The Champaran Satyagraha
First Online: August 24, 2026
Page Last Updated: August 19, 2026
The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was the first satyagraha movement led by
Mahatma Gandhi
during the British rule of India and is considered a historically important rebellion in the
Indian independence movement. It was a farmer's uprising that took place in Champaran district of
Bihar. The farmers were protesting against having to grow indigo with barely any payment for it.
Under colonial-era laws, many tenant farmers were forced to grow some indigo on a portion of their land as a condition of their tenancy, under Panchkathia or Teenkathia system. This indigo was used to make dye. The Germans had invented artificial dye so the demand for indigo fell. Some tenants paid more rent in return for being let off from growing indigo. However, during the First World War the German dye ceased to be available and so indigo became profitable again. Thus many tenants were once again forced to grow it on a portion of their land- as was required by their lease. Naturally, this created much anger and resentment
Champaran Satyagraha was the first popular satyagraha movement. The Champaran Satyagraha gave direction to India's youth and freedom struggle.
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