Indigo Class 12 Question Answers

Textual Question & Answers

Q. 2. Why is Rajkumar described as being resolute?

Ans: Rajkumar Shukla is described as resolute because he persistently followed Gandhi, hoping he would help the poor farmers in Champaran. Despite being illiterate and Gandhi’s busy schedule, Shukla waited until Gandhi was available.

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

Ans: The servants thought Gandhi was just another peasant because he dressed simply and looked like the poor peasants they knew. They were familiar with Shukla, a poor peasant from Champaran, and assumed Gandhi was similar.

Q. 4. List the place that Gandhi visited between his first meeting with Shukla and his arrival at Champaran.

Ans: Lucknow —>Ashram (Ahmadabad) –>Calcutta —> Patna —> Muzaffarpur —>Motihari —> Champaran.

Q. 5. 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?

Ans: The peasants had to grow indigo on 15% of their land and give the entire crop to the landlords as rent. As synthetic indigo became cheaper, landlords wanted compensation to release the peasants from this obligation. The peasants saw this as a trick. With the rise of synthetic indigo, natural indigo lost value and became less profitable.

Q.6. The event 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?

Ans: Gandhi respected laws but would defy them if they went against justice and human values. He stayed in Champaran despite being told to leave, showing his commitment to his cause. He was polite and helped manage the crowd while still being willing to disobey laws for the greater good. These actions reflect his beliefs in satyagraha and non-violence.

Q.7. Why did Gandhi agree to the settlement of 25% refund to the farmers?

Ans: Gandhi explained that the amount of the refund was less important than the landlords, who were humbled. They were compelled to surrender not only money but also their prestige. Therefore, Gandhi agreed to accept the settlement though earlier he had claimed 50% refund.

Q.8. How did the episode change the plight of the peasant?

Ans: The episode changed the peasants’ lives by showing them that they had rights and could stand up for themselves. They gained courage, and within a few years, the British planters left. The peasants took over the land, and the sharecropping system ended.

Understanding the Text

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

Ans: Gandhi saw the Champaran episode as a turning point because it was his first major mass movement in India, aimed at freeing peasants from landlord cruelty. The success showed the power of civil disobedience, humbling the landlords and boosting the peasants’ confidence in their rights. It marked the start of their fight against British rule.

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

Ans: Gandhi influenced the lawyers by criticizing them for charging poor peasants high fees, making them see that the law was useless for the poor. He then asked Bihar’s lawyers what they would do if he was jailed. When a senior lawyer said they would leave, Gandhi challenged them by asking how that would help the peasants. Realizing Gandhi’s commitment, the lawyers decided to support him and follow him to prison if needed.

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

Ans: In smaller localities, most Indians were indifferent and hesitant about supporting home rule advocates. They were disorganized and fearful of showing sympathy, as they couldn’t imagine a large-scale movement before Gandhi.

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

Ans: Ordinary people played a crucial role in the freedom movement. Gandhi reached out to millions, including those in rural areas. For example, in Champaran, peasants, unaware of Gandhi’s past work, joined the movement after learning he needed help. They actively participated in key events like the Dandi March and the boycott of British goods, showing their commitment to freedom.

6. ” freedom from fear is more important then legal justice for the poor” you think that the poor of India Are free from fear after independence ?

Ans: The statement that “freedom from fear is more important than legal justice for the poor” is still relevant in India. Poor people often avoid courts due to red tape and high lawyer fees, just as Gandhi criticized lawyers in Bihar for charging too much. Today, many poor people still face fear and exploitation. They struggle to survive, face unfair prices for their crops, and deal with corruption and insecurity from powerful figures. So, despite independence, many poor Indians remain burdened by fear.

7. The qualities of a good leader.

Ans: A good leader understands and prioritizes the people’s needs. They should guide others towards progress with courage, determination, and a selfless attitude. Being a strong speaker, having a positive influence, and being clear with ideas and actions are also important qualities.