Champaran satyagraha

Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha

The Indian freedom struggle against British colonial rule witnessed numerous movements, both violent and nonviolent. Among these, the Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha stand out as two pivotal nonviolent civil disobedience movements led by Mahatma Gandhi, which not only marked his entry into Indian politics but also laid the foundation for mass-based peaceful resistance in the country. These movements were significant not just for their immediate outcomes but also because they brought the common people into the heart of the freedom struggle.

Background of Champaran Satyagraha (1917)

The Champaran district in Bihar was home to thousands of poor tenant farmers who were trapped in a vicious cycle of exploitation by British indigo planters under the Tinkathia system. Under this system, peasants were forced to grow indigo on three - twentieths (15%) of their land and sell it at a fixed price to the British, which was usually much lower than the market rate. With the rise of synthetic dyes in Europe, the demand for indigo had reduced, but British planters continued forcing peasants to cultivate it, often leaving them in extreme poverty and debt.

The conditions of the farmers worsened after the floods and famine in the region. The planters, however, refused to reduce the taxes or compensate the farmers. The oppression was severe, and the legal system heavily favored the colonial rulers.

Gandhi's Entry into Champaran

In 1917, Raj Kumar Shukla, a local farmer, persistently appealed to Gandhi to visit Champaran and witness the conditions firsthand. Gandhi agreed and visited the region. On his arrival, he was served a notice by the British authorities to leave the district, which he refused to obey, marking his first act of civil disobedience in India. He was summoned to court, and the case generated public interest and support. Eventually, the case was dropped due to mounting pressure and growing support for Gandhi.

Gandhi then began a thorough investigation into the farmers’ conditions. Along with other dedicated volunteers such as Rajendra Prasad, Acharya Kripalani, and Brajkishore Prasad, he gathered detailed testimonies and documented the extent of exploitation.

Outcomes of Champaran Satyagraha

Gandhi's firm yet peaceful approach brought significant success:

1. A formal inquiry was set up by the British government with Gandhi included as a member.
2. The inquiry confirmed the farmers’ plight, and the Tinkathia system was abolished.
3. Planters were asked to refund a part of the extorted money (ultimately 25% of their unjust profits).
4. More importantly, it was the first time Indian peasants realized the power of unity and nonviolent protest.

Champaran Satyagraha also brought Gandhi national recognition. His methods of truth (Satya) and nonviolence (Ahimsa) found deep resonance among the masses and marked the beginning of his leadership in India’s independence movement.

Kheda Satyagraha (1918): Struggle in Gujarat

Following the success of Champaran, Gandhi was drawn into another crisis, this time in Kheda district of Gujarat. In 1918, Kheda, a largely agrarian region, was facing a terrible famine due to crop failure. According to colonial law, if agricultural production fell below a certain threshold, the taxes should be waived. However, the British government refused to grant any relief and demanded full land revenue.

This caused severe distress among farmers, many of whom had lost their crops and livelihood. The situation was aggravated by the global influenza epidemic of 1918. People lacked food, medical care, and the means to survive, yet the colonial administration showed no empathy.

Leadership and Strategy

At the invitation of local leaders such as Vallabhbhai Patel, Indulal Yagnik, and Shankarlal Banker, Gandhi initiated the Kheda Satyagraha. Gandhi employed the principles of noncooperation and civil disobedience. He encouraged farmers not to pay taxes unless the government suspended the revenue collection. A disciplined movement was launched where peasants pledged to remain nonviolent and united.

Leaders organized meetings, published pamphlets, and provided legal help to those arrested. Volunteers ensured that villagers did not cave into pressure, and support poured in from other parts of India as well.

British Response and Result

Initially, the British responded with repression. Many properties were seized, and leaders were arrested. But the peaceful and firm resistance drew widespread attention. The government eventually softened its stance and agreed to:

1. Suspend tax collection for the year in areas severely affected by the famine.
2. Return confiscated lands and properties to farmers.
3. Show more flexibility in revenue assessments.

The success of Kheda Satyagraha boosted the morale of farmers and proved that unarmed resistance could bring real change even against a powerful empire.

Significance of Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha

These two movements were more than just regional struggles; they were turning points in India’s freedom journey:

1. Gandhi’s Leadership Validated

They marked the transformation of Gandhi from a political observer to a mass leader. His methods of Satyagraha, rooted in truth, self-discipline, and courage, became central to future freedom campaigns.

2. Empowerment of Peasantry

For the first time, the rural population – previously ignored in nationalist politics – became active participants. Their voices were amplified, and their dignity restored.

3. Template for Future Movements

The tactics used in these movements – passive resistance, community organization, voluntary services, and legal protest – served as a blueprint for later campaigns, including the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement.

4. Fusion of Ethics and Politics

Gandhi demonstrated that politics could be ethical and compassionate. The emphasis was not only on achieving results but doing so in a way that upheld human values.

5. Emergence of Future Leaders

Both struggles helped shape future Indian leaders. In Champaran, Rajendra Prasad emerged as a strong nationalist. In Kheda, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel displayed exemplary organizational skills that would later earn him the title “Iron Man of India.”

Conclusion

The Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha were the earliest victories of India's nonviolent resistance against colonial exploitation. They instilled confidence among the masses and opened up new dimensions in the freedom movement. These struggles were not merely about economic relief but about asserting human dignity and self-respect. Gandhi’s leadership showed that nonviolence is not passive submission, but a potent force for change.

In many ways, Champaran and Kheda sowed the seeds of India's larger struggle for independence and proved that the path of truth and nonviolence, though difficult, could lead to lasting justice and liberation.