Champaran in Bihar was a witness to satyagrah by Mahatma Gandhi in the year ___________.

Correct option is B

Correct Answer: (b) 1917

The Champaran Satyagraha (1917) was Mahatma Gandhi’s first major political movement in India. It was launched in Bihar to protest against the exploitation of indigo farmers by British landlords. The Tinkathia system forced farmers to cultivate indigo on 3/20th of their land, causing economic distress.

Gandhi arrived in Champaran in April 1917 and organized non-violent resistance (Satyagraha). As a result, the British government appointed a committee to investigate the issue, which eventually led to the abolition of the Tinkathia system.

This movement marked the beginning of mass participation in India's freedom struggle and demonstrated the effectiveness of non-violent civil disobedience.

Information Booster

• Champaran Satyagraha was Mahatma Gandhi’s first Satyagraha in India.
• Rajkumar Shukla, a local farmer, invited Gandhi to Champaran.
• The British forced farmers to grow indigo instead of food crops.
• The movement led to the passing of the Champaran Agrarian Act, reducing peasants’ burdens.
• This Satyagraha laid the foundation for future national movements like Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience.

Additional Knowledge

• 1915  – Gandhi returned to India from South Africa but had not yet launched any movement.
• 1918: In1918, Gandhi led theKheda Satyagrahain Gujarat, focused on providing relief to farmers suffering from famine and plague.
• 1916: The year1916was significant for theLucknow Pact, which brought together the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League.