Explanation: The journey of Mahatma Gandhi to Champaran in 1917 was a pivotal moment in the Indian freedom struggle. The Champaran movement was a significant peasant movement against the oppressive practices of the British indigo planters. The indigo farmers were forced to cultivate indigo on their lands and were subjected to harsh conditions and exploitation.
Gandhiji's involvement in this movement began when he was invited by Rajkumar Shukla, a peasant from Champaran, to visit the region and help the farmers. Shukla had traveled to Calcutta to meet Gandhiji and request his assistance. After their meeting, Gandhiji agreed to visit Champaran.
The journey from Calcutta to Champaran was not direct. Gandhiji and Shukla boarded a train in Calcutta and traveled to Patna, which is the capital city of Bihar. Patna served as an important stop on the way to Champaran. From Patna, Gandhiji and Shukla proceeded to Champaran to meet the farmers and understand their grievances.
The choice of Patna as an intermediate stop is significant because it was a major city in the region and a hub for transportation. Patna also had a significant presence of British officials, which made it a strategic location for Gandhiji to gather information and plan his next steps.
The Champaran movement was successful in bringing attention to the plight of the farmers and led to the abolition of the oppressive system of indigo cultivation. This movement also marked the beginning of Gandhiji's active participation in the Indian independence movement, setting the stage for his future leadership in the struggle for freedom.
Understanding the journey from Calcutta to Patna and then to Champaran is crucial for comprehending the historical context of the Champaran movement and its significance in the Indian freedom struggle. It highlights the strategic planning and the grassroots approach that Gandhiji adopted in his efforts to support the Indian people against British exploitation.