Briefly explain Gandhiji’s early experiments with satyagraha.
Gandhiji’s first experiment with satyagraha occurred at Champaran, Bihar, in 1917. Here, he led the indigo farmers of Champaran in a struggle against the European planters. The movement was successful and the Government was compelled to increase the price of indigo ultimately. After this success, Gandhiji led the peasants of Kheda, Gujarat, in another satyagraha. The farmers were demanding a tax exemption because of a failed crop. Through Gandhiji’s efforts, the peasants were successful in their struggle and managed to win a tax exemption from the British authorities. Later in 1918, he also took up the cause of Ahmadabad textile workers and won a wage increase for them from the mill owners.