Why were ryots reluctant to grow indigo?

1. Forced Cultivation: Ryots were compelled to grow indigo by British planters under exploitative contracts, depriving them of the freedom to choose crops for sustenance.

2. Low Profitability: Indigo offered by British planters fetched meager prices, making it less financially rewarding compared to food crops.

3. High Input Costs: Cultivating indigo demanded specific resources and labor, leading to increased expenses that often outweighed the profits.

4. Soil Degradation: Continuous indigo farming depleted soil fertility, resulting in reduced yields for subsequent crops, impacting overall agricultural productivity.

5. Socio-economic Hardships: The forced cultivation system plunged ryots into debt and poverty, exacerbating their socio-economic conditions.

6. Rebellion and Protests: Ryots revolted against the oppressive system, with movements like the Indigo Revolt (1859-1860) in Bengal, led by figures like Digambar Biswas.

These challenges collectively explain the ryots’ reluctance and opposition to indigo cultivation during the colonial era in India, profoundly impacting their livelihoods and well-being.