Indigo Uprising

I’m exploring the gnarled history of indigo in the Indian context, how it was (ab)used as a currency in colonial India, and the uprising related to the exploitation of those involved in its labour-intensive production.

This happened mainly in Bengal and Bihar, the latter leading to the famous Champaran Satyagraha (early 20th century), and which finally propelled the Independence movement.

My use of the colour red as a highlight, originates from the visceral aspect of what was transpiring in the lives of the farmers…the fact that this deep blue and sacred dye was tainted symbolically with blood.