Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 191

The famous movement launched by Gandhi to break salt law was .....

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the specific actions taken by Gandhi to challenge British laws.

Correct Answer: C) Civil Disobedience Movement.

Exam Relevance: CBSE History, UPSC Prelims, SSC CGL

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Civil Disobedience Movement was a pivotal phase in the Indian independence struggle, initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930. This movement was a direct challenge to British colonial rule and aimed to promote self-rule and independence for India. The movement was characterized by a series of non-violent protests and civil disobedience actions, with the Salt Satyagraha being one of the most significant events.

The Salt Satyagraha, also known as the Salt March, was a direct action campaign of tax resistance and nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly. In March 1930, Gandhi led a 240-mile march from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi, where he and his followers made salt from seawater, defying the British salt laws. This act of civil disobedience was a powerful symbol of the Indian people's resistance to British rule and their demand for self-governance.

The Salt Satyagraha was part of a broader strategy of civil disobedience that included the boycott of British goods, refusal to pay taxes, and the promotion of Indian-made goods. The movement gained widespread support across India and led to the arrest of thousands of Indians, including Gandhi himself. The Civil Disobedience Movement was a significant step in the Indian independence struggle, demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance and the determination of the Indian people to achieve self-rule.

It is important to distinguish the Civil Disobedience Movement from other significant movements in Indian history, such as the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Quit India Movement. The Non-Cooperation Movement, launched in 1920, focused on non-violent resistance to British rule, including the boycott of British institutions and goods. The Quit India Movement, launched in 1942, was a call for immediate independence from British rule and was characterized by more radical and widespread protests.

Understanding the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Salt Satyagraha is crucial for comprehending the broader context of the Indian independence struggle and the role of Gandhi in leading the movement towards self-rule. The movement demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance and the importance of civil disobedience in challenging unjust laws and promoting social and political change.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. The Quit India Movement was launched in 1942, not 1930, and it was a call for immediate independence from British rule. It did not specifically target the salt law.
  • Option B: Incorrect. The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in 1920 and focused on non-violent resistance to British rule, including the boycott of British institutions. It did not specifically target the salt law.
  • Option C: Correct. The Civil Disobedience Movement, launched in 1930, included the Salt Satyagraha, where Gandhi led a march to the sea to make salt, defying the British salt laws. This movement aimed to challenge British authority and promote self-rule.
  • Option D: Incorrect. The Civil Disobedience Movement is the correct answer, as it specifically refers to the movement that included the Salt Satyagraha.

Mnemonic: C-D-M: Civil Disobedience Movement

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