With the industrial revolution in the 18th century in England textile industry gathered much momentum and the demand for indigo further increased.Import of indigo from Britain nearly doubled by 1810 against 1780. It was necessary for the British industrialists to get indigo plantation spread to more regions in India.

They gave the farmers a good amount as advance for the cultivation of indigo.The farmers succumbed to the temptation of the British and widely planted indigo as they were in trouble with no other means to pay the heavy land tax.

Due to the interference of the British agents in the harvesting seasons, the farmers received only a lower price for indigo. Later when artificial colors were invented, the indigo became obsolete. This made the plight of the farmers more miserable.

The Indigo farmers Revolt : 

According to D. G. Tendulkar “not a chest of indigo reached England without being stained with human blood.” This quote reveals the sufferings of the indigo farmers. The indigo farmers resorted to revolt owing to the severe exploitation and endless miseries. In 1859 the farmers of Bengal organised themselves and declared that they were giving up indigo cultivation.

They attacked indigo factories with bows, arrows, swords and spears. Several women also participated in the revolt. The rioters excommunicated the British supporters and those who worked for the British. The Government appointed a commission to study the problem of the indigo farmers. The commission found that the indigo farming was uneconomic and proposed to stop it.