The correct answer is Indigo farmers in Bihar. Explanation & Key Takeaways: • The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 marked Mahatma Gandhi’s first major involvement in India’s freedom struggle. • It was launched in support of Indigo farmers in Bihar, who were oppressed under the exploitative tinkathia system. • The farmers were forced to grow indigo on a portion of their land and sell it at fixed prices, leading to severe financial hardship. • Mahatma Gandhi’s intervention in Champaran was aimed at addressing the farmers' grievances and demonstrating the power of nonviolent resistance. • The success of the Champaran movement brought attention to the plight of farmers and strengthened Gandhi’s leadership in the national movement. Related Concepts: • Tinkathia System: • Under this system, farmers were forced to cultivate indigo on 3/20th of their land, regardless of their own preferences. • The system was exploitative and caused significant economic distress for the farmers. • Role of Gandhi: • Mahatma Gandhi visited Champaran in 1917 after being requested by local leaders like Raj Kumar Shukla. • He adopted the method of Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) to address the injustice faced by farmers. • Impact of Champaran Movement: • The movement led to the abolition of the tinkathia system and improved the condition of farmers in the region. • It demonstrated the effectiveness of nonviolent resistance and became a precursor to future freedom struggles under Gandhi’s leadership. • Indigo Cultivation: • Indigo was a dye plant that was in high demand in Europe during colonial times. • The forced cultivation of indigo caused soil depletion, which further impacted farmers’ livelihoods.