Question 2 - Chapter 5 - Indigo - Flamingo - Chapters (Literature) - English Class 12

Read the extract and answer the following questions.

Extract:

The news of Gandhi’s advent and of the nature of his mission spread quickly through Muzzafarpur and to Champaran. Sharecroppers from Champaran began arriving on foot and by conveyance to see their champion. Muzzafarpur lawyers called on Gandhi to brief him; they frequently represented peasant groups in court; they told him about their cases and reported the size of their fee.

(Indigo)

Question (i)

What was the nature of Gandhi's mission in Champaran?

1. To fight for the rights of the sharecroppers
2. To negotiate with the British landlords
3. To promote his principles of truth and nonviolence
4. To establish his own ashram

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

(a) To fight for the rights of the sharecroppers

Step-by-step explanation:

•  To answer this question, we need to recall the main purpose of Gandhi's visit to Champaran. Gandhi was invited by Shukla, a peasant from Champaran, to help the sharecroppers who were forced to grow indigo and pay heavy taxes by the British landlords.
•  Gandhi wanted to end this injustice and oppression and free the peasants from their misery. 
• Therefore, the correct option is A. To fight for the rights of the sharecroppers.😊

Question (ii) 

Why did Muzzafarpur lawyers call on Gandhi to brief him?

1. They wanted to join his movement
2. They wanted to warn him about the risks
3. They wanted to share their knowledge and experience
4. They wanted to charge him for their services

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

(c) They wanted to share their knowledge and experience

Step-by-step explanation: 

• To answer this question, we need to understand the motive of Muzzafarpur lawyers in meeting Gandhi. 
• The extract tells us that they frequently represented peasant groups in court and they told him about their cases and reported the size of their fee. 
• This implies that they wanted to share their knowledge and experience with Gandhi and inform him about the legal aspects of the peasant's situation. 
• Therefore, the correct option is C. They wanted to share their knowledge and experience.😎

Question (iii)

 Complete the sentence appropriately. 

The phrase "to see their champion" suggests that the sharecroppers from Champaran had ____________ in Gandhi.

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

 faith

Step-by-step explanation: 

• To answer this question, we need to find a word that best describes the sharecroppers' attitude and expectation towards Gandhi. 
• The phrase "to see their champion" suggests that the sharecroppers from Champaran had a strong belief and trust in Gandhi and his ability to help them overcome their problems. 
• Therefore, a suitable word that fits the blank is faith.👏

Question (iv)

Pick evidence from the extract that helps one infer that Gandhi's arrival in Muzzafarpur was a significant event.

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

 The news of Gandhi’s advent and of the nature of his mission spread quickly

Step-by-step explanation: 

• To answer this question, we need to identify a sentence or a phrase from the extract that supports the inference that Gandhi's arrival in Muzzafarpur was a significant event. 
• The first sentence of the extract tells us that the news of Gandhi’s advent and of the nature of his mission spread quickly through Muzzafarpur and to Champaran. 
• This implies that Gandhi's visit was a matter of great interest and importance for the people of those regions. Therefore, the correct evidence is the news of Gandhi’s advent and of the nature of his mission spread quickly.🙏

Question (v)

 What does the term 'sharecroppers' mean?

1. Farmers who share their crops with others
2. Farmers who grow crops on rented land
3. Farmers who own a share of the land
4. Farmers who work as partners

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

(b) Farmers who grow crops on rented land

Step-by-step explanation: 

• To answer this question, we need to know the meaning of the term 'sharecroppers'. Sharecroppers are farmers who grow crops on rented land and pay a part of their produce or income as rent to the landowner. 
• In Champaran, the sharecroppers were mostly poor and illiterate peasants who were exploited by the British landlords who owned large estates. 
• Therefore, the correct option is B. Farmers who grow crops on rented land.👍

Question (vi)

 Which of the following headlines best suggests the central idea of the extract?

1. The Arrival of a Leader
2. The Role of Lawyers
3. The Plight of Peasants
4. The Spread of News

Answer:

Answer as written by the student:

(a) The Arrival of a Leader

Step-by-step explanation: 

• To answer this question, we need to identify the main theme or message of the extract. 
• The extract focuses on how Gandhi's arrival in Muzzafarpur and his mission in Champaran attracted the attention and admiration of the sharecroppers and the lawyers who wanted to see him and talk to him. 
• Gandhi was seen as a leader and a champion who could bring justice and freedom to the oppressed peasants. 
• Therefore, the headline that best captures this idea is A. The Arrival of a Leader.😊