Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Champaran Satyagraha movement
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question returns to the early phase of Gandhis leadership in India. In 1917 he led a major movement in Champaran district of Bihar to address the suffering of indigo cultivators forced to grow indigo under oppressive conditions. This movement marked the first successful application of Satyagraha on Indian soil and helped establish Gandhi as a national leader.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The year is 1917.
- The place is Champaran in Bihar.
- The issue involves exploitation of indigo cultivators by European planters.
- The options list several movements Non Cooperation, Quit India, Swadeshi, Civil Disobedience and Champaran Satyagraha.
Concept / Approach:
The concept here is to match the correct movement with its time, place and issue. Champaran Satyagraha took place in 1917 and was focused on indigo peasants under the tinkathia system. Non Cooperation Movement began in 1920, Civil Disobedience Movement around 1930, Quit India Movement in 1942, and Swadeshi is associated particularly with early twentieth century protests against the partition of Bengal. So for 1917 and Champaran, the correct label is Champaran Satyagraha movement.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note the key clues the year 1917, the place Champaran and the subject indigo cultivators.Step 2: Recall that Champaran Satyagraha in 1917 was Gandhis first major Satyagraha in India.Step 3: Recognise that Non Cooperation Movement was launched later in 1920 in response to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and Khilafat issues.Step 4: Remember that Civil Disobedience Movement began in 1930 with events like the Dandi March, and Quit India Movement in 1942 called for the British to leave India immediately.Step 5: Therefore, match the given details with Champaran Satyagraha movement and choose it as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by organising Gandhis major campaigns chronologically Champaran Satyagraha 1917, Kheda and Ahmedabad 1918, Non Cooperation 1920 to 1922, Civil Disobedience around 1930, and Quit India in 1942. Swadeshi agitation against partition of Bengal is even earlier, beginning in 1905. Since the question is clearly set in 1917 and located at Champaran, the match with Champaran Satyagraha is straightforward.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Non Cooperation Movement: This began in 1920 and was a nationwide boycott of British institutions, not a local peasant movement in 1917.- Quit India Movement: Launched in 1942, it came much later and had the main slogan Leave India.- Swadeshi Movement: Linked to the anti partition agitation in Bengal after 1905, not to indigo cultivation in Champaran.- Civil Disobedience Movement: Started in 1930 with the Salt Satyagraha and focused on defiance of unjust laws across the country.
Common Pitfalls:
Some learners simply see the name Gandhi and pick one of the larger nationwide movements like Non Cooperation or Quit India, forgetting the earlier local struggles. Another pitfall is to confuse Champaran with Kheda or Bardoli because all involve peasants. Remember that Champaran is always tied to indigo and to 1917, making Champaran Satyagraha the correct match.
Final Answer:
In 1917, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Champaran Satyagraha movement from Champaran in Bihar to protest the exploitation of indigo cultivators.
Discussion & Comments