Test your understanding of Louis Fischer’s narrative on Gandhi’s Champaran movement with multiple-choice questions (Indigo MCQ) covering key events, characters, and themes from Chapter 5, “Indigo.”
Table of Contents
Also Read: “Indigo” Explanation, Analysis, Theme, Q/A
Chapter 5- Indigo MCQ
The excerpt “Indigo” from Louis Fischer’s book “The Life of Mahatma Gandhi” recounts Mahatma Gandhi’s pivotal role in the Champaran movement, a significant episode in India’s struggle for independence. Set in 1917, the narrative delves into Gandhi’s encounter with the plight of indigo sharecroppers in Champaran, Bihar, revealing his commitment to social justice and nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule.
Set I
Total Questions- 30
1. What year did Louis Fischer first visit Gandhi at his ashram in Sevagram?
a) 1917
b) 1942
c) 1916
d) 1920
2. In which district did Rajkumar Shukla, the peasant, come from to seek Gandhi’s help?
a) Bihar
b) Lucknow
c) Champaran
d) Calcutta
3. What was the chief commercial crop in the Champaran district?
a) Cotton
b) Wheat
c) Indigo
d) Rice
4. As mentioned in the text, who was the President of the Congress party and India?
a) Mahadev Desai
b) Brij Kishor Babu
c) Rajendra Prasad
d) Maulana Mazharul Huq
5. What action did Gandhi take when ordered to leave Champaran by the authorities?
a) He left immediately.
b) He refused to leave.
c) He protested outside the courthouse.
d) He sought refuge in another town.
6. What was the outcome of Gandhi’s court appearance regarding his refusal to leave Champaran?
a) He was sentenced to prison.
b) The case was dropped.
c) He was fined.
d) He was ordered to leave within 24 hours.
7. How did the landlords react when Gandhi demanded a 50% refund for the sharecroppers?
a) They accepted without hesitation.
b) They offered only 25% initially.
c) They refused to negotiate.
d) They requested Gandhi to reconsider his demand.
8. What settlement was eventually agreed upon regarding the sharecroppers’ refunds?
a) 100% refund
b) 75% refund
c) 50% refund
d) 25% refund
9. Who volunteered to help improve health conditions in Champaran by providing medical services?
a) Mahadev Desai
b) Kasturbai
c) Charles Freer Andrews
d) A local doctor
10. What lesson did Gandhi teach his lawyer friends when they suggested involving an Englishman in their cause?
a) The importance of international support
b) The need for diversity in their movement
c) The significance of self-reliance
d) The value of diplomatic relations
11. What was the name of the British official commissioner of the Tirhut division whom Gandhi met?
a) Mahadev Desai
b) Brij Kishor Babu
c) Charles Freer Andrews
d) The commissioner’s name is not provided in the excerpt.
12. Which crop were the Champaran peasants compelled to plant according to the ancient arrangement?
a) Wheat
b) Rice
c) Indigo
d) Cotton
13. How did Gandhi react when he received a summons to appear in court the next day?
a) He complied immediately.
b) He fled the town.
c) He organised a protest march.
d) He remained calm and awaited the court proceedings.
14. Who among the following did NOT accompany Gandhi to Champaran?
a) Mahadev Desai
b) Rajendra Prasad
c) Brij Kishor Babu
d) Charles Freer Andrews
15. What role did Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh undertake in Champaran?
a) They served as lawyers for Gandhi.
b) They volunteered to improve health conditions.
c) They opened primary schools in villages.
d) They conducted investigations into peasant grievances.
16. What was the reaction of the Champaran peasants when they heard about Gandhi’s troubles with the authorities?
a) They organised protests in solidarity.
b) They remained indifferent.
c) They criticised Gandhi’s actions.
d) They sought refuge in neighbouring towns.
17. What was the initial purpose of Gandhi’s visit to Champaran?
a) To initiate civil disobedience
b) To protest against British rule
c) To alleviate the distress of poor peasants
d) To negotiate for political reforms
18. Which individual did Gandhi vehemently oppose staying in Champaran to help the cause?
a) Mahadev Desai
b) Rajendra Prasad
c) Brij Kishor Babu
d) Charles Freer Andrews
19. What did Gandhi consider the hallmark of his actions in Champaran?
a) Defiance against British rule
b) A dedication to abstract principles
c) Loyalty to living human beings
d) Dependence on international support
20. What did Gandhi want to achieve economic solutions in Champaran?
a) Social and cultural reform
b) Redistribution of land
c) Establishment of a new government
d) Collaboration with British officials
21. What was the primary response of the British authorities to Gandhi’s refusal to leave Champaran?
a) They arrested him immediately.
b) They attempted to negotiate with him.
c) They issued a formal apology.
d) They ordered him to appear in court.
22. How did Gandhi ultimately convince the British planters to agree to a refund for the sharecroppers?
a) Through aggressive negotiation tactics
b) By threatening to escalate the conflict
c) By accepting a lower refund percentage
d) Through international pressure
23. What did Gandhi’s prolonged stay in Champaran result in beyond the resolution of the immediate issue?
a) Establishing a new government
b) Increased tensions with the British authorities
c) Social and cultural improvements in the villages
d) Escalating violence between peasants and landlords
24. Who volunteered to help improve sanitation conditions in Champaran?
a) Mahadev Desai
b) Kasturbai
c) Charles Freer Andrews
d) A local doctor
25. What was the reaction of the Champaran landlords to Gandhi’s demand for a refund for the sharecroppers?
a) They refused outright.
b) They accepted without hesitation.
c) They negotiated for a higher refund percentage.
d) They sought legal counsel.
26. What lesson did Gandhi aim to impart by refusing assistance from Charles Freer Andrews?
a) The importance of diversity in movements
b) The value of international support
c) The significance of self-reliance
d) The need for diplomatic relations
27. How did the British planters react when Gandhi demanded a 50% refund for the sharecroppers?
a) They agreed immediately.
b) They offered only 25% initially.
c) They threatened legal action.
d) They attempted to negotiate a lower percentage.
28. What did Gandhi emphasise as the most crucial aspect of the refund agreement with the British planters?
a) The total amount of the refund
b) The percentage of the refund
c) The symbolic significance
d) The legal ramifications of the refund
29. How did the Champaran peasants react when Gandhi was in trouble with the authorities?
a) They remained indifferent.
b) They organised protests in solidarity.
c) They criticised Gandhi’s actions.
d) They sought refuge in neighbouring towns.
30. What was the main focus of Gandhi’s efforts beyond resolving the issues of Champaran?
a) Economic reforms
b) Cultural and social improvements
c) Political negotiations
d) Military mobilisation
Answers
- c) 1916
- c) Champaran
- c) Indigo
- c) Rajendra Prasad
- b) He refused to leave.
- d) He was ordered to leave within 24 hours.
- b) They offered only 25% initially.
- c) 50% refund
- c) Charles Freer Andrews
- c) The significance of self-reliance
- d) The commissioner’s name is not provided in the excerpt.
- c) Indigo
- a) He complied immediately.
- d) Charles Freer Andrews
- a) They served as lawyers for Gandhi.
- b) They remained indifferent.
- c) To alleviate the distress of poor peasants
- d) Charles Freer Andrews
- c) Loyalty to living human beings
- b) Redistribution of land
- d) They ordered him to appear in court.
- a) Through aggressive negotiation tactics
- c) Social and cultural improvements in the villages
- c) Charles Freer Andrews
- b) They accepted without hesitation.
- c) The significance of self-reliance
- b) They offered only 25% initially.
- c) The symbolic significance
- b) They organised protests in solidarity.
- b) Cultural and social improvements
Set II
Total Questions- 34
1. What was the reaction of the British officials when Gandhi refused to furnish bail for the two-hour recess during his court appearance?
a) They released him without bail.
b) They extended the recess period.
c) They fined him for contempt of court.
d) They ordered his immediate arrest.
2. Who among the following individuals was Gandhi’s companion during his journey to Champaran?
a) Mahadev Desai and Rajendra Prasad
b) Brij Kishor Babu and Maulana Mazharul Huq
c) Mahadev Desai and Charles Freer Andrews
d) Rajendra Prasad and Charles Freer Andrews
3. What was the significance of Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh’s role in Champaran?
a) They provided legal assistance to the landlords.
b) They facilitated negotiations between peasants and landlords.
c) They volunteered for health improvement initiatives.
d) They conducted investigations into landlord atrocities.
4. What was the initial response of the Champaran landlords when Gandhi demanded a refund for the sharecroppers?
a) They agreed to a full refund.
b) They denied any wrongdoing.
c) They sought assistance from the British authorities.
d) They attempted to negotiate the terms.
5. How did Gandhi’s stay in Champaran affect the social fabric of the region?
a) It intensified conflicts between different social groups.
b) It led to increased tensions among peasants.
c) It empowered the peasants and instilled courage in them.
d) It resulted in the departure of peasants from the area.
6. What role did Charles Freer Andrews play in the Champaran episode?
a) He served as a mediator between peasants and landlords.
b) He provided financial support to Gandhi’s cause.
c) He advised Gandhi against civil disobedience.
d) He offered to stay and assist but was declined by Gandhi.
7. What did Gandhi consider the ultimate objective of his actions in Champaran?
a) Political independence for India
b) Economic prosperity for the peasants
c) Social justice and empowerment of the masses
d) Cultural assimilation with British values
8. How did the Champaran landlords react when Gandhi demanded a 50% refund for the sharecroppers?
a) They immediately agreed to the demand.
b) They offered a lower percentage initially.
c) They refused to negotiate.
d) They sought legal recourse.
9. How did Gandhi respond to the magistrate’s request for bail during his court appearance?
a) He refused to furnish bail.
b) He complied and provided the bail.
c) He fled the courthouse.
d) He requested a trial without bail.
10. What lesson did Gandhi intend to impart by refusing bail during his court appearance?
a) The importance of legal procedures
b) The value of civil disobedience
c) The need for personal integrity
d) The significance of peaceful protest
11. What was the response of the British authorities when Gandhi declared his intention to disobey the order to leave Champaran?
a) They immediately arrested him.
b) They issued a formal warning.
c) They initiated legal proceedings against him.
d) They summoned him to court.
12. Who among the following individuals accompanied Gandhi to Champaran as his companion among the following individuals?
a) Mahadev Desai and Rajendra Prasad
b) Brij Kishor Babu and Maulana Mazharul Huq
c) Mahadev Desai and Charles Freer Andrews
d) Rajendra Prasad and Charles Freer Andrews
13. What was the role of Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh in Champaran?
a) They provided legal assistance to the landlords.
b) They facilitated negotiations between peasants and landlords.
c) They volunteered for health improvement initiatives.
d) They conducted investigations into landlord atrocities.
14. How did Gandhi’s refusal to furnish bail during his court appearance impact the proceedings?
a) It led to his immediate imprisonment.
b) It delayed the trial proceedings.
c) It resulted in a dismissal of the charges.
d) It prompted negotiations between Gandhi and the magistrate.
15. What was Gandhi’s attitude towards the bail request during his court appearance?
a) He complied with the request.
b) He ignored the request and left the court.
c) He refused to provide bail.
d) He requested a trial without bail.
16. What lesson did Gandhi intend to impart by refusing bail during his court appearance?
a) The importance of legal procedures
b) The value of civil disobedience
c) The need for personal integrity
d) The significance of peaceful protest
17. How did the Champaran landlords initially react when Gandhi demanded a refund for the sharecroppers?
a) They agreed to a full refund.
b) They denied any wrongdoing.
c) They sought assistance from the British authorities.
d) They attempted to negotiate the terms.
18. What was the main objective of Gandhi’s actions in Champaran?
a) Political independence for India
b) Economic prosperity for the peasants
c) Social justice and empowerment of the masses
d) Cultural assimilation with British values
19. What role did Charles Freer Andrews play in the Champaran episode?
a) He served as a mediator between peasants and landlords.
b) He provided financial support to Gandhi’s cause.
c) He advised Gandhi against civil disobedience.
d) He offered to stay and assist but was declined by Gandhi.
20. How did the Champaran landlords initially respond to Gandhi’s demand for a refund for the sharecroppers?
a) They agreed to a full refund.
b) They threatened legal action against Gandhi.
c) They attempted to negotiate a lower refund percentage.
d) They ignored Gandhi’s demand altogether.
21. What was Gandhi’s stance regarding the refund amount demanded from the Champaran landlords?
a) He insisted on a full refund for the sharecroppers.
b) He was flexible and willing to negotiate the refund percentage.
c) He demanded a partial refund, not the total amount.
d) He initially demanded 75% but later settled for 50%.
22. What lesson did Gandhi aim to teach his followers by refusing to furnish bail during his court appearance?
a) The importance of legal compliance
b) The necessity of maintaining personal integrity
c) The significance of challenging unjust laws
d) The need for peaceful resolution of conflicts
23. What was the primary outcome of Gandhi’s actions in Champaran regarding the indigo sharecroppers?
a) The landlords refused to make any refunds.
b) The sharecroppers received total compensation for their losses.
c) A compromise was reached, resulting in partial refunds for the sharecroppers.
d) The British authorities dismissed Gandhi’s demands.
24. How did the British authorities respond to Gandhi’s refusal to leave Champaran?
a) They ignored Gandhi’s disobedience.
b) They initiated legal proceedings against him.
c) They attempted to negotiate with Gandhi.
d) They issued a warrant for his arrest.
25. What was the significance of Gandhi’s refusal to furnish bail during his court appearance?
a) It showcased his disobedience to the legal system.
b) It delayed the legal proceedings against him.
c) It demonstrated his commitment to his principles.
d) It prompted a resolution to the conflict.
26. What was the primary objective of Gandhi’s actions in Champaran?
a) To achieve political independence for India
b) To establish economic reforms in the region
c) To empower the marginalized peasants
d) To foster better relations with the British authorities
27. How did Gandhi’s actions in Champaran reflect his broader approach to social change?
a) By relying solely on legal channels for reform.
b) By advocating for armed resistance against oppression.
c) By addressing immediate issues while fostering long-term empowerment.
d) By promoting violence as a means to achieve political goals.
28. What was the outcome of Gandhi’s efforts in Champaran regarding the grievances of the peasants?
a) The complete expulsion of British landlords from the region.
b) The establishment of a new legal framework favouring the peasants.
c) A significant improvement in the living conditions and rights of the peasants.
d) The suppression of peasant uprisings by the British authorities.
29. How did Gandhi’s refusal to furnish bail during his court appearance influence public perception?
a) It undermined Gandhi’s credibility as a leader.
b) It solidified Gandhi’s image as a principled and determined activist.
c) It led to widespread condemnation of Gandhi’s actions.
d) It had no significant impact on public opinion.
30. How did Gandhi’s actions in Champaran contribute to India’s broader struggle for independence?
a) By intensifying conflicts between different Indian communities.
b) By highlighting the need for armed rebellion against British rule.
c) By inspiring nonviolent resistance movements across the country.
d) By advocating for collaboration with British authorities.
31. What did Gandhi prioritise beyond the immediate grievances of the Champaran peasants?
a) Establishing a political party to challenge British rule.
b) Fostering a sense of nationalistic pride among Indians.
c) Addressing broader social and cultural issues in the region.
d) Negotiating with British officials for political reforms.
32. How did Gandhi’s approach in Champaran differ from traditional political activism?
a) Gandhi relied on violent protests to achieve his goals.
b) Gandhi prioritised negotiations over direct action.
c) Gandhi engaged in grassroots organising and empowerment.
d) Gandhi aligned himself with British colonial authorities.
33. What was the significance of Mahatma Gandhi’s involvement in the Champaran struggle for India’s independence movement?
a) It marked the beginning of armed resistance against British rule.
b) It showcased the power of nonviolent civil disobedience as a tool for change.
c) It resulted in the immediate expulsion of British officials from India.
d) It led to increased tensions between different religious communities in India.
34. How did the Champaran episode contribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha?
a) It demonstrated the effectiveness of violence in achieving political goals.
b) It emphasised the importance of passive acceptance of injustice.
c) It highlighted the power of nonviolent resistance and truth-force.
d) It encouraged collaboration with colonial authorities for reform.
Answers
- b) They extended the recess period.
- c) Mahadev Desai and Charles Freer Andrews
- c) They volunteered for health improvement initiatives.
- d) They attempted to negotiate the terms.
- c) It empowered the peasants and instilled courage in them.
- d) He offered to stay and assist but was declined by Gandhi.
- c) Social justice and empowerment of the masses
- d) They sought legal recourse.
- a) He refused to furnish bail.
- b) The value of civil disobedience
- d) They summoned him to court.
- c) Mahadev Desai and Charles Freer Andrews
- c) They volunteered for health improvement initiatives.
- b) It delayed the trial proceedings.
- c) He refused to provide bail.
- c) The need for personal integrity
- d) They attempted to negotiate the terms.
- c) Social justice and empowerment of the masses
- d) He offered to stay and assist but was declined by Gandhi.
- c) They attempted to negotiate a lower refund percentage.
- c) He demanded a partial refund, not the full amount.
- c) The significance of challenging unjust laws
- c) A compromise was reached, resulting in partial refunds for the sharecroppers.
- c) They attempted to negotiate with Gandhi.
- c) It demonstrated his commitment to his principles.
- c) To empower the marginalized peasants
- c) Address immediate issues while fostering long-term empowerment.
- c) A significant improvement in the living conditions and rights of the peasants.
- b) It solidified Gandhi’s image as a principled and determined activist.
- c) By inspiring nonviolent resistance movements across the country.
- c) Addressing broader social and cultural issues in the region.
- c) Gandhi engaged in grassroots organising and empowerment.
- b) It showcased the power of nonviolent civil disobedience as a tool for change.
- c) It highlighted the power of nonviolent resistance and truth-force.
