Correct Option (C)
Gandhiji launched his first successful Satyagraha in Champaran in 1917. This movement addressed the grievances of indigo cultivators who were forced to grow indigo under the exploitative 'tinkathia' system, which mandated cultivation on three-twentieths of their land. Gandhiji's intervention led to the abolition of this system and the refund of a portion of the illegally extracted money to the peasants, marking a significant victory for non-violent resistance in India.
Incorrect Options:
(A) Chauri-Chaura: The Chauri-Chaura incident occurred in 1922, where a violent clash between protestors and police led to the death of several policemen. This event prompted Gandhiji to call off the Non-Cooperation Movement, as it violated his principle of non-violence. It was not his first Satyagraha.
(B) Dandi: The Dandi March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, took place in 1930. This movement was a pivotal part of the Civil Disobedience Movement, protesting the British salt tax. It was a much later and larger-scale movement compared to his first Satyagraha.
(D) Bardoli: The Bardoli Satyagraha occurred in 1928, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This was a peasant movement against an arbitrary increase in land revenue by the British government. While successful, it was not led by Gandhiji directly and took place after his initial Satyagraha in Champaran.