THE CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE
MOVEMENT {1930-31}
Led by Mahatma Gandhi
Introduction
Civil Disobedience is the active, professed refusal to obey
certain laws, demands or commands of a Government, or of
an occupying International power. The civil disobedience
movement was a landmark event in the Indian Nationalist
movement. In many ways, the movement is credited for
paving the way for freedom in India. It was significant in
many ways as it was a movement that spread to the urban
areas and witnessed the participation of women and people
belonging to the lower castes.
How it began?
The Civil Disobedience Movement began under the stewardship of
Mahatma Gandhi. It was launched after the observance of
Independence Day in 1930. The Civil Disobedience Movement
commenced with the infamous Dandi March when Gandhiji left the
Sabarmati Ashram at Ahmedabad on foot with 78 other members of
the Ashram for Dandi on 12th March, 1930. He broke the salt law by
boiling sea water which was considered illegal as it was solely
Government Monopoly. The salt satyagraha led to a widespread
acceptance of the civil Disobedience movement across the country.
This event became symbolic of people’s defiance of government
policies.
How was Civil Disobedience different from
Non- Cooperation?
People were now asked not only to refuse cooperation, as they had
done during the non- cooperation movement in 1921-22, but also to
break colonial laws.
Social Groups who participated in this
Movement
1] Rich peasants- Depression and fall in prices affected them badly.
They demanded reduction in land revenue.
2] Poor peasants- They demanded reduction in rent.
3] Business Class- They demanded protection against the import of
foreign goods.
4] Industrial Workers- They were poorly paid. Conditions of workers
was miserable.
Abolition of Civil Disobedience Movement
• The civil disobedience movement came to end because of the Gandhi-Irwin
pact. It was signed by Mahatma Gandhi and the then Viceroy of India,
Lord Irwin on 5 March 1931.
• Following were the provisions of the Gandhi-Irwin pact:
1] Stopping of the civil disobedience movement by the Indian National Congress.
2] Participation of Indian National Congress in the Round Table Conference.
3] Withdrawal of all laws issued by the British Government forcing checks on
the exercises of the Indian National Congress.
4] The release of prisoners arrested during civil disobedience movement.
5] Removal of salt tax.
Conclusion
Civil Disobedience movement was an important campaign of
freedom movement. Civil Disobedience movement was the first
widespread movement in which people of all classes and castes took
part. Gandhiji thought that British law provided lasting basis to
their rule in this country and so he adopted the rational but non-
violent program of violation of unjust British laws. Salt Satyagraha
was an important aspect of this movement. Though salt was a minor
thing, a handful salt of Gandhiji shook the whole British empire and
inspired thousands of people to fight against imperialism.
Thank you
Group members- 1. Preshttha
2. Rhea
3. Nikhita
4. Naysa
5. Paarth
6. Pratham
7. Rakshit