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Key Aspects of Civil Disobedience Movement

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Key Aspects of Civil Disobedience Movement

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Civil Disobedience Movement

Civil disobiedience movement was one of the most important event in India’s freedom
[Link] movement organized under the leadership of mahatma Gandhi, badly affected the
British government in India. The movement was specially noticed by immense participation of
masses.

Lahore Congress1929: The decision for organizing Civil disobedience movement was took in
the Lahore session of the congress. In 1929 the congress met its annual session at Lahore and its
decisions were the following;the congress decided to organize a Civil disobedience movement
and it authorized Gandhiji to organize the [Link] also passed a declaration of poorna
swaraj. In this session, members agreed that the Congress and Indian nationalists should fight
for Purna Swaraj, or that they should rule itself entirely independently. The Congress approved a
motion for complete Independence and also the President of Congress hoisted the flag of
Complete Freedom on the bank of the Ravi on the midnight of 31 December 1929, in front of
huge crowds.

Salt Law:at this time the British government enacted the salt law. As a result of this law the
people in the coastal areas forced to pay tax for making of salt. Salt making is one of the most
important occupation of coastal people. Strong opposition arose among people against this
[Link] this as a right time to start the movement,Gandhiji decided to launch the movt:

Dandi March:The most important programme of Civil disobiedience movement was Dandi
March. It was organized by Gandhiji from Sabarmati to Dandi, a coastal area in [Link]
March started in March 12th [Link] along with his 78 followers marched [Link]
March reached at Dandi on 6th April [Link] 7th April morning Gandhiji with his followers
reached Dandi and after prayer he picked up a hand full of sat as symbol of the violation of the
salt [Link] the Dandi march marked the beginning of salt saltyagraha.

The Dandi march inspired the people [Link] different parts of india people organized marches
and picked up salt as a symbol and support to dandi march.

Other programmes:Followed by Dandi march Gandhiji gave call for peaceful demonstrations,
noncooperation to government including non-payment of taxes, boycott of liquor, foreign cloth,
picketing of liquor shops and others etc., Peasants refused to pay revenue and chaukidari taxes,
village officials resigned and in many places forest people violated forests laws – going into
Reserved forests to collect wood and graze cattle.

Features of the Civil Disobedience Movement :


 This was the first nationwide movement while all others were restricted to urban areas
 People among rural areas also had an opportunity to register their participation
 The participation of women was in large numbers
 Kasturba Gandhi, Kamladevi Chattopadhyay, Avantikabai Gokhale, Lilavati Munshi,
Hansaben Mehta like popular women led the satyagraha movement
 Non-violence was the motto of this movement
 On continuous suppression by the Britishers, this movement did not turn back
 Due to this fearlessness, the Indian people were regarded as fearless

Reaction of the Government

This movement shook the very foundation of the British rule in India

(i) Worried by the developments, the colonial government began arresting the congress leaders
one by one. First of all they arrested Abdul Ghaffar Khan, adevout disciple of Mahatma Gandhi.
(ii) A month later, Gandhiji himself was arrested. This enraged the [Link] workers in
Sholapur attacked police posts, municipal buildings law courts and railway stations — all
structures that symbolised British rule.
(iii) A frightened government responded with policy brutal repression. Peaceful Satyagrahis were
attacked, women and children were beaten and thousands of people were arrested.

Gandhi Irwin Pact

As the movement progreeses, it became difficult for the government to administer. Hence, the
then viceroy Lord Irwin initiated for a compromise. Under the civil disobedience movement,
Gandhi put forward 11 demands and gave an ultimatum of January 31, 1930, to accept or reject.

 On January 25, 1931, Gandhi and all other members of the Congress Working Committee
(CWC) were released from jail unconditionally. The CWC authorised Gandhi to initiate
discussions with the viceroy Lord Irwin. Later a pact was signed in Delhi, which came to
be known as Delhi-Pact or Gandhi-Irwin Pact. According to this act, the British
Government agreed to release all the political prisoners unconditionally. The Government also
removed restrictions imposed on salt making. People within the 20 kilo meters of coastal area
were permitted to make salt without any tax. Thus it removed the salt tax. The Government also
agreed to withdraw all ordinances that curbed the activities of the Congress and all
prosecutions except those involving violent crimes.

In response, Mahathma Gandhi agreed to participate in the Round Table Conference and
withdraw Civil Disobedience movement.

Common questions

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The Civil Disobedience Movement had profound long-term effects on India's political landscape and its quest for independence. It solidified the Indian National Congress's position as a leading force in the struggle against British rule, displaying the power and effectiveness of nonviolent resistance. It also laid the groundwork for future mass movements by demonstrating the potential of organized mass protests in achieving concrete political gains. The movement inspired widespread political awakening and increased participation across different societal segments, accentuating national unity and resolve. It symbolized a significant step towards eventual independence by reshaping both Indian and British perspectives on colonial governance .

Mahatma Gandhi employed several strategies to ensure mass participation and strict adherence to nonviolence during the Civil Disobedience Movement. He made strategic use of symbolic acts like the Dandi March, which were inclusive and directly challenged oppressive laws, thus rallying masses across different demographics. Gandhi also preached and practiced nonviolence as a moral and strategic imperative, securing a commitment from his followers to refrain from violence even under provocation. This was reinforced through the inclusion of religious and ethical teachings in satyagraha, maintaining the movement's moral integrity and broad participation despite severe British suppression .

The Dandi March was significant as a form of protest because it directly targeted the British-imposed salt tax, a symbol of colonial oppression affecting all Indians regardless of class. By leading a nonviolent march and violating the salt law, Gandhi effectively united Indians against British rule and demonstrated the power of mass civil disobedience. The widespread defiance inspired by the Dandi March pressured the British colonial authorities and highlighted the vulnerability of their control, leading to the eventual initiation of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact as the British sought to negotiate and manage the escalating tension .

Nonviolence was a cornerstone of the Civil Disobedience Movement, setting it apart from more militant struggles for independence. This approach, championed by Gandhi, invigorated public participation by emphasizing moral high ground and ethical protest, which gained widespread support across diverse Indian populations. Internationally, the commitment to nonviolence highlighted the moral legitimacy of Indian demands and drew significant global attention and sympathy, putting pressure on the British government to reform its policies. The resilience of nonviolence even under brutal repression further enhanced the movement's credibility and attractiveness as a model for civil rights campaigns elsewhere .

The British colonial government's response to the Civil Disobedience Movement was characterized by repression and eventual negotiation. Initially, they arrested key leaders such as Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Gandhi himself to suppress the movement, leading to widespread public outrage and acts of protest. The brutal repression, including attacks on peaceful protesters, highlighted the oppressive nature of colonial rule. However, as the movement persisted and the government faced administrative challenges, Viceroy Lord Irwin initiated the Gandhi-Irwin Pact to negotiate peace. This exemplifies a colonial strategy struggling to maintain control amidst mounting pressure and global scrutiny .

The Civil Disobedience Movement significantly involved the Indian industrial workforce, notably in Sholapur where industrial workers actively participated in protests against British rule. These workers attacked symbols of British authority such as police posts and municipal buildings, thereby directly challenging colonial power structures. Their participation underscored the movement's ability to mobilize not just rural and urban populations but also industrial sectors, reflecting widespread discontent. The actions of industrial workers enhanced the pressure on the British government to address Indian grievances, demonstrating the movement's impact on multiple societal levels .

The participation of women in the Civil Disobedience Movement was instrumental in expanding the scope and dynamics of the struggle. Women like Kasturba Gandhi, Kamladevi Chattopadhyay, and Lilavati Munshi became significant leaders in the satyagraha movement, encouraging more widespread mass participation including rural areas. Their involvement not only challenged existing gender norms but also strengthened the message of nonviolence and unity, profoundly impacting India's socio-political landscape by involving women in public protest on a large scale .

The core objectives of the Civil Disobedience Movement were to challenge British rule through nonviolent means and to assert the Indian demand for Purna Swaraj, or complete independence. The Lahore Congress Session of 1929 was pivotal as it was during this session that the Congress decided to launch the Civil Disobedience Movement and authorized Mahatma Gandhi to lead it. The session also marked the formal declaration of Purna Swaraj, inspiring nationwide support and participation in the movement .

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was significant in the context of the Civil Disobedience Movement as it represented a strategic compromise between Indian nationalists and the British government. The pact's significance lay in the British concession to release political prisoners and allow salt production, which validated the movement's tactics and goals. Conversely, Gandhi's agreement to suspend the movement and attend the Round Table Conference showed a strategic readiness to negotiate for political gains. This shifted Indian political strategy towards a blend of direct action and diplomatic negotiation to advance national objectives .

The withdrawal of the salt tax as part of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact had notable economic and social implications for Indian society. Economically, it alleviated a significant burden on coastal communities for whom salt making was a vital livelihood, enhancing their financial autonomy and reducing economic exploitation. Socially, it served as a triumph for the masses against unjust legislation, bolstering national morale and unity. This legal concession by the British also empowered other social reform movements by illustrating the potential success of nonviolent resistance and civil activism .

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