The Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930-34 stands as a pivotal chapter in the annals of India’s struggle for independence, marking a significant shift in the methods employed by the Indian National Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Emerging against the backdrop of the failed negotiations at the Round Table Conferences and the disillusionment with the incomplete implementation of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, the movement was characterized by its nonviolent resistance and mass non-cooperation against British colonial rule. Rooted in the philosophy of satyagraha, it sought to challenge unjust laws and policies through peaceful disobedience. The causes of the movement were deeply rooted in the socio-economic and political grievances of the Indian populace, addressing issues such as salt taxation, forest laws, and the denial of civil liberties. As it gained momentum, the Civil Disobedience Movement spread like wildfire across the length and breadth of the country, transcending linguistic, regional, and cultural boundaries, and leaving an indelible mark on the trajectory of India’s modern history. This period of civil resistance not only shook the foundations of British colonialism but also became a catalyst for future movements that ultimately led to India’s independence in 1947.
- It was launched by Mahatma Gandhi with the historic Dandi March, marking a significant milestone in the Indian independence movement. By violating the salt law and picking up salt, Gandhi challenged the British monopoly on salt production and sparked a wave of civil disobedience throughout the country.
- The Dandi March, which began on March 12, 1930, involved a 240-mile journey from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat. Along the way, Gandhi and his followers collected more and more supporters, and their nonviolent protest gained attention and admiration from people across India and the world.
- When Gandhi reached Dandi on April 6, he symbolically violated the salt law by producing salt from seawater. This act inspired millions of Indians to join the movement and break the salt laws imposed by the British. People began making salt in their homes, villages, and cities, leading to mass arrests and demonstrations.
- The Civil Disobedience Movement gained momentum as people actively participated in nonviolent protests, boycotts of British goods, and acts of civil disobedience. Indians united in their determination to defy unjust British laws and assert their rights and freedom.
- The salt satyagraha became a powerful symbol of resistance and a rallying point for the masses. It demonstrated that even the most basic commodity, such as salt, could become a powerful tool for challenging colonial rule. The movement sparked a sense of unity and collective action among the Indian population and contributed significantly to the growing momentum for independence.
- Although the Civil Disobedience Movement faced severe repression from the British authorities, it brought the cause of Indian independence to the forefront and paved the way for future struggles and campaigns that ultimately led to the achievement of independence in 1947.
Background of the Civil Disobedience Movement
- The background of the Civil Disobedience Movement provides an important context for understanding its significance and how it unfolded. Here are some key points:
- Congress Demands: The Lahore Congress session in December 1929 adopted a resolution demanding complete independence (Purna Swaraj) and set January 26, 1930, as the date for its celebration. Congress also authorized Mahatma Gandhi to launch a civil disobedience movement if their demands were not met by the British government.
- Gandhi’s Ultimatum: On January 31, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi presented the British government with a set of 11 demands, including the abolition of the salt tax, reduction of land revenue, and granting of civil liberties. He gave the government a deadline to accept or reject these demands.
- No Positive Response: The British government did not respond positively to Gandhi’s demands, which led to frustration among Indians. The Congress Working Committee granted Gandhi full authority to launch the Civil Disobedience Movement at a time and place of his choosing.
- Salt as Central Symbol: In February, Gandhi decided to make salt the central focus of the movement. He saw the salt tax as a symbol of British economic exploitation and decided to challenge the government’s monopoly on salt production.
- Dandi March: On March 12, 1930, Gandhi and a group of 78 Ashram members started the famous Dandi March from the Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, a coastal village in Gujarat. The march aimed to symbolically break the salt law by producing salt from seawater.
- Salt Law Defiance: Gandhi and his followers arrived in Dandi on April 6, 1930. Gandhi defiantly broke the salt law by picking up a handful of salt that had formed through natural evaporation. This act of civil disobedience captured the imagination of the nation and inspired others to join the movement.
- The Civil Disobedience Movement, with its emphasis on nonviolent resistance, mass participation, and defiance of unjust laws, became a turning point in India’s struggle for independence. It ignited a wave of protests, boycotts, and acts of civil disobedience across the country, challenging British authority and advancing the cause of Indian self-rule.
- Timing and Gandhi’s Assessment: Initially, Gandhi did not consider it the appropriate time to launch a mass movement against the Simon Commission. He believed that people were not yet ready for such action. However, as time progressed, the circumstances changed, and he recognized the growing desire among the people to take action.
- Consolidation of Nationalist Ranks: Gandhi actively participated in politics and attended the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress in December 1928. During this period, he worked towards consolidating nationalist ranks and bringing together different factions, including the militant left-wing under leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose.
- Economic Impact: The world was facing an economic downturn during this time, known as the Great Depression. India was also affected by the economic crisis, leading to a decline in prices and impacting peasants and the propertied peasant class. These economic hardships added to the grievances and discontent among the people.
- Request to the Viceroy: Mahatma Gandhi, to mitigate the situation and address the issues faced by the people, wrote to the Viceroy, expressing his concerns and seeking a resolution. However, his efforts were met with discouragement and did not yield the desired response from the British authorities.
- These factors, including the changing political climate, economic challenges, and the growing discontent among the people, set the stage for the launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi during the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress.
Characteristics of the Civil Disobedience Movement:
- It marked the first nationwide movement, in contrast to previous movements that were limited to urban areas.
- People from rural regions were also allowed to participate by registering.
- The movement witnessed a significant involvement of women.
- Eminent female leaders such as Kasturba Gandhi, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, Avantikabai Gokhale, Lilavati Munshi, and Hansaben Mehta played prominent roles in the satyagraha movement.
- Nonviolence served as the guiding principle for the movement.
- Despite continuous repression by the British, the movement endured.
Causes of the Civil Disobedience Movement:
- The prevailing social and political unrest created the conditions for the emergence of the civil disobedience movement.
- The Simon Commission, established by the British government in 1927 to formulate India’s constitution, consisted entirely of British members. It was rejected by the Indian National Congress and other political and social organizations due to its all-white composition.
- In 1928, a committee led by Motilal Nehru drafted a new constitution in Calcutta. The Indian National Congress demanded that the British government accept Nehru’s Report from 1928.
- The central theme of the report was to grant India Dominion Status. It warned and pressured the British government that failure to accept the report would result in a threat and the launch of a civil disobedience movement.
- Lord Irwin, the Governor General of India, stated that the main objective of the constitutional reform was to grant India dominion status.
- Gandhi and other leaders proposed a round table conference to resolve the constitutional crisis after the declaration. However, when the British government failed to respond positively to their demands, the civil disobedience movement was initiated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What were the background and context that led to the initiation of the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930?
Answer: The background of the Civil Disobedience Movement can be traced back to the failure of the Round Table Conferences and the continued dissatisfaction with British policies in India. The Simon Commission, which did not have any Indian representation, further fueled discontent. The failure of the First and Second Round Table Conferences to provide a constitutional solution for India’s political future led Mahatma Gandhi to believe that it was time for a mass movement to achieve independence. The oppressive salt tax and the British monopoly on salt production also played a crucial role in sparking the movement.
2. What were the key characteristics of the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-34)?
Answer: The Civil Disobedience Movement was characterized by nonviolent resistance and mass non-cooperation against British rule. Mahatma Gandhi emphasized the principles of nonviolence, truth, and non-possession. The movement saw widespread participation from people across different sections of society, including peasants, workers, students, and women. The famous Dandi March undertaken by Gandhi to produce salt from the Arabian Sea was a symbolic act that marked the beginning of the movement. The movement also included the refusal to pay taxes, the picketing of liquor shops, and the boycott of foreign goods.
3. What were the causes and factors that contributed to the spread of the Civil Disobedience Movement throughout India?
Answer: Several factors contributed to the widespread reach of the Civil Disobedience Movement. First and foremost was the charismatic leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, whose ability to connect with the masses inspired people to join the movement. The economic hardships faced by farmers and the working class, coupled with the oppressive salt tax, created a fertile ground for discontent. The failure of previous constitutional efforts and the desire for complete independence motivated people to participate. Gandhi’s call for self-reliance through the production of salt and the emphasis on nonviolent civil disobedience resonated with a broad spectrum of society, leading to the movement’s nationwide spread. The active involvement of women in the movement also added to its strength and inclusivity.
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