Champaran and Gandhi
The first satyagraha in India happened in a Bihar indigo district in 1917
What it is
Gandhi came to Champaran in 1917 at the request of a farmer, to look into the indigo system that was ruining tenants. He was ordered to leave, refused, and the government backed down. It was the first time the method worked in India, and it is what made him a national figure.
Why it matters
Everybody knows Dandi. Champaran came thirteen years earlier and is where the method was proved. The ashram at Bhitiharwa, where he opened a school, is still there.
You will understand
- What the indigo tinkathia system actually did to tenants
- Why refusing to leave was the whole of the tactic
- What he did after he won, which was open schools
- Best season
- Oct - Mar
- Days for the whole yatra
- 2
The stops
- Bettiah Catholic Church: Bettiah, the town he worked from, and a mission church older than the satyagraha.
- Ashokan Pillar, Lauriya Areraj: On the same road north, and two thousand years older than the rest of this route.
- Lauria Nandangarh: Lauriya, where the Mauryan and the modern history of this district sit side by side.
- Someshwar Nath Temple, Areraj: Areraj, the Shiva temple the district gathers at, on the Champaran road.
Experiences on this yatra
- Valmiki Tiger Reserve: Bihar's only tiger reserve, in the forest along the Nepal border
Know before you go
- West Champaran is the far north-west; Bettiah or Motihari is the base
- Valmiki Tiger Reserve is on the same road if you want a day of forest
- This is history, not pilgrimage. Come for the story.
Questions pilgrims ask
How many days does the Champaran and Gandhi take?
2 days is right for most families. It can be done in 1, or stretched to 4.
When is the best time for the Champaran and Gandhi?
Oct - Mar.
Which places are on the Champaran and Gandhi?
Bettiah Catholic Church, Ashokan Pillar, Lauria Nandangarh, Someshwar Nath Temple.
What should I know before the Champaran and Gandhi?
West Champaran is the far north-west; Bettiah or Motihari is the base. Valmiki Tiger Reserve is on the same road if you want a day of forest. This is history, not pilgrimage. Come for the story..
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