In the Indian freedom struggle, where did Mahatma Gandhi launch his first Satyagraha campaign in India?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Champaran in Bihar

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Mahatma Gandhi developed the method of satyagraha, or non violent resistance, first in South Africa and then applied it in India. Knowing the location of his first satyagraha in India is a standard question in modern Indian history because it marks the beginning of his large scale mass movements within the country.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The question asks for the place where Gandhi launched his first satyagraha campaign on Indian soil.
  • The options include Champaran, Ahmedabad, Kheda, Allahabad and Bardoli.
  • All of these places are associated with important movements, so we need to recall the chronological order.


Concept / Approach:
Gandhi's first satyagraha in India was the Champaran movement of 1917, which addressed the grievances of indigo peasants against European planters in Bihar. This was followed by the Ahmedabad mill workers strike in 1918 and the Kheda peasant satyagraha in the same period. Bardoli came later under the leadership of Vallabhbhai Patel. Recognising Champaran as the earliest satyagraha led by Gandhi in India is the crucial step.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recall that Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in 1915 and spent time studying conditions before taking up major struggles. Step 2: Note that Champaran satyagraha for indigo cultivators began in 1917 and is widely described as his first satyagraha in India. Step 3: Remember that the Ahmedabad mill strike and Kheda peasant movement happened around 1918, after Champaran. Step 4: Recognise that Bardoli satyagraha was a later movement (1928) led primarily by Vallabhbhai Patel. Step 5: Select Champaran in Bihar as the correct place for Gandhi's first Indian satyagraha.


Verification / Alternative check:
Textbooks on the freedom struggle typically describe Champaran satyagraha as Gandhi's first experiment with mass non violent protest in India. They then move to Ahmedabad and Kheda as subsequent campaigns. This standard narrative confirms that Champaran is the correct answer.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Ahmedabad mill strike in Gujarat: An important labour satyagraha, but it came after Champaran.
  • Kheda peasant struggle in Gujarat: Also significant, but historically the next major satyagraha after Champaran.
  • Allahabad in United Provinces: Associated with many political activities but not with Gandhi's first satyagraha.
  • Bardoli in Gujarat: Famous for a peasant satyagraha led by Vallabhbhai Patel in 1928, not Gandhi's first experiment.


Common Pitfalls:
Because several early satyagrahas took place within a short time, students sometimes mix up their order. A useful sequence to remember is Champaran 1917, Ahmedabad and Kheda 1918 and Bardoli 1928. Keeping this timeline clear helps in answering multiple related questions.


Final Answer:
Correct answer: Champaran in Bihar.

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