Explanation: Gandhi was requested by Rajkumar Shukla, a local man, to investigate the problems of the farmers in context of indigo planters of Champaran in Bihar.

• When Gandhi, joined now by Rajendra Prasad, Mazhar ul-Haq, Mahadeo Desai, Narhari Parekh, and J.B. Kripalani, reached Champaran to probe into the matter, the authorities ordered him to leave the area at once. Gandhi defied the order and preferred to face the punishment.
• This passive resistance or civil disobedience of an unjust order was a novel method then. Finally, the authorities retreated and permitted Gandhi to make an enquiry.

Source: Spectrum