Q.6 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 freedom struggle. It symbolized non-violent resistance against British colonialism and mobilized masses across the country.
Salt March was an Effective Symbol of Resistance because:
- Simple Yet Powerful: Challenged the salt tax, affecting every Indian. Example: Gandhi’s act of making salt at Dandi.
- Mass Mobilization: Involved people from all sections. Example: Thousands joined the 240-mile march.
- Non-Violent Protest: Showcased the power of Satyagraha. Example: Peaceful defiance of salt laws inspired global movements.
- Economic Impact: Highlighted British exploitation. Example: Salt tax was a burden on the poor.
- Media Attention: Gained international coverage. Example: Global newspapers reported the march extensively.
- Unified Movement: Brought together diverse groups. Example: Participation of women, peasants, and students.
The Salt March was a masterstroke of Gandhian strategy, effectively symbolizing resistance against colonialism through non-violence and mass participation.
| Source: NCERT Class 10 History, IGNOU Modern India , RBSE 12th Class History Chapter-6 |
| Keywords: Salt March, Gandhi, non-violence, Satyagraha, British colonialism, mass mobilization. |
| Extra Info: The arrival of MK Gandhi in these turbulent times marked yet another phase in the nationalist movement. Gandhi who arrived in India in 1915, used his own methods to harness these forces that existed in India in the post war years. His style was to address specific issues and laws and organize a peaceful resistance and violation of the laws with the help of disciplined cadres. The significance of Gandhi’s movement was that he brought the focus upon specific issues. Gandhi first achieved success in three movements in Champaran Kheda and Ahmedabad respectively. The first two were peasant movements and the last was a strike of the millworkers of Ahmedabad. The peasantry at Champaran was agitating against the European planters who forced them to cultivate indigo. There was a history of peasant unrest against planters in Champaran. Raj Kumar Shukla, one of the peasant leaders, went all the way to Lucknow to invite Gandhi to see their plight. Gandhi instituted an open enquiry into the matter in 1917. The Champaran movement also got wider publicity with the government trying to restrict Gandhi’s entry into that area and later letting him go there on threat of satyagraha. The outcome of the Champaran movement was that the tinkathia system, under which the farmers had to cultivate indigo in 3/20th of their holdings, was abolished. |