Consider the following statements regarding the impact of Indigo cultivation on soil: 1. Indigo had deep roots. 2. It had no impact on the fertility of the soil. 3. After an indigo harvest, the land was most suitable for sowing rice immediately. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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.

NCERT Class 8 History — Chapter 2: Ruling the Countryside

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the impact of Indigo cultivation on soil:

Indigo had deep roots.
It had no impact on the fertility of the soil.
After an indigo harvest, the land was most suitable for sowing rice immediately.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

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.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Ruling the Countryside

With reference to the Permanent Settlement introduced in 1793, consider the following statements: 1. It was introduced by Governor-General Warren Hastings. 2. The rajas and taluqdars were recognised as zamindars. 3. The revenue demand was fixed permanently and could not be increased in the future. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the "Mahalwari Settlement", consider the following statements: 1. It was devised by Holt Mackenzie and came into effect in 1822. 2. It was primarily introduced in the Madras and Bombay Presidencies. 3. The charge of collecting revenue was given to the zamindar rather than the village headman. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Ryotwari system, consider the following statements: 1. It was developed by Thomas Munro and extended all over south India. 2. It was based on the argument that powerful traditional zamindars existed in the south. 3. The settlement was made directly with the cultivators (ryots). Which of the statements given above are correct?

easy

easy

Why did European cloth manufacturers in the 13th-17th centuries depend on 'woad' instead of 'indigo' for making blue dyes? 1. Indigo was not known to Europe at that time. 2. Woad was more easily available in Europe as it grew in temperate zones. 3. Indigo prices were very high and supplies were small. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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The correct option is (a)

Explanation

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.