Here are 10 one-word answer type questions based on the topic “How was indigo cultivated?”, along with explanations:
1. What were the two main systems of indigo cultivation in India?
Nij, Ryoti
Indigo was cultivated using two systems – Nij cultivation, where planters grew indigo on their own land, and Ryoti cultivation, where peasants were forced to grow it on their lands .
2. In which system did the planters directly control land and labor for indigo production?
Nij
Under the Nij system, planters either bought land or leased it from zamindars and directly employed hired laborers to grow indigo .
3. What was the major challenge for planters in expanding Nij cultivation?
Land
Planters struggled to expand Nij cultivation because fertile lands were already occupied by peasants, leaving only small scattered plots available .
4. Which alternative system involved peasants growing indigo under contracts with planters?
Ryoti
In the Ryoti system, peasants were forced to sign contracts (satta) with planters, agreeing to grow indigo on at least 25% of their land .
5. What did planters provide to the peasants in the Ryoti system?
Loans
Planters gave cash advances (loans) to peasants at low-interest rates to induce them to grow indigo, creating a cycle of debt .
6. What did the indigo plant require in large amounts, making it expensive for Nij planters?
Ploughs
Indigo cultivation needed a large number of ploughs, making it difficult for planters to maintain Nij farms as peasants’ ploughs were occupied with rice cultivation .
7. What was the first step in processing indigo leaves after harvest?
Fermentation
Indigo leaves were first soaked in a fermenting vat where they were left to rot and release the dye .
8. Which chemical was added to the indigo solution to help extract the dye?
Lime
Lime water was added to the second vat during beating, which helped separate the indigo dye in flakes .
9. What was the final stage of indigo production before it was sold?
Drying
The indigo pulp was pressed and dried into solid blocks before being cut and packed for sale .
10. Which rebellion occurred in 1859 due to the oppressive indigo cultivation system?
Blue
The Blue Rebellion of 1859 was a major protest by peasants against the forced indigo cultivation under the Ryoti system .
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