We all know that salt is an essential ingredient in our diet. Did you know salt played an important role in the history of India’s Freedom Struggle? In January 1930, Mahatma Gandhi demanded the abolition of salt tax imposed by the British. According to the Salt Act of 1882, only the British government in India could manufacture and sell salt. Actually, many Indians living along the coast had long been making salt by evaporating sea water. The British objected to this.
Gandhiji threatened to begin a civil disobedience campaign if the demands were not met. Civil disobedience means non-compliance with certain laws or rules which are considered unjust. With demands not met, on March 12, 1930, Gandhiji along with volunteers started walking from the Sabarmathi Ashram to Dandi, a small coastal village in Gujarat. Besides being a direct action campaign of tax resistance in a non-violent way, the march inspired more people to follow Gandhiji’s example. Thousands joined him en route.
On April 6, 1930, Gandhiji reached Dandi, which was then called Navsari, and made salt symbolically by boiling sea water. It meant Indians had the right to make salt and would desist from paying salt tax. This long walk, spanning 240 miles, marked the beginning of the civil disobedience movement. Taking pride in themselves and their culture, Indians swore to disobey British laws and disown British goods. Gandhiji’s action led to similar protests in different parts of the country.
After making the salt, Gandhiji had planned to raid the Dharasana Salt Works, 40 km south of Dandi. However, he was arrested on May 5, 1930, days before the planned action. The satyagraha against the salt tax continued for almost a year. Satyagrahis were attacked and arrested, but they never raised an arm. Worried, Gandhiji agreed for negotiations with Viceroy Lord Invin at the second Round Table Conference if political prisoners were released. The Dandi March, which drew worldwide attention to the Indian independence movement, was one of the significant events that led to the downfall of the British rule.
Did you know?
The Salt March is also referred to as the “White Flowing River”, as the marchers were all dressed in white khadi.
Picture Credit : Google
