Dandi, Gujarat – March 12, 1930: Mahatma Gandhi, along with 78 followers, embarked on a 385 km march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to protest the oppressive salt tax imposed by the British. This event, now known as the Dandi March or Salt Satyagraha, marked a turning point in India’s struggle for independence.
The march, which began on March 12, 1930, culminated on April 6, 1930, when Gandhi defied British law by producing salt from seawater. This simple yet profound act sparked a nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement and intensified the demand for Purna Swaraj (complete independence).
Why Gandhi Chose Salt as a Symbol of Protest
Gandhi’s decision to protest the salt tax was both strategic and symbolic. Salt was a basic necessity, and taxing it disproportionately affected all. By challenging the salt laws, Gandhi aimed to highlight the economic exploitation under British rule while mobilizing the masses for the Dandi march.
The protest followed the failure of the Simon Commission to address Indian concerns and the declaration of complete independence by the Indian National Congress in 1929. With constitutional methods proving ineffective, Gandhi turned to non-violent civil disobedience as the next course of action.
A Grueling Journey with Nationwide Impact
Over the 24-day march, Gandhi and his followers traversed villages across Gujarat, spreading their message of non-violence and self-reliance. Thousands gathered along the route, with many joining the Dandi march in solidarity.
Despite physical exhaustion and the threat of British reprisals, the marchers remained resolute. Upon reaching Dandi, Gandhi symbolically broke the law by collecting salt from the coastal waters—a direct challenge to British authority.
Mass Participation and Civil Disobedience
The Dandi March ignited mass participation across India. Inspired by Gandhi, people from all walks of life began making salt illegally, boycotting British goods, and refusing to pay taxes. The movement also saw significant involvement from women, with leaders like Sarojini Naidu playing a crucial role in organizing protests.
From textile workers to farmers and students, diverse sections of society engaged in civil disobedience, strengthening the push for independence. The British responded with harsh measures, leading to the arrest of over 60,000 people, including Gandhi himself.
Political Repercussions for the British Raj
The British government faced an unprecedented challenge. The mass defiance weakened their administrative control and exposed the inherent injustices of colonial rule. International pressure mounted as the world watched Gandhi’s peaceful resistance.
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931 was a direct consequence of the movement. The agreement saw the release of political prisoners and allowed Indians to produce salt for personal use. Although it did not immediately end British rule, it forced the colonial administration to recognize the strength of Indian resistance.
Global Attention and Gandhi’s Rising Influence
The Dandi March captured global attention, with major newspapers in Britain, the United States, and Europe covering Gandhi’s actions. Prominent global figures, including Albert Einstein and Romain Rolland, praised his commitment to non-violence and human dignity.
Gandhi’s leadership during the march elevated him to a symbol of peaceful resistance worldwide. His methods inspired future movements, including the American Civil Rights Movement led by Martin Luther King Jr.
Long-Lasting Legacy of the Dandi March
Although the immediate political impact was limited, the Dandi March transformed the Indian independence movement. It united the nation, emboldened the fight for Purna Swaraj, and shattered the illusion of British invincibility.
The march remains a lasting testament to the power of non-violent protest and continues to inspire movements for freedom and justice worldwide. Gandhi’s salt protest, simple yet profound, forever changed the course of Indian history and the global discourse on civil resistance
