Gandhi’s Early Movements in India

Champaran Satyagraha (1917) – Bihar

  • Issue: Indigo planters (peasants) were forced to grow indigo on a part of their land under the Tinkathia system.
  • Leaders Involved: Rajkumar Shukla invited Gandhi.
  • Method: Gandhi used Satyagraha (peaceful protest) for the first time in India.
  • Outcome: Planters had to refund 25% of the illegal dues; Tinkathia system abolished.
  • Significance: Gandhi’s first major success in India.

Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918) – Gujarat

  • Issue: Workers demanded a wage hike (due to inflation), while mill owners were unwilling.
  • Method: Gandhi fasted to pressurize mill owners – a moral weapon.
  • Outcome: 35% wage increase awarded through arbitration.
  • Significance: Gandhi emerged as a mediator in industrial disputes.

Kheda Satyagraha (1918) – Gujarat

  • Issue: Crop failure due to drought; peasants couldn’t pay revenue.
  • Demands: Remission of land revenue.
  • Leaders Involved: Sardar Patel, Indulal Yagnik, and Gandhi.
  • Method: Satyagraha – peasants refused to pay revenue.
  • Outcome: Revenue collection suspended for the year.
  • Significance: Strengthened peasant movement and Gandhi’s leadership.

 

 

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