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The Dandi March, also known as the Salt March or Dandi Satyagraha, was a pivotal moment in India's fight for independence. It was a non-violent protest campaign led by Mahatma Gandhi against the British salt monopoly in colonial India. The march began on March 12, 1930, and lasted for 24 days, culminating in Gandhi symbolically making his own salt at Dandi, a coastal village in Gujarat, on April 6, 1930.
Here's a closer look at the Dandi March, drawing insights from various sources:
Background:
- The British Raj imposed a salt tax in India, making it illegal for Indians to collect or sell salt, a crucial household necessity. This not only caused economic hardship but also symbolized British control over basic resources.
- In response, Gandhi, a strong advocate for non-violent resistance (Satyagraha), decided to lead a nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement against the salt laws. The Dandi March was the movement's first significant act.
The March:
- On March 12, 1930, Gandhi, accompanied by 78 volunteers, set off from his Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on a 240-mile (386 km) march towards Dandi.
- The marchers, dressed in simple white khadi (homespun cloth), walked approximately 10-12 miles (16-19 km) daily. They held prayer meetings and delivered speeches along the way, garnering widespread support from the Indian public.
- News of the march spread rapidly through newspapers and word-of-mouth, capturing the imagination of millions across India. People from all walks of life lined the streets to greet Gandhi and his followers, offering them food, shelter, and moral support.
Significance:
- The Dandi March achieved several key objectives:
- Sparked a nationwide movement: It ignited the Civil Disobedience Movement, inspiring countless Indians to participate in various forms of non-violent protest against British rule.
- International attention: The march garnered international attention, highlighting the injustices faced by Indians under British colonial rule.
- Economic impact: The widespread defiance of the salt laws significantly impacted British revenue and exposed the vulnerability of the salt monopoly.
- Symbol of resistance: The Dandi March became a powerful symbol of Indian self-reliance and non-violent resistance against oppression. It instilled a sense of national unity and empowered Indians to actively participate in the freedom struggle.
Legacy:
- The Dandi March remains a landmark event in Indian history, inspiring generations of activists and freedom fighters around the world. It continues to be celebrated as a testament to the power of non-violent resistance and the struggle for justice and freedom.
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