EnglishClass 12Indigo About the author

Indigo About the author | Class 12 English Notes

By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 2 min read

Indigo About the author – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Indigo About the author from Class 12 English, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.

Social Reforms and Educational Initiatives in Champaran

Beyond political and economic reforms, Gandhi addressed the cultural and social backwardness in Champaran villages. He appealed for teachers, and several young disciples, including Mahadev Desai and Narhari Parikh and their wives, volunteered for the work. Gandhi's son Devadas and Kasturbai Gandhi also joined. Primary schools were opened in six villages. Kasturbai taught personal cleanliness and community sanitation. Health conditions were poor; a doctor volunteered for six months, and only three medicines were available: castor oil, quinine, and sulphur ointment. Gandhi implemented simple health measures, such as administering castor oil for coated tongues, quinine plus castor oil for malaria, and ointment plus castor oil for skin eruptions. Gandhi also encouraged women to improve hygiene despite poverty, as illustrated by a woman showing her only sari and lack of storage. Gandhi maintained oversight of the ashram from a distance, emphasizing sanitation such as filling old latrines to prevent bad smells. These efforts reflected Gandhi's holistic approach to freedom, combining political activism with social upliftment and self-reliance.

📊 Diagram: No diagrams in this section.

🧪 Activity: Think as you read question: How Gandhi's social work complemented political struggle.

🔗 Connection: Leads to Gandhi's philosophy of self-reliance and rejection of external props.

Frequently asked questions

Why did Gandhi consider the Champaran episode a turning point in the Indian freedom movement?

The Champaran episode was a turning point because it was Gandhi's first active involvement in Indian politics where he successfully led peasants against the oppressive indigo planters. For example, he used non-violent methods to expose the exploitation of farmers in Champaran.

Which of the following legal terms is used to describe a formal statement given by a witness under oath?

Deposition

Explain how Gandhi influenced lawyers to support the peasants during the Champaran movement.

Gandhi persuaded lawyers by appealing to their sense of justice and duty towards the oppressed peasants. He convinced them to volunteer their services for the cause without charging fees. For example, many lawyers joined the movement to help gather evidence and represent peasants legally.

What role did ordinary people play in the freedom movement as highlighted in the chapter?

Ordinary people were the backbone of the freedom movement, contributing through participation in protests, providing support to leaders, and enduring hardships. For example, peasants in Champaran actively resisted exploitation, showing courage and unity.

Ready to ace this chapter?

Get the full Indigo About the author chapter — interactive notes, diagrams, worked solutions, polls and a free practice quiz — in the ConceptScroll app.

Open in ConceptScroll →

Study smarter with ConceptScroll

Daily NCERT-aligned reels, AI doubt solving and chapter quizzes — all free.

Start learning free
#cbse notes#class 12#english#ncert

Continue reading