Question

Explain the significance of the Dandi March and its influence on the Independence movement.

Hint:

The Dandi March highlighted the power of peaceful civil disobedience in challenging colonial rule, and inspired millions to join the fight for India’s independence.

Answer 1

The Dandi March, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, was a pivotal event in India's struggle for independence, with lasting significance on the nationalist movement.
1. Significance of the Dandi March:
- The march was a direct action against the British salt monopoly and the salt tax imposed on Indians. Gandhi, along with a group of followers, walked 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi, where he made salt from seawater. - This act of defiance symbolized non-violent resistance against British rule and became a rallying point for the Indian populace.
2. Influence on the Independence Movement:
- Mass Mobilization: The Dandi March inspired widespread participation, with thousands joining the civil disobedience movement in various regions, making it a truly mass-based movement. - Global Attention: The march and its subsequent actions attracted international media attention, highlighting India’s struggle and increasing pressure on the British. - Strengthening the Civil Disobedience Movement: The march led to the launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement, involving non-violent resistance, protests, and the refusal to obey British laws, which expanded the reach of the nationalist movement. - British Repression and National Unity: The British response to arrest Gandhi and other leaders only intensified the movement. This further united the Indian public and gave the struggle a new momentum
. Conclusion:
The Dandi March was a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle, demonstrating the effectiveness of non-violent resistance. It galvanized the masses, mobilized global attention, and set the stage for further actions in India’s path to independence.