Question

Salt March ‘became an effective tool of resistance against colonialism.’ Analyse the statement with suitable reasons.

Answer 1

1. Gandhiji found in salt a powerful bond that would unite the nations, as it was consumed by all, rich and poor alike.
2. Gandhiji’s letter to Viceroy Irwin stated eleven demands. Most of them were of general interest, but the most stirring was to abolish the salt tax imposed by the colonial government.
3. Irwin’s unwillingness to negotiate forced Gandhiji to start his Salt March, which was joined by thousands. It developed the feeling of nationalism.
4. People in different parts of the country broke the salt law and manufactured salt and demonstrated in front of government salt factories.
5. People unitedly followed Gandhiji’s words. They refused to pay taxes and revenues, picketed liquor shops, boycotted foreign clothes, resigned from government jobs and violated forest laws.