The Civil Disobedience Movement was a very important phase in India’s struggle for independence from British rule. Initiated by Mahatma Gandhi on 12 March 1930, it aimed to resist British authority through nonviolent means. The movement is also known as the Salt Satyagraha, marking escalation in the demand for complete independence.
Historical Context
The movement emerged from several key events:
- Calcutta Session (1928): Congress endorsed the Nehru Report, demanding Dominion status.
- Irwin’s Declaration (October 1929): Viceroy promised Dominion status without a clear timeline.
- Delhi Manifesto (November 1929): National leaders outlined demands for attending the Round Table Conference.
- Lahore Session (1929): Congress declared complete independence, leading to the Purna Swaraj resolution.
Gandhi’s Eleven Demands
Gandhi presented a list of eleven demands to the British government, including:
- Reduce the rupee-sterling ratio to 1s 4d.
- Cut agricultural tax by 50%.
- Abolish the salt tax.
- Reduce military expenditure.
- Release all political prisoners.
- Reform the Criminal Investigation Department.
- Accept the Postal Reservation Bill.
- Protect Indian textiles.
- Prohibit intoxicants.
- Reserve coastal shipping for Indians.
- Allow popular control over firearm licences.
Dandi March
The Dandi March was event in the movement. Gandhi and 78 followers marched from Ahmedabad to Dandi, covering approximately 240 miles. They set out on 12 March 1930 and reached Dandi on 5 April 1930. Gandhi broke the salt law on 6 April, officially launching the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Forms of Protest
Various forms of protest emerged during the movement:
- Breaking of salt laws.
- Picketing liquor and foreign cloth shops.
- Refusing to pay taxes.
- Boycotting courts.
- Resignation from government posts.
- Adherence to non-violence.
Regional Participation
The movement saw widespread participation across India, with notable regional leaders:
- Tamil Nadu: C. Rajagopalachari led the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha.
- Bengal: Subhas Chandra Bose and J.M. Sengupta organised protests against taxes.
- Peshawar: Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan mobilised the Khilafat movement.
- United Provinces: Jawaharlal Nehru led no-revenue campaigns.
- Bihar: Ambika Kant Sinha broke salt laws in Patna.
Government Response
The British government responded with repression. Many leaders were arrested. Despite this, the movement gained momentum. However, the government’s crackdown diminished support over time.
Gandhi-Irwin Pact
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed on 5 March 1931. It marked the end of the first phase of the movement. Key provisions included:
- Release of political prisoners.
- Right to make salt for personal use.
- Withdrawal of ordinances against civil disobedience.
In return, Gandhi agreed to suspend the movement and attend the Second Round Table Conference.
Karachi Session (1931)
During the Karachi Session, Congress endorsed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. Resolutions reaffirmed the goal of Purna Swaraj, aligning Congress with the agreements made.
Withdrawal of the Movement
The Civil Disobedience Movement was suspended in 1931 after the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. However, the Second Round Table Conference failed to yield results. Gandhi resumed the movement but faced severe repression. He was arrested in January 1932, leading to a decline in momentum.
Social Participation
The movement attracted a diverse array of participants:
- Women: Actively engaged in protests and picketing.
- Peasants: Organised protests against British policies.
- Students: Played important role in mobilising support.
- Muslims: Participation was less than in previous movements.
- Merchants: Provided support, especially in urban areas.
Assessment of the Movement
The Civil Disobedience Movement, while not achieving Purna Swaraj, was . It demonstrated Congress’s ability to mobilise support. The movement also marked a shift toward more radical demands. The Karachi Resolution included calls for fundamental rights and socialist policies.
Legacy of the Movement
The movement left a lasting impact on India’s freedom struggle. It encourageed a sense of unity among diverse groups. It also laid the groundwork for future movements. The experience of civil disobedience became a model for later struggles for justice and equality.
