Tue Oct 01 22:49:34 UTC 2024: ## Gandhi’s First Satyagraha: The Legacy of the Three-Kattha System in Champaran
**Muzaffarpur, India:** The infamous Three-Kattha system, a British-imposed practice that forced Champaran farmers to cultivate indigo on a portion of their land, led to widespread discontent and fueled a movement that ultimately culminated in Mahatma Gandhi’s first Satyagraha in India. The role of Gaya Babu, a local lawyer, and his residence in Devi Mandir Road was pivotal in this historical struggle.
Alok Kumar Singh, a great-grandson of Gaya Babu, highlighted the oppressive nature of the Three-Kattha system, stating that it crippled farmers and sparked their desire for liberation. Driven by the farmers’ plight, Gaya Babu, along with his associates Brij Kishore Babu and Rajkumar Shukla, decided to invite Mahatma Gandhi to Champaran to address the issue. Rajkumar Shukla traveled to Lucknow and personally invited Gandhi, who was initially hesitant but eventually agreed after reading a moving letter from Shukla.
Upon arriving in Patna, Gandhi initially went to Rajendra Babu’s residence but found him away. He then sought refuge at the home of Anwarul Haq Sahab before continuing his journey. Upon reaching Muzaffarpur Junction, Gandhi was met by J.B. Kripalani, a professor at L.S. College, and his students. The students, unfamiliar with Gandhi’s appearance, searched for him using lanterns. After identifying Gandhi, he was transported to L.S. College by carriage. Following a meeting with the Commissioner in Muzaffarpur, Gandhi finally arrived in Champaran.
The sight of the vast crowd of distressed farmers in Champaran moved Gandhi. He stayed at Gaya Babu’s residence for three days, where the agenda for the Satyagraha was formulated. The three-day stay at Gaya Babu’s house marked the beginning of Gandhi’s campaign against the Three-Kattha system, a practice which demanded farmers dedicate three out of every sixteen kathas (a unit of land measurement) to indigo cultivation. The system resulted in degraded land and financial hardship for the farmers.
The campaign’s success led to the repeal of the Three-Kattha system within a year. This victory marked a turning point in the fight against British rule and cemented Gandhi’s role as a champion of the people.
In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Champaran Satyagraha, the Indian government announced plans to build a museum at Gaya Babu’s residence in 2017. However, the house where Gandhi stayed is now in ruins, and the well where he bathed has been filled with garbage. Despite the neglect, the legacy of the Three-Kattha system and the bravery of the Champaran farmers, inspired by Gandhi’s leadership, will forever be etched in the annals of Indian history.
First Piper 