You are here
How did Gandhi win the trust and confidence of the peasants of Champaran?
Answer as written by the student:
Gandhi won the trust and confidence of the peasants of Champaran by-
- listening to their grievances,
- conducting a detailed inquiry into their conditions,
- challenging the oppressive laws and policies of the British planters and authorities,
- mobilizing mass support for his campaign of civil disobedience or satyagraha,
- negotiating a fair settlement for them.
Step-by-step explanation of the answer:
To answer a process question, you have to look for clues that tell you how something happened or was done in the web search results. 🗝️
The main steps that Gandhi took to win the trust and confidence of the peasants of Champaran are as follows:
- He listened to their grievances : Gandhi first came to know about the plight of the peasants from Rajkumar Shukla, a Champaran farmer who met him at an Indian National Congress meeting in December 1916. Shukla persuaded Gandhi to visit Champaran and see for himself the situation of the peasants who were forced to grow indigo by the British planters. Gandhi agreed and arrived in Champaran in April 1917. He met with many peasants and heard their stories of suffering and injustice. He also met with some local leaders and lawyers who were working for the peasants’ cause. He gained their respect and sympathy by showing genuine interest and concern for their problems
- He conducted a detailed inquiry into their conditions : Gandhi decided to conduct a systematic investigation into the conditions of the peasants and collect evidence of their exploitation and oppression by the British planters and authorities. He visited several villages and recorded statements from hundreds of peasants. He also collected documents such as contracts, receipts, and petitions that showed how the peasants were cheated and harassed by the planters.
- He challenged the oppressive laws and policies of the British planters and authorities: Gandhi’s inquiry into the peasants’ conditions angered the British planters and authorities, who saw him as a threat to their interests and power. They tried to stop him from continuing his investigation by issuing orders and notices against him. They also tried to arrest him and deport him from Champaran. However, Gandhi defied their orders and notices, and refused to leave Champaran without completing his mission.
