5.4. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)

Causes

• Simon Commission (1927) had no Indian members
• Demand for Purna Swaraj (complete independence) in 1929 at Lahore session
• Gandhi’s 11-point demands ignored by the government

The Civil Disobedience Movement was initiated in response to various grievances. Firstly, the Simon Commission was formed in 1927, but it did not include any Indian members, which angered many Indians as they felt excluded from the decision-making process regarding their own governance. Secondly, at the Lahore session in 1929, there was a significant demand for 'Purna Swaraj', or complete independence from British rule, highlighting the growing desire for self-governance. Lastly, Gandhi's 11-point demands, which addressed economic grievances and political rights, were ignored by the British government, further fueling discontent among the Indian populace and leading to the launch of the movement.

Imagine a group of people making decisions about a community without including any members of that community. This would understandably frustrate those who are affected, similar to how Indians felt about the Simon Commission. The demand for complete independence can be likened to students demanding a voice in school rules; if their voices are ignored, it can lead to protests.

Dandi March (Salt March)

• Gandhi’s 240-mile march from Sabarmati to Dandi (March 1930)
• Protested Salt Tax by making salt from seawater
• Marked the beginning of the movement

The Dandi March, also known as the Salt March, was a pivotal event in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Initiated by Gandhi in March 1930, this march covered 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi. The purpose was to protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British, which required Indians to purchase salt from the British government, thus burdening them economically. To defy this unjust law, Gandhi and his followers made their own salt from seawater, symbolically challenging British authority and mark the official start of the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Think of it like a community rebelling against a new unfair tax on essential items. If the government imposes a tax on something as basic as bread, people might decide to bake their own bread at home to protest the tax. Similarly, the Dandi March was about reclaiming the right to produce something as natural as salt.

Features

• Mass participation (women, students, peasants)
• Boycott of British goods, refusal to pay taxes

The Civil Disobedience Movement was characterized by extensive mass participation. It saw people from all walks of life, including women, students, and peasants, come together to oppose British rule. This inclusivity marked a significant shift in the Indian National Movement, making it more democratic and representative of Indian society. Additionally, one of the key features was the boycott of British goods, which encouraged Indians to support local industries and products, and a refusal to pay taxes that funded British rule. Such actions not only hurt the British economically but also fostered a sense of unity and nationalism among Indians.

Imagine a local community deciding to stop buying products from a company that does not support them. By choosing to support local businesses instead, the community not only takes a stand against the unfair practices but also strengthens its local economy. This was similar to the boycotts that occurred during the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)

• Gandhi agreed to suspend the movement
• Attended the Second Round Table Conference in London

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was a significant agreement made in 1931, marking a temporary truce in the Civil Disobedience Movement. Under this pact, Gandhi agreed to suspend the movement in exchange for certain concessions by the British government, including the release of political prisoners. This agreement also facilitated Gandhi's participation in the Second Round Table Conference in London, where discussions concerning India's political future took place. The pact highlighted Gandhi's strategy of negotiation and dialogue in the face of resistance.

This is similar to a situation where two parties (like a student and a principal) agree to pause a protest to have a discussion about the issues at hand. By agreeing to stop, they can come together to negotiate solutions, potentially leading to changes that benefit both.

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