The most militant and widespread of the peasant movements was the Indigo Revolt of 1859-60. Did it succeed in its objectives? If so, how? Examine. (200 Words)
British in which planters were forced to grow Indigo which made their land infertile was a major cause of the uprising. The ryot was even cheated and enforcement of fraudulent contracts crushed him completely. It succeeded because of
- mass and collective non-cooperation from the rebellious ryot, like refusal to pay enhanced revenue and mass social boycott.
- The united resistance was very powerful and the planters were forced to shut down factories.
- The revolt had immense cooperation, organized and a disciplined effort.
- Complete Hindu Muslim unity was one of the major factors.
- The leadership was strong which were accompanied by well off ryots, moneylenders and ex-employees of planters
- The Bengal intelligentsia played an important role by organizing a powerful campaign in support by using Press as the tool. It had a deep impact on the emerging nationalist intellectuals.
- Missionaries extended active support to the revolt.
Overall it was a success and ultimately government notified that ryots could not be compelled to grow Indigo and planters closed all the factories. It was a brave and intelligent example for the future generations.