Explain Indigo Movement.

The Indigo Movement, also known as the Indigo Revolt or Nil Bidroha, was a significant peasant uprising against oppressive indigo cultivation practices imposed by British planters in Bengal during the colonial period. The movement reached its peak in the late 19th century, particularly between 1859 and 1860.

Under the indigo system, British landlords (planters) forced Indian tenant farmers to cultivate indigo (a cash crop used for dye) on their lands instead of food crops. The farmers were subjected to exploitative contracts, exorbitant rent demands, and harsh working conditions. Additionally, the planters employed the "tinkathia" system, where farmers were forced to grow indigo on 3 out of every 20 bighas of land, regardless of the economic viability or local conditions.

The Indigo Movement was led by figures like Dinabandhu Mitra and Rajnarayan Basu, along with the charismatic leadership of Baba Ram Chandra and his followers. Their efforts led to widespread protests, including non-payment of rent, refusal to grow indigo, and organizing mass meetings to rally against the indigo planters. The movement gained international attention, leading to inquiries and subsequent reforms to curtail exploitative indigo cultivation practices. The Indigo Movement became a symbol of resistance against colonial economic exploitation and contributed to the broader struggle for agrarian rights and rural empowerment in British India.