The Civil Disobedience Movement, a pivotal chapter in modern history, unfolded in the early 20th century as a powerful expression of nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule in India. Initiated by Mahatma Gandhi, this movement was characterized by strategic methods aimed at challenging oppressive policies and demanding civil rights. The methods adopted during the Civil Disobedience Movement were innovative, reflecting a commitment to nonviolence and a quest for justice. On one hand, the protesters engaged in acts of civil disobedience, such as non-cooperation and the refusal to obey unjust laws. On the other hand, the government responded with a range of measures, from repression and arrests to legislative changes, as it grappled with the growing tide of dissent. Understanding the dynamic interplay between the methods employed by the protestors and the government’s responses provides valuable insights into the complexities of this historic struggle for independence.
Salt Satyagraha:
- Gandhi led the Salt Satyagraha with the historic march to Dandi.
- C. Rajagopalachari led the movement in the Madras province.
- In Dharamsala, the planned action by Gandhi was carried out by Sarojini Naidu, Imam Sahib (Gandhi’s associate), and Manilal Gandhi (Gandhi’s son) with 2000 volunteers. Despite being subjected to police lathi charges, they responded nonviolently. Injured participants were carried on stretchers while others made way for them. The event was widely reported by US reporter Webb Miller.
- Similar actions took place in the Wadala suburb, Balasore, Puri District (Odisha), and Midnapore (coastal Bengal). The Salt Satyagraha served as a catalyst and marked the beginning of various forms of defiance.
Boycott of foreign cloth and liquor:
- There was a vigorous boycott of foreign cloth and liquor shops, with women playing a leading role as instructed by Gandhi.
- Students and youth also actively participated in the boycott of foreign clothes.
- Traders’ associations, commercial bodies, and mill owners supported the boycott by refusing to use foreign yarn and refraining from manufacturing coarse cloth that competed with khadi.
- The boycott of liquor resulted in a significant drop in government revenues from excise duties.
Chawkidari Tax:
- In eastern India, there was a refusal to pay the Chowkidari tax, which was levied on villages to pay guards (chowkidars) who acted as spies for the government and as retainers for local landlords.
- The movement started in Bihar and spread to other regions.
- The onset of the monsoon in Bengal shifted the focus to the anti-Chawkidari tax movement.
No Land Tax:
- In Kheda district, Bardoli taluka in Surat district, and Jambusar in Broach, a determined no-tax movement was launched, specifically refusing to pay land revenue.
- Villagers, along with their families, cattle, and belongings, crossed the border into neighboring princely states like Baroda and camped in open fields for months. Their houses were destroyed and their lands confiscated.
No Revenue – No Rent:
- In Uttar Pradesh (UP), the no-revenue part involved zamindars refusing to pay revenue to the government, while the no-rent part called on tenants not to pay rent to the zamindars. This became a no-rent struggle as most zamindars were loyal to the government.
Prabhat Pheris:
- Bands of men, women, and children went around at dawn singing nationalist songs, which became a common practice in villages and towns.
Patrikas:
- Illegal news sheets, handwritten or printed, were circulated to defy the Press Act and disseminate information.
Vanar and Manjari Sena:
- Children were organized into Vanar Senas (monkey armies), and in some cases, girls formed their separate Manjari Senas (cat armies).
Impact of the Civil Disobedience Movement:
- The movement generated widespread distrust towards the British government and laid the foundation for the freedom struggle in India.
- New methods of propaganda, such as Prabhat pheris (morning processions) and pamphlets, gained popularity during the movement.
- Through defiance of forest laws and the refusal to pay the rural “Chaukidari tax,” oppressive measures like the salt tax were abolished.
- Imports of clothing and cigarettes were significantly reduced, and government revenue from land revenue and liquor excise also saw a decline.
- The participation of women and students in large numbers was a significant development, empowering Indian women and marking their entry into public spaces.
Drawbacks of the Civil Disobedience Movement:
- Muslims were less likely to participate due to advice from communal leaders and the government’s efforts to promote communalism as a response to nationalism.
- Industrial workers, except in Nagpur, did not participate extensively in the movement.
Government Response to the Civil Disobedience Movement:
- Initially, the government’s attitude was ambivalent, facing a dilemma between using force and risking accusations of repression or taking little action and being accused of conceding to Congress.
- However, as repression intensified, the government issued ordinances curbing civil liberties and implemented press censorship.
- Provincial governments were given the power to ban civil disobedience organizations, and the Congress Working Committee was eventually declared illegal.
- Lathi’s charges and firing on unarmed crowds resulted in numerous deaths, injuries, and the imprisonment of satyagrahis, including Gandhi and other Congress leaders.
- Viceroy Lord Irwin proposed a round table conference and reiterated the goal of dominion status.
- Efforts were made to explore peace possibilities between Congress and the government, including meetings between Tej Bahadur Sapru, M.R. Jayakar, Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Gandhi.
- The demands put forward by Nehru and Gandhi included the right to secede from Britain, complete national government control over defense and finance, and an independent tribunal to settle Britain’s financial claims.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Q: What were the main methods adopted by participants during the Civil Disobedience Movement?
A: The Civil Disobedience Movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi in India from 1930 to 1934, employed several nonviolent methods to protest against British colonial rule. Some key methods included:
- Salt March (Dandi March): Gandhi and his followers marched to the Arabian Sea, breaking the salt law by producing salt from seawater.
- Boycott of British Goods: Indians were encouraged to boycott British-manufactured goods and instead promote swadeshi (indigenous) products.
- Nonviolent Resistance: Participants engaged in nonviolent protests, strikes, and demonstrations to defy unjust laws and policies.
- Non-Cooperation: Indians withdrew cooperation with the British government, resigning from government offices, schools, and boycotting official functions.
2. Q: How did the British government respond to the Civil Disobedience Movement?
A: The British government responded to the Civil Disobedience Movement with a combination of repression and negotiation:
- Repression: The British authorities arrested thousands of protesters, including Mahatma Gandhi. There were instances of police brutality and the use of force to suppress demonstrations.
- Imposition of Taxes: The government imposed heavy taxes and penalties to discourage participation in the movement.
- Negotiations: Recognizing the widespread impact of the movement, the British government initiated negotiations with Indian leaders. The talks eventually led to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in 1931, where certain concessions were made, and the movement was called off.
3. Q: Did the Civil Disobedience Movement achieve its objectives?
A: While the Civil Disobedience Movement did not immediately lead to complete independence, it had significant consequences:
- International Attention: The movement garnered international attention, putting pressure on the British government to address the demands of the Indian people.
- Negotiations and Reforms: The negotiations following the movement resulted in the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, leading to some concessions and political reforms.
- Empowerment of Masses: The movement empowered the masses, fostering a sense of unity and political awareness among the Indian population.
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