The colonial era Tinkathiya Pratha, under which peasants were forced to grow indigo on three twentieths of their land, is mainly associated with which region in India?

Introduction / Context:
This question ties together Indian geography and the history of the freedom struggle. Tinkathiya Pratha was an exploitative agricultural system imposed during colonial times, especially in the context of indigo cultivation. It is closely linked to a specific region where Mahatma Gandhi later led a famous satyagraha. Recognising that region allows candidates to connect historical events with their geographical locations.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• Tinkathiya Pratha refers to a system where peasants had to plant indigo on three twentieths of their land.
• The question asks about the region mainly associated with this practice.
• The options are Champaran, Kheda, Bardoli, and Darbhanga.
• We assume knowledge of key movements and their regional settings during the Indian freedom struggle.

Concept / Approach:
Tinkathiya Pratha is historically associated with the Champaran region of present day Bihar. Under this system, European indigo planters forced peasants to grow indigo on a fixed fraction of their land, which was economically harmful to the cultivators. Mahatma Gandhi led the Champaran Satyagraha in response to this exploitation. Kheda and Bardoli are linked with separate peasant movements in Gujarat, and Darbhanga, also in Bihar, is not the main region associated with this specific pratha. Therefore, Champaran is the correct choice.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Tinkathiya Pratha involved compulsory indigo cultivation on three twentieths of peasant land. Step 2: Remember that this system became infamous in the Champaran district of Bihar. Step 3: Connect Champaran with the Champaran Satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi against indigo planters. Step 4: Compare this with Kheda and Bardoli, which are associated with tax relief and peasant movements in Gujarat. Step 5: Conclude that Champaran is the correct region linked with Tinkathiya Pratha.

Verification / Alternative check:
History textbooks and exam oriented notes on the national movement describe Tinkathiya Pratha as a system in Champaran, where peasants were compelled to grow indigo on three twentieths of their holdings. The Champaran Satyagraha in 1917 is documented as Gandhi first major experiment with satyagraha in India, aimed at ending this specific system. Kheda and Bardoli are described separately in chapters on later peasant movements in Gujarat, confirming that the pratha in question is particular to Champaran.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kheda: Known for the Kheda Satyagraha where peasants sought tax remission due to crop failure, not for Tinkathiya Pratha.

Bardoli: Associated with the Bardoli Satyagraha led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel against increased land revenue, not with compulsory indigo cultivation.

Darbhanga: Although in Bihar, it is not the region highlighted in history for Tinkathiya Pratha and the indigo planters movement.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates often mix up various peasant movements, especially those involving Gandhi, and may confuse Champaran with Kheda or Bardoli. Another pitfall is focusing only on state names and assuming any district name in Bihar might work. To prevent this, one should learn the specific pairing: Tinkathiya and indigo with Champaran, tax remission issues with Kheda, and revenue enhancement protest with Bardoli.

Final Answer:
The correct choice is Champaran, because the Tinkathiya Pratha of compulsory indigo cultivation was mainly associated with that region.