Civil Disobedience Movement: UPSC SSC History Explained

Origins and Objectives

The Civil Disobedience Movement began in 1930. It followed the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress in December 1929. During this session, the Congress declared 'Purna Swaraj' (complete independence) as its main goal. Mahatma Gandhi was given the authority to launch a civil disobedience movement. The main objective was to defy unjust British laws and demand self-rule. This movement aimed to involve a wider section of the Indian population than previous movements.

The immediate trigger for the movement was the British government's refusal to accept Gandhi's eleven demands. These demands were presented to Viceroy Lord Irwin in January 1930. They included issues like reduction in land revenue, abolition of the salt tax, and release of political prisoners. When the demands were not met, Gandhi decided to launch the movement with the iconic Salt Satyagraha. This act of civil disobedience was carefully chosen to highlight the oppressive nature of British laws affecting common people.

Salt Satyagraha

The Salt Satyagraha marked the formal beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement. Mahatma Gandhi started his historic Dandi March on March 12, 1930. He began the march from his ashram at Sabarmati, Gujarat, with 78 chosen followers. They walked approximately 240 miles to the coastal village of Dandi. On April 6, 1930, Gandhi symbolically broke the salt law by picking up a lump of natural salt from the seashore. This simple act was a powerful defiance of the British monopoly on salt production and taxation.

The breaking of the salt law at Dandi inspired millions across India. People in various parts of the country started manufacturing salt illegally. This led to widespread arrests and confrontations with the British authorities. The Salt Satyagraha brought the movement into the homes of ordinary Indians. It demonstrated that even a common commodity like salt could become a symbol of resistance against colonial rule. The movement gained significant international attention, highlighting the injustice of British policies.

Spread and Impact

The Civil Disobedience Movement quickly spread beyond the salt laws. Other forms of civil disobedience included boycotting foreign goods, refusing to pay taxes, and picketing liquor shops and opium dens. Women played a crucial role, participating in large numbers in protests and picketing. Notable leaders like Sarojini Naidu led the raid on the Dharasana Salt Works, which was met with brutal repression but garnered immense sympathy.

The movement saw widespread participation from peasants, workers, students, and tribal communities. In regions like the North-West Frontier Province, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, known as the 'Frontier Gandhi', led the Khudai Khidmatgars (Red Shirts). They were committed to non-violent resistance. The British government responded with severe repression, including mass arrests, lathi charges, and firing. Thousands of Indians were imprisoned, including Gandhi and other prominent leaders. Despite the repression, the movement successfully mobilized the masses and put immense pressure on the British government.

Gandhi-Irwin Pact

The intensity of the Civil Disobedience Movement led to negotiations between Mahatma Gandhi and Viceroy Lord Irwin. These talks resulted in the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, signed on March 5, 1931. The pact included several agreements. The British agreed to release all political prisoners not convicted of violence. They also allowed the collection and manufacture of salt for personal use along the coast. The Congress, in turn, agreed to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement and participate in the Second Round Table Conference in London.

While the pact was seen as a temporary truce, it marked a significant moment. It was the first time the British government negotiated with Indian leaders on an equal footing. Gandhi attended the Second Round Table Conference in September 1931, but it failed to achieve any substantial constitutional reforms. Upon his return, Gandhi revived the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1932, but it lacked the initial momentum and was eventually called off in April 1934.

Important Keywords Explained

Purna Swarajconcept

Purna Swaraj means 'complete self-rule' or 'complete independence'. It was declared as the main goal of the Indian National Congress at its Lahore Session in December 1929. This declaration marked a significant shift from the earlier demand for dominion status. It set the stage for the Civil Disobedience Movement, aiming for total freedom from British colonial rule.

Dandi Marchevent

The Dandi March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, was a non-violent protest led by Mahatma Gandhi. It began on March 12, 1930, from Sabarmati Ashram and concluded on April 6, 1930, at Dandi. Gandhi and his followers walked 240 miles to defy the British salt tax. This event marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement and garnered widespread support.

Khudai Khidmatgarsorganization

The Khudai Khidmatgars, meaning 'Servants of God', was a non-violent Pashtun movement led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan in the North-West Frontier Province. Also known as 'Red Shirts' due to their distinctive uniforms, they actively participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement, advocating for Indian independence through peaceful resistance and social reform.

Gandhi-Irwin Pactact

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a political agreement signed on March 5, 1931, between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy of India. It temporarily halted the Civil Disobedience Movement. Key provisions included the release of political prisoners, permission for coastal salt collection, and Congress's agreement to attend the Second Round Table Conference.

Additional Facts & Context

• The Dandi March covered approximately 240 miles (386 km).
• 78 followers accompanied Gandhi on the initial Dandi March.
• Over 90,000 people were arrested during the Civil Disobedience Movement.
• The movement saw significant participation from women, estimated to be over 17,000 arrested.
• The Second Round Table Conference was held in London in September 1931.