The Indigo revolt was a peasant movement and subsequent uprising of indigo farmers against the indigo planters that arose in Bengal in 1859. The British provided loans called dadon at very high interest rate. Once farmer took such a loan he remained indebted forever and passed it on to his successors. The price paid by the planters for this cash crop was ridiculously low, just 2.5% of the market price. The farmers were forced to sell at this price lest the planters would destroy their mortgage property. Government rules also favored the planters.
Key Points
1. Indigo Revolt was one of the most militant and widespread peasant movement happened in 1859-1860.
2. Peasants were forced to grow Indigo in their land for the European planters instead of food crops by Kar proclamation.
3. The revolt started from Nadia where Bishnucharan Biswas and Digambar Biswas first took up arms against the planters. It spread like wildfire throughout Bangal. Indigo planters were put into public trial and executed. The indigo depots were burned down. Many planters fled to avoid being caught.
4. Ultimately the planters were forced to shut down their factories.
5. Indigo Revolt was considered as a successful movement because of its co-operation between Hindu and Muslim farmers, organization and discipline among farmers etc during the two years of revolt.
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