Correct Option
The primary reason for the decline of indigo cultivation in India by the beginning of the 20th century was the emergence of synthetic dyes. The German chemical industry, in particular, developed synthetic indigo dyes in the late 19th century. These synthetic alternatives were cheaper to produce and offered consistent quality, making natural indigo cultivation economically unviable in the world market. Consequently, the demand for natural indigo from India plummeted, leading to a significant decline in its cultivation.
Incorrect Options
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Option 1: Peasant resistance, exemplified by movements like the Indigo Revolt (1859-60) and the Champaran Satyagraha (1917), highlighted the oppressive conditions imposed by planters. While these movements led to some reforms and drew attention to the exploitation, they were not the fundamental cause for the overall decline of the indigo industry. The decline was primarily driven by market forces and technological advancements.
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Option 3: National leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi during the Champaran Satyagraha, did oppose the exploitative system of indigo cultivation. Their efforts were crucial in advocating for peasants' rights and bringing an end to forced cultivation in specific regions. However, their opposition alone did not cause the widespread decline of indigo cultivation across India; the economic unprofitability due to synthetic dyes was the overarching factor.
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Option 4: The colonial government generally supported the British indigo planters and often overlooked their exploitative practices. There was no significant government control imposed on planters that led to the decline of indigo cultivation. Instead, the government's policies often facilitated the planters' operations, at the expense of the peasants.