The chapter “Indigo” by Louis Fischer is one of the most important stories in the CBSE Class 12th NCERT English Flamingo book. It highlights Mahatma Gandhi’s first major involvement in India’s freedom struggle and his principle of Satyagraha (non-violent resistance).
The story focuses on Gandhi’s visit to Champaran, Bihar, where poor peasants were exploited by British landlords who forced them to grow indigo on 15% of their land. Despite opposition and fear of punishment, Gandhi encouraged the farmers to fight against injustice through unity, truth, and non-violence. His success in Champaran marked the beginning of a new chapter in India’s freedom movement.
For CBSE Class 12 students, Indigo is very important for exams. Questions often include summary writing, character sketches of Gandhi, the significance of Champaran, and value-based questions on leadership and justice.
The lesson teaches that truth and non-violence can be powerful tools to fight oppression. It also emphasizes the role of courage, self-reliance, and collective strength in achieving justice.
