NCERT solutions for Class 12 English Chapter 5 Indigo – complete answers & explanations

The chapter Indigo from Class 12 English Flamingo tells the inspiring story of how Mahatma Gandhi helped the indigo farmers of Champaran fight against injustice. It describes the difficulties faced by poor peasants and how Gandhi used truth, courage, and peaceful resistance to support them. This chapter is important because it shows the beginning of civil disobedience in India and highlights the power of unity and moral strength. In this blog, you will find complete NCERT solutions for Class 12 English Chapter Indigo strictly based on the provided worksheet, helping students understand the chapter and check their answers accurately.

What this NCERT chapter covers?

1. The historical background of the Champaran movement and the problems faced by indigo farmers.
2. The role of Mahatma Gandhi in supporting peasants and fighting injustice through non-violent methods.
3. Important themes such as courage, leadership, justice, and social responsibility.
4. Vocabulary and expressions used in the chapter and their contextual meanings.
5. Language skills such as punctuation, quotation usage, and understanding legal terminology.
6. Activities that encourage students to analyse social issues and develop critical thinking.

How to use these NCERT solutions?

1. First read the chapter carefully and attempt all questions on your own.
2. After completing the worksheet, compare your responses with the NCERT solutions provided here.
3. Check whether your answers follow the correct concepts and ideas presented in the worksheet.
4. Use these solutions to understand the correct structure and key points expected in exams.
5. Parents and teachers can guide students by discussing the answers and encouraging deeper understanding.
6. The answers below follow the exact order and structure of the worksheet to make learning easier.

Important tips & tricks for students

1. Carefully read the chapter to understand the historical events and Gandhiji’s role in the Champaran movement.
2. Focus on the main ideas such as leadership, non-violence, and justice while writing answers.
3. Use clear and simple language when answering comprehension questions.
4. Pay attention to vocabulary and contextual meanings of expressions.
5. When activities or discussions are given, write thoughtful responses based on the instructions.
6. Review punctuation and language-related questions carefully to avoid small mistakes.

NCERT solutions – complete answer key

Notice these expressions in the text. Infer their meaning from the context

Explanation:
Students should read the expressions given at the beginning of the chapter and infer their meanings from the context in which they are used in the text. This helps in understanding how words gain meaning through situations rather than dictionary definitions.

Meanings of expressions

Urge the departure
→ Strongly demand or insist that someone should leave.
Example: In the chapter, Gandhi later said that the Champaran episode inspired him to urge the departure of the British from India.

Harbour a man like me
→ To give shelter or support to someone considered controversial or unwanted by authorities.
Example: Professor Malkani was brave to host Gandhi despite being a government employee.

Conflict of duties
→ A situation where a person must choose between two responsibilities that oppose each other.
Example: A student may feel a conflict of duties between helping a friend in need and preparing for an important exam.

Seek a prop
→ To look for outside support or help instead of relying on one’s own strength.
Example: Instead of trying to solve the problem himself, he always seeks a prop from others.

Think as you read ( Page 46)

a) (i) a sharecropper
b) (iii) illiterate

Think as you read ( Page 48)

1. Gandhi visited several places before reaching Champaran:
Lucknow (Congress session)
Kanpur
Ahmedabad (his ashram)
Calcutta
Patna
Muzaffarpur
Motihari in Champaran

These visits helped him gather information about the peasants' problems.

2. The peasants were forced to grow indigo on 15% of their land and give the crop to the British landlords as rent. Later, when synthetic indigo was developed in Germany, the landlords demanded compensation from the peasants to release them from the contract. Synthetic indigo reduced the demand for natural indigo, which meant natural indigo would lose its value and price in the market.

3. Rajkumar Shukla is called resolute because he showed great determination in convincing Gandhi to visit Champaran. He followed Gandhi everywhere—from Lucknow to Kanpur, Ahmedabad, and finally Calcutta—until Gandhi agreed to help the indigo farmers.

4. The servants judged Gandhi by his simple appearance and the company of Rajkumar Shukla, who was a poor peasant. Gandhi dressed simply and behaved humbly, so they assumed he was just another ordinary farmer.

Think as you read ( Page 50)

1. Examples of Gandhi’s methods include:
Collecting facts first before taking action.
Peacefully disobeying unjust laws, such as refusing to leave Champaran.
Respecting authorities while opposing injustice.
Encouraging lawyers and peasants to act courageously without violence.

These actions reflect satyagraha (truth and moral force) and non-violent resistance.

Think as you read ( Page 52)

1. Gandhi accepted a 25% refund because the amount was less important than the principle of justice. The landlords agreeing to return money meant they had admitted their wrongdoing, which boosted the peasants’ confidence and dignity.

2. The Champaran episode gave the peasants courage and awareness of their rights. They realized they were not powerless and that injustice could be challenged. Eventually, the British planters left and indigo farming ended.

Understanding the text

1. The Champaran episode was a turning point because it was the first successful use of civil disobedience in India. It proved that ordinary Indians could challenge British authority through peaceful resistance. It also strengthened Gandhi’s leadership and inspired people to join the freedom movement.

2. Gandhi influenced lawyers by appealing to their moral responsibility toward the peasants.

For example:
When the lawyers said they would leave if Gandhi was jailed, Gandhi questioned their commitment to justice.
This made them realize their duty, and they decided to stay and even go to jail if necessary.

3. People in smaller towns were afraid to support leaders openly because they feared British authority. They hesitated to show sympathy for those demanding self-rule.

4. Ordinary people also contributed to the freedom movement in Champaran. Many peasants came forward to give evidence about the injustice done by the British indigo planters when Mahatma Gandhi investigated the matter. Their courage and support helped expose the truth and strengthen the struggle for justice.

Talking about the text

1. Even today many poor people fear authority, poverty, and social injustice. Although India is independent, inequality and lack of awareness still prevent complete freedom from fear. Education and social reforms are necessary to remove this fear.

Answers may vary.

2. A good leader should possess:
Courage and determination
Honesty and integrity
Ability to inspire others
Compassion for people
Commitment to justice and truth

Gandhi showed all these qualities.

Answers may vary.

Working with words

Explanation:
Students should identify legal terms used in the chapter and expand their vocabulary related to legal procedures.

1. Words related to legal procedures in the text

deposition
summons
trial
court
magistrate
bail
inquiry
evidence
commission

2. Other legal words

verdict
judge
prosecution
defendant
affidavit
testimony

Thinking about language

1. The author uses quotations to show direct speech. This makes the narration more authentic and engaging because readers hear the exact words spoken by characters like Gandhi and Rajendra Prasad.

2. Use of comma

a) When I first visited Gandhi in 1942 at his ashram in Sevagram, he told me what happened in Champaran.
→ The comma separates the introductory clause from the main clause.

b) He had not proceeded far when the police superintendent’s messenger overtook him.
→ No comma is needed because the subordinate clause comes after the main clause.

c) When the court reconvened, the judge said he would not deliver the judgment for several days.
→ The comma separates the introductory clause.

Things to do

Explanation:
Students should research a real-life issue affecting poor people and present facts and solutions. This activity develops critical thinking and awareness of social problems.

Sample answers (answers may vary)

Example: Bhopal Gas Tragedy

1. Facts

Happened in 1984 in Bhopal.
Toxic gas leaked from a pesticide factory.
Thousands of people died and many suffered health problems.

2. Arguments

The company failed to maintain safety measures.
Victims were not properly compensated.

3. Possible settlement

Strict industrial safety laws
Proper compensation and rehabilitation
Medical support for victims

Why NCERT solutions help students?

NCERT solutions help students prepare better for exams by providing accurate answers that follow the official NCERT pattern. They improve concept clarity, strengthen understanding of important topics, and help students learn how to structure answers correctly. By practicing with these solutions, students gain confidence and improve their performance in Class 12 English examinations.

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