The Blue Rebellion: Indigo, British Exploitation, and Farmer Resistance
While the Nilkranti movement in Maharashtra represents a symbolic and socio-political revolution , the Indigo Rebellion of 1859-60 , also known as the Neel Bidroha in Bengali, was a direct, farmer-led uprising against British economic imperialism —specifically in Bengal’s indigo-growing districts like Nadia, Pabna, Jessore, and Murshidabad . This agrarian revolt is a crucial piece of Indian history that mirrors Nilkranti’s core themes: resistance, self-determination, and reclaiming dignity . Causes of the Indigo Rebellion Forced Indigo Cultivation (Tinkathia System): Farmers were coerced into growing indigo on the most fertile portions of their land, often at the cost of food crops. Under the Tinkathia system , they had to cultivate indigo on 3/20th of their land, even if it was unprofitable or damaged their soil. Economic Exploitation: Planters gave loans (dadon) with harsh repay...