Champaran Satyagraha was a kind of peaceful protest, first to be started by Mahatma Gandhi. It was started by him from the Champaran district of Bihar on 19 April 1917. He was also supported by Rajendra Kumar, JB Kripalani, Mahadev Desai, Brajkishore, and Narhari Parikh in this Satyagraha.
The main cause of Champaran Satyagrah was to raise a voice against the exploitation of farmers of Champaran. There was a slowdown in the cultivation of indigo of farmers in Champaran because chemical-based colours had introduced in the market. In such a situation, the officials started collecting money more than the applicable tax. By this, the condition of the farmers became even more pathetic.
It was Rajkumar Shukla who met Mahatma Gandhi regarding this matter and asked for his support in the protest. The Champaran Satyagraha received enormous support from the public, and in July 1916, the British government had to set up a commission to investigate the matter.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha had such an effect that this exploitation of farmers was abolished by the British Government. Also, 25 % of the money recovered from the farmers was returned. Champaran Satyagraha is such an event of not only Indian history but also world history, which challenged the British imperialism.
