In India, Mahatma Gandhi's first Satyagraha campaign was launched at which of the following places?

Introduction / Context:
This question concerns the early political activities of Mahatma Gandhi after his return from South Africa. Satyagraha, his method of non-violent resistance based on truth and moral force, became a central strategy in the Indian freedom struggle. Knowing where his first Satyagraha campaign in India took place is a basic but important fact in modern Indian history and frequently appears in competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question is specifically about Gandhi's first Satyagraha campaign in India.
• Options include Bardoli, Dandi, Champaran and Baroda.
• We assume the standard chronology of Gandhi's movements after 1915.
• We distinguish between various later agitations such as Bardoli Satyagraha and the Dandi March.

Concept / Approach:
After returning to India in 1915, Gandhi initially spent time understanding Indian conditions under Gopal Krishna Gokhale's advice. His first major experiment with Satyagraha on Indian soil was in Champaran, Bihar, in 1917. This movement aimed to address the grievances of indigo cultivators who were forced by European planters to grow indigo under the tinkathia system. Gandhi organised investigations, mobilised peasants and successfully pressured the authorities to appoint a committee and provide relief. Later Satyagraha movements, like the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928 and the Dandi March of 1930, came after Champaran and should not be confused with this first experiment.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall Gandhi's timeline after arriving in India in 1915 and travelling across the country.Step 2: Identify the Champaran movement of 1917 as the first Satyagraha in India, focused on the plight of indigo peasants.Step 3: Recognise that Bardoli Satyagraha took place later (1928) under the leadership of Sardar Patel, with Gandhi's guidance.Step 4: Remember that the Dandi March in 1930 was part of the Civil Disobedience Movement and not the first Satyagraha.Step 5: Baroda (Vadodara) is not associated with Gandhi's first Satyagraha campaign.Step 6: Therefore, select 'Champaran in Bihar' as the correct option.

Verification / Alternative check:
All standard modern Indian history textbooks and exam-oriented notes clearly describe the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 as Gandhi's first Satyagraha in India. Practice MCQs on the Gandhian era regularly include this question and consistently give Champaran as the answer. This repeated confirmation across reliable sources makes our choice secure.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Bardoli in Gujarat: Site of the famous Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928, but not the first Satyagraha in India.Dandi on the Gujarat coast: Associated with the Salt March (Dandi March) of 1930, an iconic event but later in time.Baroda (Vadodara): Although an important city, it is not the location of Gandhi's first Satyagraha campaign.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse the many Satyagraha movements and may pick Bardoli or Dandi because they are very famous. Another pitfall is mixing Gandhi's first Satyagraha in South Africa with his first in India. To avoid these mistakes, remember: first Satyagraha in South Africa – related to Indian rights there; first Satyagraha in India – Champaran in 1917 for indigo cultivators.

Final Answer:
Mahatma Gandhi's first Satyagraha campaign in India was launched at Champaran in Bihar.