The Prime Minister recently paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and all the eminent personalities who took part in the protest march to Dandi in 1930. The march represented a vital movement against injustice and was intended to uphold the nation’s self-respect. This article delves into the historical context, significant personalities involved, and the far-reaching implications of this critical event in India’s fight for independence.
Dandi March: A Nonviolent Protest Against British Salt Monopoly
Initiated on the 12th of March and culminating on the 6th of April 1930, the Dandi March, also known as the Salt March or Dandi Satyagraha, was an act of nonviolent civil disobedience led by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Originating from Sabarmati with 78 followers, Gandhiji embarked on a 241-mile march to the coastal town of Dandi on the Arabian Sea. His objective was to challenge British policy by making salt from seawater, an act that defied the British monopoly over salt production.
Following Gandhi’s footsteps, thousands across India began producing salt, sparking waves of civil disobedience throughout the country. More than 60,000 people were arrested in the subsequent clampdown by British authorities.
Key Participants and Events Following the March
After Gandhi’s arrest on 5th May, the satyagraha continued without him, demonstrating the momentum the movement had gained. On the 21st of May, renowned poet Sarojini Naidu led 2,500 marchers on the Dharasana Salt Works, about 150 miles north of Bombay. This protest became international news, prompting widespread criticism against British rule in India.
In January 1931, Gandhi was released from prison and later met with Lord Irwin, the viceroy of India. He agreed to suspend the satyagraha in exchange for a seat at a London conference discussing India’s future. Although the conference proved disappointing, it marked a turning point as British leaders recognised Gandhi as a significant political force.
Events Leading up to the Dandi March
The Lahore Congress of 1929 had authorized the Congress Working Committee (CWC) to launch a civil disobedience program, which included non-payment of taxes. On 26th January 1930, “Independence Day” was observed with flag hoisting and patriotic songs. Gandhiji was chosen by the CWC to spearhead the Civil Disobedience Movement following the Viceroy’s rejection of his minimum demands.
Impact of the Civil Disobedience Movement
The Civil Disobedience Movement sparked widespread protest in different provinces across India, culminating in the refusal to pay the Chowkidari tax in Bihar, defiance of forest laws in Maharashtra, and mass readings of government-banned books in Bengal led by J.N. Sengupta. Coupled with the boycott of foreign goods, this movement significantly impacted British imports, with cloth imports falling by half.
The Lasting Significance of The Dandi March
The march marked the entry of various societal segments — including women, peasants, students, and merchants — into the public space, giving the Congress an all-India status. Despite the withdrawal of the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1934, its impact was felt globally, marking a critical stage in the anti-imperialist struggle.
