Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 206

Who did Gandhi specifically request be a part of his 240 mile march from his home in Ahmedabad to Dandi on the Gujarat Coast?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider Gandhi's efforts to promote social equality.

Correct Answer: A) Untouchables

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Gandhi's Salt March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, was a pivotal event in the Indian independence movement. It took place in 1930 and involved a 240-mile march from Gandhi's ashram in Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, to the coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat. The primary purpose of the march was to protest against the British salt tax and the monopoly on salt production, which was a significant economic issue for the Indian people.

However, the Salt March was not just an economic protest; it was also a powerful symbol of social and political resistance. Gandhi's decision to include untouchables in the march was a deliberate and significant step towards addressing the deep-seated social inequalities within Indian society. Untouchables, also known as Dalits, were at the bottom of the Hindu caste system and faced severe discrimination and exclusion. By including them in the march, Gandhi aimed to highlight their plight and promote social equality.

The inclusion of untouchables in the Salt March was a strategic move to bring attention to their social exclusion and to foster a sense of unity and solidarity among all Indians, regardless of caste. This act of inclusion was part of Gandhi's broader philosophy of non-violent resistance and social reform. He believed that true independence could only be achieved if all segments of society were included and treated with dignity and respect.

It is important to understand that Gandhi's Salt March was not just a protest against the British salt tax but also a powerful statement against social injustice. The inclusion of untouchables in the march was a significant step towards addressing the social inequalities that plagued Indian society. This act of inclusion was a crucial part of Gandhi's efforts to promote social equality and to unite all Indians in the struggle for independence.

Therefore, the correct answer is that Gandhi specifically requested untouchables to be a part of his 240-mile march from Ahmedabad to Dandi. This inclusion was a deliberate effort to address social inequality and to promote unity among all Indians.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Gandhi specifically requested that untouchables be included in the Salt March to emphasize their social exclusion and to promote social equality. This inclusion was a significant step towards integrating marginalized communities into the broader struggle for independence.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. While Sikhs were part of the Indian independence movement, Gandhi did not specifically request Sikhs to be part of the Salt March. The inclusion of untouchables was a deliberate effort to address social inequality.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Gandhi did not specifically request Muslims to be part of the Salt March. The inclusion of untouchables was a targeted effort to address the social exclusion of a specific group within Indian society.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. While Hindus were part of the Salt March, Gandhi specifically requested the inclusion of untouchables, who were often marginalized within the Hindu community. This inclusion was a deliberate effort to address social inequality and promote unity.

Mnemonic: Gandhi's March: "U" for Untouchables, Unity in Diversity

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