Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Indigo Revolt of 1859-60 in Bengal stands as a pivotal moment in the history of Indian resistance to colonial rule. Prior to this, uprisings were largely localized and often driven by religious or tribal sentiments. The indigo cultivation system, characterized by exploitative contracts and coercion, had created widespread discontent among Bengali peasants. This revolt was unique because it witnessed the convergence of two distinct forms of protest: the direct, often violent, resistance of the peasantry and the organized, constitutional agitation led by educated elites. This confluence marked a significant step towards a more unified and politically conscious anti-colonial movement.
The Indigo Cultivation System and Grievances
Indigo, a natural dye highly valued in European textile industries, was a major cash crop in Bengal. European planters established indigo factories and forced peasants to cultivate indigo under highly unfavorable terms. The system operated through contracts (nijbat) where peasants were compelled to grow indigo on a portion of their land, often at the cost of food crops. Key grievances included:
- Coercive Contracts: Planters often used force and intimidation to secure contracts.
- Low Prices: Peasants were paid very low prices for their indigo, while planters profited immensely.
- Debt Trap: Peasants frequently fell into debt due to unfair pricing and forced cultivation.
- Land Alienation: The system led to the loss of land for many peasants.
The Outbreak and Spread of the Revolt
The revolt began in Gobindpur, Nadia district, in March 1859, when peasants refused to sow indigo. This initial resistance quickly spread to other districts of Bengal, including Jessore, Faridpur, and Birbhum. The revolt was characterized by:
- Spontaneous Peasant Resistance: Peasants attacked indigo factories, looted property, and resisted the planters’ demands. They often used traditional weapons and methods of protest.
- Formation of Peasant Organizations: Local peasant organizations, known as Krishak Samitis, emerged to coordinate the resistance.
- Role of Zamindars: Some zamindars supported the peasants, while others sided with the planters.
Constitutional Agitation and the Role of the Press
Simultaneously with the peasant uprising, a parallel movement of constitutional agitation was gaining momentum. Led by educated elites and journalists, this movement aimed to expose the atrocities of the indigo planters and mobilize public opinion in favor of the peasants. Key figures included:
- Harish Chandra Mukherjee: Editor of the Hindu Patriot, he played a crucial role in exposing the planters’ exploitation through his fiery editorials.
- Dinabandhu Mitra: His play, Nil Darpan (The Indigo Mirror), vividly depicted the plight of the indigo peasants and generated widespread sympathy for their cause.
- Rev. James Long: A Christian missionary who actively supported the peasants and documented their grievances.
The press, particularly newspapers like the Hindu Patriot and Amrita Bazar Patrika, played a vital role in disseminating information about the revolt and mobilizing public support. Petitions were submitted to the government, and public meetings were organized to demand justice for the peasants.
Government Response and Aftermath
Initially, the government sided with the planters. However, the widespread unrest and the growing public outcry forced the government to intervene. In 1860, the government appointed a commission to investigate the indigo problem. The commission’s report confirmed the planters’ exploitative practices. As a result, the government:
- Issued a notification in 1860, declaring that indigo contracts could not be enforced if they were deemed unfair to the peasants.
- Encouraged planters to moderate their demands and adopt more equitable practices.
While the revolt did not completely abolish the indigo cultivation system, it significantly weakened the planters’ power and improved the conditions of the indigo peasants. It also demonstrated the potential of combined resistance – spontaneous peasant action and organized constitutional agitation – in challenging colonial authority.
Conclusion
The Indigo Revolt of 1859-60 was a watershed moment in the Indian freedom struggle. It was the first major peasant uprising to receive significant support from the educated middle class, demonstrating the growing unity between different sections of Indian society in their opposition to colonial rule. The revolt’s success in forcing the government to address the grievances of the indigo peasants served as an inspiration for future movements and laid the groundwork for a more organized and politically conscious anti-colonial struggle. It highlighted the power of combined action and the importance of public opinion in challenging colonial authority.
Answer Length
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