3.3. The “Blue Rebellion” and After

In March 1859, thousands of ryots in Bengal refused to grow indigo. As the rebellion spread, ryots refused to pay rents to the planters, and attacked indigo factories armed with swords and spears, bows and arrows. Women turned up to fight with pots, pans and kitchen implements. Those who worked for the planters were socially boycotted, and the gomasthas – agents of planters – who came to collect rent were beaten up. Ryots swore they would no longer take advances to sow indigo nor be bullied by the planters’ lathiyals – the lathi-wielding strongmen maintained by the planters.

In March 1859, the indigo farmers, known as ryots, in Bengal initiated a rebellion against the oppressive system imposed by indigo planters. They refused to cultivate indigo anymore, which was forced upon them under unfair contracts. As the protest grew, ryots not only stopped paying rents but also actively attacked the factories that produced indigo. This rebellion involved not just men but also women, who resorted to traditional household items for defense. The gomasthas, who enforced the planters' demands, faced hostility and violence as the ryots sought to reclaim their rights.

Imagine a group of workers in a factory who are asked to produce an item they do not want to make, under threat of losing their jobs. Eventually, they say 'enough is enough' and go on strike, refusing to work. They set up picket lines to prevent others from entering the factory, and they organize protests to demand fair treatment. Just like these workers, the ryots gathered their courage to fight against exploitation.

Why did the indigo peasants decide that they would no longer remain silent? What gave them the power to rebel? Clearly, the indigo system was intensely oppressive. But those who are oppressed do not always rise up in rebellion. The indigo ryots felt that they had the support of the local zamindars and village headmen in their rebellion against the planters. In many villages, headmen who had been forced to sign indigo contracts mobilised the indigo peasants and fought pitched battles with the lathiyals. The ryots also imagined that the British government would support them in their struggle against the planters.

The indigo peasants rebelled because they faced severe oppression under the indigo system, which exploited their labor and resources. They began to feel empowered by the support of local elite figures, such as zamindars and village headmen, who were also unhappy with the planters. This collective acknowledgment of their struggle united the ryots, giving them a sense of strength. Additionally, they believed they had the backing of the British government, which had become wary of popular discontent after the Revolt of 1857.

Think of a school where students are unhappy with unfair treatment by the administration. They find support from the teachers who disapprove of the administration's policies. Together, they decide to protest, believing that if they make enough noise, the school board will listen to their concerns. Just like these students, the indigo ryots banded together, thinking they had allies in their fight for justice.

As the rebellion spread, the Lieutenant Governor toured the region in the winter of 1859. The ryots saw the tour as a sign of government sympathy for their plight. When in Barasat, the magistrate Ashley Eden issued a notice stating that ryots would not be compelled to accept indigo contracts, word went around that Queen Victoria had declared that indigo need not be sown. The Indigo Commission was established to investigate the indigo production system, eventually holding planters guilty for their oppressive practices.

As the unrest grew, the British government took notice and attempted to address the situation by sending the Lieutenant Governor on a tour, which the ryots interpreted as a sign of support. The magistrate Ashley Eden's declaration that farmers wouldn't be forced to plant indigo was particularly significant as it reassured the ryots and fueled their rebellion. Eventually, the Indigo Commission was set up to look into the exploitative practices, finding the planters at fault and recommending changes.

Imagine a town where numerous complaints about a school principal lead to the school board stepping in to investigate. They send a representative to talk to students and teachers, gathering evidence. When the board realizes the principal's methods are unfair, they take action to change the policies. Similarly, the British government, pressured by the rebellion, acted to comprehend and address the grievances of the ryots.

After the revolt, indigo production collapsed in Bengal. But the planters now shifted their operation to Bihar. With the discovery of synthetic dyes in the late nineteenth century, their business was severely affected, but yet they managed to expand production. When Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa, a peasant from Bihar persuaded him to visit Champaran and see the plight of the indigo cultivators there.

Following the indigo rebellion, the production of indigo in Bengal dropped significantly as farmers refused to work under oppressive conditions. Planters then began to move their operations to Bihar in search of new fields and labor. However, the later advent of synthetic dyes further weakened the indigo industry. Mahatma Gandhi became involved in this historical context when he learned about the ongoing struggles of indigo peasants during his visit to Champaran, inspiring the next wave of protests.

Consider a restaurant that relies on its signature dish but faces a shortage of ingredients due to a supplier problem. The chef tries to source the same dish from another supplier, but then finds out a new dish is becoming popular that doesn't rely on their original ingredients. This is akin to what happened to the indigo planters, who faced a collapse but sought new avenues to sustain their business as times changed.

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