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Civil Disobedience Movement
Context:
95 Years of Dandi March and Initiation of Civil Disobedience Movement.
About:
- The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934), led by Mahatma Gandhi, was a pivotal phase in India’s struggle for independence.
- It began with the historic Dandi March, where Gandhi protested the British salt tax by illegally producing salt.
- The movement aimed to achieve Purna Swaraj (complete independence) through nonviolent resistance, including boycotting British goods, refusing to pay taxes, and breaking unjust laws.
Why Was It Launched?
The movement was triggered by several factors:
- Simon Commission (1927): Lack of Indian representation in the commission led to widespread discontent.
- Salt Tax: Gandhi chose salt as a symbol of protest due to its universal importance.
- Rejection of Dominion Status: The British refusal to grant India self-rule intensified demands for independence.
- Lahore Session (1929): The INC declared complete independence as its goal, authorising civil disobedience.
Extent of the Movement in Different Regions:
- Tamil Nadu: C. Rajagopalachari led the Salt Satyagraha from Trichinopoly to Vedaranyam, breaking the salt law and inspiring mass participation.
- Gujarat: Sarojini Naidu and Manilal Gandhi led protests at Dharasana Salt Works, where peaceful satyagrahis faced brutal police violence.
- Bihar: Ambika Kant Sinha organised salt-making protests at Nakhas Pond in Patna.
- Kerala: K. Kelappan spearheaded the movement in Malabar, focusing on local issues like forest laws.
- North-West Frontier Province (NWFP): Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan mobilised Pathans for nonviolent resistance, showcasing significant Muslim participation.
- Central Provinces and Maharashtra: Tribals resisted oppressive forest laws and participated actively in protests
- Women actively participated, and village officials resigned from their posts in protest. However, princes and zamindars largely remained neutral.
Impact on British Government:
- Filling jails with protesters, overwhelming colonial administration.
- Drawing international attention to India’s independence struggle.
- Forcing negotiations like the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931), though they were inconclusive
Provisions of the Gandhi Irwin Pact:
- Suspension of Civil Disobedience Movement: Gandhi agreed to halt the movement in exchange for concessions from the British government.
- Release of Political Prisoners: The British agreed to release all political prisoners not involved in violent crimes.
- Withdrawal of Ordinances: The government withdrew ordinances that restricted Congress activities.
- Restoration of Confiscated Properties: Properties seized during the movement were to be returned.
- Salt Production: Indians were allowed to produce salt near the sea coast.
- Participation in Round Table Conference: The Indian National Congress agreed to participate in the Second Round Table Conference.
