A Watershed in India’s Freedom Struggle

The Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), spanning from 1930 to 1934, stands as a pivotal chapter in India’s struggle for independence. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, it marked a significant escalation in the Indian National Congress’s (INC) fight against British colonial rule, moving beyond constitutional agitation to direct action. This movement was characterized by widespread defiance of British laws and a resolute commitment to non-violent resistance.  

1. The Salt March (Dandi March) – 1930: A Symbol of Defiance  

• Background:
  • The British Salt Act of 1882 imposed a tax on salt, a basic necessity, and granted the government a monopoly on its production and sale. This was seen as a deeply unjust and oppressive measure, affecting the poorest sections of Indian society.  
  • Gandhi recognized the symbolic power of salt as a unifying issue that resonated with all Indians.  
• The March:
  • On March 12, 1930, Gandhi, along with 78 followers, embarked on a 241-mile march from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad to the coastal village of Dandi.  
  • The march, lasting 24 days, garnered immense public attention and support, transforming into a mass movement.  
  • On April 6, 1930, Gandhi broke the salt law by picking up a lump of salt on the Dandi seashore.  
• Impact:
  • The Salt March ignited a nationwide wave of civil disobedience. People across India began manufacturing salt, defying the British monopoly.  
  • It demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance and mobilized a vast section of the Indian population, including women and rural communities.  
  • The Salt March brought the Indian freedom struggle to the attention of the world, highlighting the injustices of British rule.  

2. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931): A Moment of Negotiation

• Context:
  • The widespread civil disobedience and international pressure compelled the British government to seek a dialogue with Gandhi and the INC.
  • Lord Irwin, the Viceroy of India, initiated negotiations, leading to the signing of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact on March 5, 1931.  
• Key Provisions:
  • The British government agreed to release political prisoners (excluding those convicted of violence).  
  • The salt tax was partially relaxed, allowing coastal villagers to produce salt for domestic consumption.
  • The INC agreed to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement and participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London.  
• Significance:
  • The pact represented a temporary truce and a recognition of Gandhi’s leadership.  
  • It gave the Indian National Congress a chance to participate in constitutional discussions.
  • It showed that the british government could be pressured to negotiate with the Indian population.
• Shortcomings:
  • The pact did not address the fundamental issue of complete independence.  
  • Many younger radicals within the Congress party were not happy with the pact, because it did not free those who committed violent acts.

3. Failure of the Civil Disobedience Movement: Repression and Internal Divisions

• Resumption of the Movement:
  • The Second Round Table Conference (1931) proved fruitless, as the British government refused to concede to the INC’s demands.  
  • Upon his return to India, Gandhi found that the government had reneged on its promises, leading to the re-imposition of repressive measures.
  • In response, Gandhi relaunched the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1932.  
• British Repression:
  • The British government responded with harsh measures, including mass arrests, bans on public gatherings, and censorship of the press.  
  • Gandhi and other prominent leaders were imprisoned.  
  • The government used brutal force to suppress protests.  
• Internal Divisions:
  • The movement faced internal divisions within the INC, particularly regarding the issue of separate electorates for marginalized communities.  
  • The Poona Pact (1932), signed between Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar, addressed the issue of separate electorates for the depressed classes, but it also highlighted the internal tensions within the movement.
  • The Muslim league also did not support the civil disobedience movement, and this division weakened the movement.
• Withdrawal:
  • By 1934, the movement had lost momentum due to British repression, internal divisions, and a sense of exhaustion among the participants.
  • In April 1934, Gandhi officially withdrew from the Civil Disobedience Movement.
• Legacy:
  • Despite its eventual withdrawal, the CDM was a crucial step in India’s journey to independence.  
  • It demonstrated the power of mass mobilization and non-violent resistance.  
  • It instilled a sense of national pride and strengthened the resolve of the Indian people to achieve freedom.  
  • It significantly weakened the authority of the british government, and brought the topic of Indian independence to the forefront of international conversation.  
  • The movement helped to raise a new generation of Indian political activists.

In conclusion, the Civil Disobedience Movement, with the iconic Salt March at its forefront, represents a watershed moment in India’s struggle for freedom. While it did not immediately achieve independence, it laid the foundation for future movements and ultimately contributed to the end of British colonial rule.