Question

Examine the role of Gandhiji as a Nationalist leader from 1929 till 1931.

Answer 1

Due to the following factors, Gandhiji and his adherents played a significant role in the development of Gandhian nationalism:

1. Mahatma Gandhi focused on his social reform work for several years after the Non-cooperation Movement ended. In 1928, however, he began to think of re-entering politics.
2. That year there was an all-India campaign in opposition to the all-White Simon Commission, sent from England to enquire into conditions in the colony.
3. Gandhiji did not participate in this movement, although he gave it his blessings, as he did to a peasant satyagraha in Bardoli in 1928.
4. At the end of December 1929, the Congress held its annual session in the city of Lahore. The meeting was significant for two things: the election of Jawaharlal Nehru as President, signifying the passing of the baton of leadership to the younger generation, and the proclamation of commitment to “Purna Swaraj”, or complete independence.
5. On 26 January 1930, “Independence Day” was observed, with the national flag being hoisted in different venues, and patriotic songs being sung. Gandhiji himself issued precise instructions as to how the day should be observed.
6. Mahatma Gandhi declared he would lead a march to overturn one of British India's most contentious laws, which gave the government a monopoly on the production and distribution of salt, as soon as this "Independence Day" was observed.
7. On March 12, 1930, Gandhiji began to stroll from his ashram in Sabarmati towards the water, sparking the Civil Disobedience Movement.
8. Negotiating the pact's terms began after Gandhi was released from prison in January 1931 (Gandhi-Irwin Pact). Gandhi ultimately abandoned the Satyagraha movement, and Irwin agreed to remove those who had been imprisoned and allow Indians to produce salt for domestic consumption. Gandhiji became well-known worldwide due to the Salt March, which was extensively covered by the American and European press.