When the indigo production collapsed in Bengal, the European planters of indigo shifted their operations to Bihar. The farmers of Champaran, a village in Bihar, were forced to grow indigo by the European planters instead of the food crops which were necessary for their survival. The indigo planters were destroying the productivity of the land which was the main reason for the protest. 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.

Role of Mahatma Gandhi:

● Mahatma Gandhi’s visit in 1917 marked the beginning of the Champaran movement against the indigo planter.

● The European planter oppressed the peasants. Gandhiji witnessed the miserable conditions of the peasants.

● He started a non-violent and a peaceful movement.

● The districts officials ordered him to leave Champaran but he refused to comply the orders and started the Satyagraha.