The correct option is (a)
Explanation
Under the British Raj, the commercialization of agriculture forced Indian peasants to grow cash crops like indigo instead of food crops. The cultivation of indigo was particularly unpopular among the ryots (peasants) due to its oppressive system and the detrimental biological impact the crop had on the land.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The indigo plant possesses deep roots. Unlike many other crops that draw nutrients from the topsoil, indigo roots penetrate deep into the soil layers to absorb moisture and nutrients.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Indigo cultivation had a severe negative impact on soil fertility. Because of its deep roots and high nutrient requirement, it rapidly exhausted the soil, depleting it of essential nutrients required for other crops.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Due to the soil exhaustion caused by indigo, the land was rendered virtually barren for immediate subsequent cultivation. After an indigo harvest, the land could not be sown with rice immediately, which was the staple food crop for the peasants. This conflict between indigo and rice cultivation was a primary cause of peasant unrest, such as the Indigo Revolt (1859–60).
Key Takeaway:
Indigo cultivation was resisted by peasants because it was a deep-rooted crop that rapidly exhausted soil fertility, making it impossible to grow rice immediately after the indigo harvest.