impact the sense of security for vulnerable populations.
It’s crucial to acknowledge the progress made in post-Independence India, but addressing the root causes of fear among the poor requires sustained efforts in areas such as economic development, social justice, and inclusive governance.
Q2. The qualities of a good leader.
Answer: The text provides glimpses of Gandhi’s leadership qualities, and the broader context of his life and actions reveals several characteristics that are often considered essential for a good leader:
- Moral Authority: Gandhi’s leadership was grounded in a strong moral foundation. His commitment to nonviolence, truth, and justice earned him moral authority and credibility.
- Empathy: Gandhi’s ability to empathize with the poor and marginalized was a hallmark of his leadership. He actively engaged with the struggles and challenges faced by ordinary people.
- Self-Reliance: Gandhi advocated for self-reliance and encouraged others to stand on their own feet. He believed in empowering individuals to take charge of their destinies.
- Nonviolent Resistance: Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance, or Satyagraha, showcased his belief in the transformative power of nonviolence as a means to achieve social and political change.
- Simplicity: Gandhi’s lifestyle reflected simplicity. He lived modestly, emphasizing the importance of a simple and frugal life.
- Inclusivity: Gandhi’s leadership was inclusive, encompassing people from all walks of life. He believed in unity and harmony among diverse communities.
- Courage: Gandhi displayed immense courage in challenging the status quo, whether it was against British colonial rule or social injustices within India.
These qualities collectively contributed to Gandhi’s effectiveness as a leader. While different leaders may emphasize different aspects, the principles of moral authority, empathy, self-reliance, nonviolent resistance, simplicity, inclusivity, and courage are often regarded as essential attributes of successful and influential leaders.
Things to do
- 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.
- Find out the facts of the case.
- Present your arguments.
- Suggest a possible settlement.
Answers:
Q1. 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.
Answer: Here is a sample answer taking the issue of “Narmada Project”
Issue: The Narmada Dam Project
Facts of the Case:
The Narmada Dam Project, particularly the Sardar Sarovar Dam, is a large-scale river development project in India. It involves the construction of a dam on the Narmada River, with the aim of providing water for irrigation, drinking, and electricity generation. However, the project has been highly controversial due to its significant environmental and social impacts.
- Environmental Impact: The dam has led to the submersion of large areas of land, resulting in the displacement of wildlife and loss of biodiversity. Critics argue that it has disrupted the natural flow of the river, affecting ecosystems downstream.
- Social Impact: The project has caused the displacement of numerous communities, predominantly affecting the livelihoods of indigenous people and farmers. The resettlement and rehabilitation efforts have been criticized for inadequacy, leading to the impoverishment of those affected.
- Economic Impact: While the dam aims to provide water for irrigation and electricity, there are concerns about the economic viability and sustainability of such large-scale projects. The costs and benefits, particularly for the affected communities, have been a subject of debate.
Arguments:
For the Narmada Dam Project:
- Water and Energy Security: Supporters argue that the dam is crucial for water and energy security, addressing the irrigation needs of farmers and providing electricity for rural development.
- Economic Development: Proponents assert that the project contributes to economic development by generating employment opportunities and supporting agricultural growth.
Against the Narmada Dam Project:
- Environmental Degradation: Opponents highlight the environmental degradation caused by the dam, emphasizing the loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystems.
- Social Injustice: Critics argue that the displacement of communities, especially indigenous people, is a violation of their rights, leading to social injustice and economic hardship.
Possible Settlement:
- Independent Review: Initiate an independent and comprehensive review of the project’s environmental and social impacts, involving experts, environmentalists, and representatives of affected communities.
- Enhanced Rehabilitation: Strengthen rehabilitation efforts by ensuring that displaced communities are provided with suitable and sustainable alternatives for housing, livelihoods, and basic amenities.
- Alternative Solutions: Explore and invest in alternative, more environmentally friendly solutions for water and energy needs, considering smaller-scale and decentralized projects that have minimal impact on ecosystems and local communities.
- Community Participation: Establish mechanisms for meaningful participation of affected communities in decision-making processes, ensuring their voices are heard in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of such projects.
- Transparency and Accountability: Enhance transparency in project-related information and finances, ensuring that all stakeholders, including the public, have access to accurate and up-to-date data. Hold accountable those responsible for any lapses or violations.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the Narmada Dam Project requires a balanced approach that considers the needs of the people, environmental sustainability, and economic development. By fostering dialogue, incorporating diverse perspectives, and implementing robust solutions, a more equitable and sustainable resolution can be achieved.
