Champaran is famous for ChamparanSatyagraha that is considered to be a vital event in the history of India’s freedom struggle. It was India’s first Civil Disobedience movement launched by MahatmaGandhi to protest against the injustice meted out to tenant farmers in Champaran district of Bihar. The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 is considered a historically important revolt in the Indian Independence Movement. The farmers were protesting against having to grow indigo with barely any payment for it.
MahatmaGandh established the first-ever basic school at Barharwa Lakhansen village, Dhaka, East Champaran. Building on the confidence of villagers, he began leading the clean-up of villages, building of schools and hospitals and encouraging the village leaders to undo purdah, untouchability and the suppression of women. Gandhi set up two more basic schools at Bhitiharwa with the help of Sant Raut in West Champaran and Madhuban in this district. But his main assault came as he was arrested by police on the charge of creating unrest and was ordered to leave the province.
Hundreds of thousands of people protested and rallied outside the jail, police stations and courts demanding his release, which the court unwillingly did. Gandhi led organised protests and strike against the landlords, who with the guidance of the British government, signed an agreement granting more compensation and control over farming for the poor farmers of the region, and cancellation of revenue hikes and collection until the famine ended.
There are numerous places to visit for tourist in Champaran including Udaypur WildlifeSanctuary, and Valmiki Tiger Reserve that are home to numerous varieties of wild animals including tigers, leopards and much more. Also worth visiting is Kesaria Buddhist Stupa, Gandhi Sangrahalaya at Motihari, Ashoka Pillar at Lauria and Someshwar Shiv Mandir at Areraj. Those interested in documented history of the movement can visit Gandhi Memorial at Chandrahiah. As such Champaran not is a important for India’s freedom struggle but also a nice tourist destination.
