In this article, we will discuss Indigo Rebellion (19th Century Peasant Movement). So, let’s get started.
- Indigo Rebellion (1859-62)
- In order to increase their profits, the European planters persuaded the peasants to plant Indigo instead of food crops.
- The farmers were discontent growing indigo because:
- Low prices were offered for growing indigo.
- Indigo was not lucrative.
- Indigo planting decreased the fertility of the soil.
- The peasants suffered at the hands of the traders and the middleman. Consequently, they launched a movement for non cultivation of indigo in Bengal.
- They were supported by the press and the missionaries.
- Harish Chandra Mukherjee, a Bengali Journalist, described the plight of peasants of Bengal in his newspaper ‘The Hindu Patriot’.
- Dinabandhu Mitra, Bengali writer and dramatist, in his play ‘Nil Darpan’ depicted the treatment of the Indian peasantry by the indigo planters. It was first published in 1860.
- His play created a huge controversy which was later banned by the East India Company to control the agitation among the Indians.
- The government appointed an Indigo Commission and issued an order in November 1860, notifying that it was illegal to force the ryots to cultivate indigo. This marked the victory for the peasants.
