Discuss the Salt March to make clear why it was an effective symbol of resistance against colonialism.

Q.8 Discuss the Salt March to make clear why it was an effective symbol of resistance against colonialism.

Ans:  The Salt March (1930), led by Mahatma Gandhi, was a pivotal event in India’s struggle for independence. It symbolized mass resistance against British colonial rule and highlighted the oppressive nature of the salt tax, uniting Indians across regions and classes.

Salt March was an Effective Symbol of Resistance because

1. Universal acceptance: Salt was a basic necessity used by every Indian, making the protest relatable to all sections of society. Example: Gandhi’s choice of salt as a symbol ensured participation from peasants, workers, and the elite alike.
2. Exposure of British Exploitation: The salt tax exemplified British economic exploitation, as it taxed a vital commodity and destroyed natural salt sources. Example: Gandhi highlighted how the British destroyed salt that could not be sold profitably, calling it a “fourfold curse.”
3. Non-Violent Civil Disobedience: The march demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance, inspiring millions to join the freedom struggle. Example: Gandhi’s 24-day, 240-mile march from Sabarmati to Dandi mobilized masses to break salt laws peacefully.
4. Mass Mobilization: The Salt March galvanized nationwide participation, with parallel marches and protests across India. Example: Salt satyagrahas were organized in regions like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Bengal.
5. Global Attention: The march drew international attention to India’s struggle, exposing British colonial oppression to the world. Example: Global media coverage of Gandhi’s defiance increased pressure on the British government.
6. Economic Impact: The protest disrupted British revenue from the salt tax and challenged their economic control. Example: Indians began producing and selling salt illegally, undermining the British monopoly.
7. Symbol of Unity: The Salt March transcended regional, religious, and caste divisions, uniting Indians in a common cause. Example: People from diverse backgrounds participated, including women and marginalized communities.
8. Moral Victory: Gandhi’s act of picking up salt at Dandi symbolized moral defiance against unjust laws, inspiring self-confidence among Indians. Example: The march reinforced the belief that Indians could challenge and overthrow colonial rule.

The Salt March was a masterstroke of Gandhi’s strategic genius, combining symbolism, mass participation, and non-violence to challenge British colonialism. It not only exposed the exploitative nature of British policies but also united Indians in their quest for freedom, making it a defining moment in India’s independence movement.

Source : Book NCERT Theme 11: Page Number: 297 : PDF Link 10th NCERT me bhi hai

Extra Info : Some important dates 1918-19 Distressed UP peasants organised by Baba Ramchandra. April 1919 Gandhian hartal against Rowlatt Act; Jallianwala Bagh massacre. January 1921 Non-Cooperation and Khilafat movement launched. February 1922 Chauri Chaura; Gandhiji withdraws NonCooperation movement. May 1924 Alluri Sitarama Raju arrested ending a two-year armed tribal struggle. December 1929 Lahore Congress; Congress adopts the demand for ‘Purna Swaraj’. 1930 Ambedkar establishes Depressed Classes Association. March 1930 Gandhiji begins Civil Disobedience Movement by breaking salt law at Dandi. March 1931 Gandhiji ends Civil Disobedience Movement. December 1931 Second Round Table Conference. 1932 Civil Disobedience re-launched.