What was the outcome of the Blue Rebellion?

Ryots were provided with the loan to cultivate the Indigo. Initially, ryots found this deal attractive but later they realised the amount they are getting paid was low as compared to the Indigo that has been produced by them. Also, the loan that had been given was never-ending. Continuous cultivation of indigo led to the exhaustion of the soil as it has deep roots and the land cannot be used to sow rice.

Soon, Ryots in Bengal decided not to cultivate Indigo. They started rebellion by not paying revenue to the planters, attacked indigo factories. Women also participated and used pots, pans and kitchen implements. They boycotted those who worked for the planters and agents of the planters (gomasthas) were beaten up. The ryots decided not to cultivate Indigo anymore and will not be afraid by the lathiyals– who use lathi to exert control over people and he is maintained by the planters. This rebellion came to be known as ‘Blue rebellion’. The ryots were supported by the local zamindars and village headmen.

The various outcome of the Blue Rebellion was as follows:

• Indigo peasants thought that they get support from the British government. In 1859, Lieutenant Governor went from villages to villages when he heard about all this. The peasants thought that the British government is sympathising with their situation. Ashley Eden, the magistrate in Barasat declared that peasants won’t be forced to sign the Indigo contract and soon Queen Victoria declared not to grow indigo.

• Intellectuals from Calcutta started writing about the rebellion and the plight of the Indigo peasants. They wrote about the ‘misery of the ryots, the tyranny of the planters, and the horrors of the indigo system.’

• Soon the government interfered and protected planters against any attack. Indigo Commission was set up to find out about the indigo production. The commission declared planters as guilty and how it was unfair to use oppressive methods with indigo cultivators. It was considered that indigo production didn’t benefit the ryots. They were asked to complete their existing contracts and they have the right to refuse to sign the Indigo contract.