Answer: Option C
Solution:
On March 12, 1930, Indian independence leader Mohandas Gandhi begins a defiant march to the sea in protest of the British monopoly on salt, his boldest act of civil disobedience yet against British rule in India.
1. The Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March)
The movement that started on March 12, 1930 is famously known as the Salt Satyagraha or Dandi March.
- Purpose: To protest against the British monopoly on salt production and the heavy salt tax imposed on Indians.
- Significance: Salt was a basic necessity for every Indian, and this tax was unfair and exploitative. The protest highlighted the injustice of British rule and involved non-violent civil disobedience.
2. Details of the Dandi March
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date Started | March 12, 1930 |
| Leader | Mahatma Gandhi |
| Starting Point | Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad |
| Destination | Dandi, a coastal village in Gujarat |
| Distance Covered | Approximately 240 miles (390 km) |
| Duration | 24 days (12 March – 6 April 1930) |
| Method | Non-violent protest (Satyagraha) |
| Outcome | Gandhi broke the salt law by making salt from seawater at Dandi, inspiring millions of Indians to follow suit. |
3. Significance of the Salt Satyagraha
- Mass Mobilization: It involved people from all sections of society – men, women, and children – spreading awareness about civil rights and non-violent resistance.
- Symbol of Resistance: Breaking the salt law became a symbol of defiance against colonial oppression.
- Global Attention: The movement attracted international media coverage and highlighted the Indian independence struggle worldwide.
- Strengthened Non-Violent Movement: It reinforced Gandhi’s philosophy of Ahimsa (non-violence) and civil disobedience as effective tools for social change.
4. Famous Quotes by Gandhi on the Salt Satyagraha
- “With this, I am shaking the foundations of the British Empire.”
- “Salt is the symbol of life; it is the common property of all.”
5. Impact on Indian Freedom Movement
- Inspired civil disobedience across India; people openly defied salt laws.
- Thousands were arrested, but it united Indians against British rule.
- It paved the way for further mass movements, including the Quit India Movement in 1942.
6. Conclusion
The movement started by Mahatma Gandhi on March 12, 1930 is the Salt Satyagraha or Dandi March. It remains one of the most celebrated examples of non-violent resistance in world history and demonstrated the power of civil disobedience against injustice.
Which movement was started by Mahatma Gandhi on March 12, 1930