Question
Write a short essay on Indigo Revolt.
Answer
The Indigo Revolt, also known as the Nilbidroha, was a peasant uprising against the oppressive indigo plantation system in Bengal, India, in the late 19th century. The indigo planters forced the peasants to cultivate indigo on their land, which was a cash crop that was in high demand in Europe. The peasants were forced to grow indigo instead of food crops, and they were paid very little for their labour. The indigo planters also imposed heavy taxes and fines on the peasants, which made their lives even more difficult.
The Indigo Revolt was sparked by a group of peasants who refused to cultivate indigo on their land and organized a protest against the planters. The movement spread quickly, and soon, thousands of peasants joined the revolt. The revolt was led by leaders like Digambar Biswas, Bishnu Biswas, and many others.
The Indigo Revolt was one of the first peasant uprisings against British rule in India, and it was a significant challenge to British authority. The British responded to the revolt with force, and many peasants were arrested and punished severely. However, the revolt also drew attention to the plight of the peasants and led to the passing of the Indigo Commission in 1860, which made it illegal for planters to force peasants to cultivate indigo.
The Indigo Revolt was a turning point in the history of the Indian peasant movement, and it inspired many other movements against British rule. The revolt also led to the growth of nationalist sentiment in India and played a significant role in the Indian independence movement. The Indigo Revolt was a reminder that the peasants were an important force in Indian society and that their struggles could not be ignored.
