Class 12: Chapter 5: Indigo by Louis Fischer Background of the Story “Indigo” is an excerpt from The Life of Mahatma Gandhi by Louis Fischer . The chapter describes Mahatma Gandhi’s struggle for the poor peasants of Champaran, Bihar . The peasants were exploited by British landlords/planters , who forced them to grow indigo. Under the tinkathia system , peasants had to cultivate indigo on 15% of their land and surrender the entire indigo harvest to the landlords. When synthetic indigo reduced the demand for natural indigo, the landlords tried to make the peasants pay compensation for being released from the agreement. Rajkumar Shukla , a poor but determined peasant, persuaded Gandhi to visit Champaran. Gandhi investigated the peasants' problems and refused to leave Champaran despite official orders. His peaceful resistance became a major victory for the peasants and an important example of Satyagraha . The landlords eventually agreed to refund 25% of the ...
Chapter- 5: Aunt Jennifer's Tiger by Adrienne Rich Word Meanings Prance : walk or move around with high springy steps. Topaz : a bright yellow coloured stone. Denizens : here, an animal that lives or is found in a particular place. Sleek : elegant. Chivalric : being courteous esp. to women, an act of a gentleman. Ordeals: extremely severe tests or experiences. Prancing : to move around proudly. Fluttering : to move in quick, irregular motions as if being agitated Background of the Poem The poem deals with the oppression of women in a male-dominated society . Aunt Jennifer is a married woman who suffers from fear, pressure, and lack of freedom . She expresses her hidden desire for freedom and confidence through the tigers she creates in her embroidery. The poem contrasts Aunt Jennifer’s helpless life with the bold and fearless tigers in her artwork. Summary Introduction to Aunt Jennifer Aunt Jennifer is a married woman who appears to be living under pressure ...