The Tide of Defiance:
Civil Disobedience & Conferences (1930-1934)

Explore a pivotal era in India's struggle for Purna Swaraj, marked by Gandhi's iconic Salt Satyagraha and crucial negotiations.

Begin the Journey

Introduction: The Path to Purna Swaraj

The Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), launched by Mahatma Gandhi with the iconic Dandi March in March 1930, marked a significant escalation in India's struggle for Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence). Triggered by the British government's unresponsiveness to nationalist demands, including Gandhi's Eleven Demands, the CDM involved widespread violation of the salt laws, boycott of foreign goods, non-payment of taxes, and forest Satyagrahas across India. It witnessed unprecedented mass participation, including that of women, peasants, workers, and tribals. The British responded with severe repression. The movement led to a series of Round Table Conferences (RTCs) in London to discuss constitutional reforms, with the Congress participating only in the second one after the Gandhi-Irwin Pact. However, the conferences failed to resolve the political deadlock, particularly over communal representation. The CDM was resumed, faced further repression, and was eventually withdrawn in 1934. Despite not achieving immediate independence, the CDM significantly strengthened the nationalist movement, demonstrated the power of non-violent mass struggle, and paved the way for the Government of India Act, 1935.

Core Content: The Movement Unfolds

9.5.1: Gandhi's Eleven Demands

As a final attempt at compromise before launching a mass movement, Gandhi presented a set of eleven demands to Viceroy Lord Irwin.

General Demands

  • Reduce military expenditure by 50%.
  • Reduce salaries of higher civil servants by 50%.
  • Release all political prisoners.
  • Reform the CID.
  • Issue licenses for firearms for self-defence.
  • Introduce total prohibition of intoxicants.

Specific Bourgeois Demands

  • Change the rupee-sterling exchange ratio (to 1s 4d).
  • Introduce textile protection (tariffs on foreign cloth).
  • Reserve coastal shipping for Indians.

Specific Peasant Demands

  • Abolish the salt tax and government's salt monopoly.
  • Reduce land revenue by 50%.

Unresponsiveness & Decision

Lord Irwin and the British government did not respond favorably to these demands, paving the way for the Civil Disobedience Movement. The salt tax, affecting every Indian, was chosen as the central issue to launch the Satyagraha.

9.5.2: The Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha)

Gandhi's Historic March

On March 12, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi, along with 78 chosen followers, embarked on a historic march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi (approx. 240 miles). Aim: to protest against the unjust British salt laws by illegally producing salt from seawater.

Symbolism of Salt & Mobilization

Salt was a common item, making the tax a symbol of British oppression. Gandhi chose salt to unite all sections of Indian society. The march attracted enormous publicity, with thousands joining en route and Gandhi educating people about Swaraj.

Launch of CDM

Gandhi and his followers reached Dandi on April 5, 1930. On April 6, 1930, Gandhi picked up a lump of natural salt from the seashore, symbolically breaking the salt law. This act formally launched the Civil Disobedience Movement across India.

9.5.3: Spread and Forms of Civil Disobedience

Salt Law Violations

  • Coastal regions: people began manufacturing salt illegally.
  • Tamil Nadu: C. Rajagopalachari led march from Trichinopoly to Vedaranyam.
  • Malabar (Kerala): K. Kelappan organized march from Calicut to Payyanur.
  • Dharasana Salt Works Raid (May 1930): Led by Sarojini Naidu, Imam Saheb, Manilal Gandhi. Faced brutal lathi charges, reported by Webb Miller, drawing international attention.

Boycotts & Non-Payment

  • Widespread boycott of foreign cloth, liquor shops, British goods; public bonfires.
  • Non-payment of Taxes: Peasants refused land revenue (Bardoli, Kheda, UP, Bihar).
  • Chaukidari Tax: In Eastern India, refusal to pay village watchmen tax.

Forest Satyagrahas & Other Forms

  • Tribal communities & peasants violated colonial forest laws in Central Provinces, Maharashtra, Karnataka.
  • Mass Hartals, Demonstrations, Processions.
  • "Prabhat Pheris": Patriotic songs in early mornings.
  • "Vanar Senas" (boys) & "Manjari Senas" (girls): Children distributing pamphlets, carrying messages.
  • Resignation from government service, boycott of law courts (though not on NCM scale).

Notable Incidents

  • Peshawar Uprising: Led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan ("Frontier Gandhi") and his non-violent Khudai Khidmatgars ("Red Shirts"). Garhwali soldiers refused to fire on unarmed crowds.
  • Sholapur (Maharashtra): Textile workers strike, established parallel government for a few days.

9.5.4: Mass Participation

The CDM witnessed an unprecedented level of mass participation from diverse sections of society.

Women

Participated in large numbers, picketing shops, joining processions, and going to jail. Marked a significant step in their entry into public life. (Sarojini Naidu, Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay prominent).

Students

Actively involved in boycott and propaganda activities.

Peasants & Tribals

Widespread participation in no-rent/no-revenue campaigns and Forest Satyagrahas, often linked to economic grievances.

Workers

Strikes in various industrial centers.

Merchants & Traders

Supported boycott of foreign goods and participated in hartals.

Middle Class & Professionals

Provided leadership and active support.

Muslim Participation

While significant in some areas (NWFP, parts of Bengal), overall lower than NCM, partly due to British "Divide and Rule" policy and communal propaganda.

9.5.5: Government Repression

The British government responded with severe and brutal repression.

  • Severe Measures: Lathi charges, firing on unarmed crowds, beatings.
  • Mass Arrests: Hundreds of thousands, including Gandhi (May 1930), Nehru, Patel, etc.
  • Ban on Congress: Declared illegal.
  • Censorship of Press: Strict censorship, many newspapers forced to close.
  • Ordinances: Viceroy promulgated several ordinances for extraordinary powers.

9.5.6: First Round Table Conference (RTC)

London, Nov 1930 – Jan 1931

Convened by the British government to discuss constitutional reforms in India.

  • Purpose: To discuss the Simon Commission report and proposals for future constitutional reforms.
  • Boycotted by Congress: With most leaders in jail and CDM in full swing, Congress boycotted.
  • Attendees: Muslim League, Hindu Mahasabha, Liberals, Sikhs, Princes. Prominent: Jinnah, Sapru, Ambedkar.
  • Limited Progress: No significant breakthrough without Congress. Recognized that no constitutional settlement would be viable without Congress participation. Agreed on principles of federation and responsible government with safeguards in provinces.

9.5.7: Gandhi-Irwin Pact

Negotiations between Gandhi and Viceroy Lord Irwin led to a pact to suspend the CDM and facilitate Congress participation in the Second RTC.

Key Provisions

  • Congress agreed to discontinue CDM.
  • Congress agreed to participate in Second RTC.
  • Govt. agreed to release all political prisoners not convicted of violence.
  • Govt. agreed to return confiscated property not yet sold.
  • Govt. conceded right to peaceful picketing of liquor and foreign cloth shops.
  • Govt. permitted coastal people to make salt for personal consumption.

Controversy

Mahatma Gandhi did not press for the commutation of death sentences of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru, who were executed on March 23, 1931. This became a point of significant criticism against Gandhi.

9.5.8: Karachi Session of Congress

President: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

  • Endorsed Gandhi-Irwin Pact: Despite strong opposition from radical youth (angered by Bhagat Singh's execution), Congress endorsed the pact.
  • Historic Resolutions: Passed landmark resolutions on Fundamental Rights (guaranteed civil liberties, universal adult franchise) and National Economic Programme (state ownership/control of key industries, land reforms, workers/peasants rights). Largely drafted by Jawaharlal Nehru, reflecting socialist influence.

9.5.9: Second Round Table Conference

Gandhi as Sole Congress Representative

  • Deadlock over Communal Representation: Conference became deadlocked. Various minority groups (Muslims, Depressed Classes, Sikhs, etc.) demanded separate electorates/weighted representation, often encouraged by British.
  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Strongly advocated for separate electorates for Depressed Classes.
  • Gandhi's Opposition: Opposed separate electorates, arguing they would divide Indian society and hinder national unity.
  • British Intransigence: British used divisions to stall real progress on responsible government at the Centre.
  • Gandhi Returned Disappointed: No agreement reached, British unwilling to concede genuine self-government.

9.5.10: Resumption of Civil Disobedience

Viceroy Lord Willingdon's Policy

  • Willingdon adopted a hardline policy, having replaced Lord Irwin.
  • Upon return, Gandhi and other prominent Congress leaders arrested (Jan 4, 1932).
  • Congress declared illegal, offices raided, funds confiscated.

Movement Continued, But Weaker

  • Continued for about two years (1932-1934) but lacked earlier enthusiasm, organization, and mass participation.
  • People were tired; absence of top leaders hampered coordination.

9.5.11: Communal Award & Poona Pact

Communal Award (Aug 1932)

British PM Ramsay MacDonald announced it. Extended separate electorates to Depressed Classes (Scheduled Castes) and other minorities.

Gandhi's Reaction

Imprisoned in Yerawada Jail, Gandhi strongly opposed separate electorates for Depressed Classes. Saw it as a British ploy to divide Hindu society and perpetuate untouchability. Undertook a fast unto death (Sept 20, 1932) in protest.

Poona Pact (Sep 24, 1932)

Agreement between Gandhi (representing caste Hindus) and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (representing Depressed Classes), mediated by Malaviya, Rajagopalachari, Sapru.

Provisions:
  • Abandoned separate electorates for Depressed Classes.
  • Increased reserved seats for them in provincial legislatures (71 to 147) and at Centre (18% of general seats) within general (Hindu) electorate via joint electorates.

Gandhi broke his fast after the pact was signed. British government accepted it.

9.5.12: Third Round Table Conference

Held in London from November to December 1932.

  • Boycotted by Congress and most other major Indian leaders.
  • Attended by only a few loyalist Indian representatives and British delegates.
  • Little Significance: Made no substantial progress. Its recommendations formed the basis for the White Paper which led to the Government of India Act, 1935.

9.5.13: Suspension & Withdrawal of CDM

With the movement losing steam due to severe repression and internal fatigue, Gandhi officially suspended the Civil Disobedience Movement in May 1933.

  • He formally withdrew it in April 1934.
  • Gandhi Focused on Harijan Upliftment: After suspending CDM, Gandhi increasingly focused on his Constructive Programme, particularly upliftment of Harijans and eradication of untouchability. Undertook an all-India Harijan tour.

9.5.14: Assessment of CDM

The Civil Disobedience Movement, despite not achieving immediate Purna Swaraj, was a major landmark.

Achievements

  • Strengthened Nationalist Movement: Broadened and deepened nationalist consciousness.
  • Mass Awakening: Unprecedented participation, particularly among women, peasants, students.
  • Demonstrated Non-Violent Power: Showcased effectiveness of Satyagraha on massive scale.
  • Increased Women's Participation: Defining feature, firm entry into public sphere.
  • Weakened British Moral Authority: Brutal repression exposed hollowness of British claims.
  • Economic Impact: Boycott of British goods hurt trade.
  • Paved Way for GoI Act 1935: Pressure contributed to constitutional reforms.

Limitations

  • Failed to Achieve Purna Swaraj Immediately: Immediate goal not achieved.
  • Hindu-Muslim Unity Setbacks: Muslim participation lower than NCM.
  • Sustainability Issues: Could not be sustained indefinitely against severe repression.

Summary: CDM & RTCs

Event/Phase Year(s) Key Features/Events
Gandhi's Eleven Demands Jan 1930 Presented to Viceroy Irwin; mixed demands including abolition of salt tax. No positive response.
Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) Mar-Apr 1930 Gandhi's march from Sabarmati to Dandi (78 followers) to break salt law. Symbolism of salt. Launched CDM.
Spread & Forms of CDM 1930-1931 Violation of Salt Laws (Rajagopalachari, Kelappan), Dharasana Salt Works raid (Sarojini Naidu). Boycott, non-payment of taxes, Forest Satyagrahas. Prabhat Pheris, Vanar/Manjari Senas. Peshawar Uprising (K.A. Ghaffar Khan), Sholapur.
Mass Participation 1930-1931 Unprecedented participation by women, students, peasants, workers, tribals, merchants. Lower Muslim participation than NCM (except NWFP).
First RTC Nov 1930-Jan 1931 London. Boycotted by Congress. Attended by Muslim League, Liberals, Princes. Limited progress.
Gandhi-Irwin Pact Mar 1931 CDM discontinued, Congress to join 2nd RTC, release of political prisoners (not Bhagat Singh etc.), salt making right.
Karachi Congress Session Mar 1931 Pres: Sardar Patel. Endorsed Gandhi-Irwin Pact. Resolutions on Fundamental Rights & National Economic Programme.
Second RTC Sep-Dec 1931 London. Gandhi as sole Congress representative. Deadlock on communal representation. Failed.
Resumption of CDM Jan 1932 Viceroy Willingdon's repression. Gandhi arrested. Movement continued but weaker.
Communal Award & Poona Pact Aug-Sep 1932 Communal Award (Ramsay MacDonald): Separate electorates for Depressed Classes. Gandhi's fast. Poona Pact: Abandoned separate electorates for Depressed Classes for increased reserved seats in joint electorates.
Third RTC Nov-Dec 1932 London. Boycotted by Congress. Insignificant.
Suspension/Withdrawal of CDM May 1933 / Apr 1934 Movement officially ended. Gandhi focused on Harijan upliftment.
Assessment of CDM Strengthened nationalism, mass awakening, demonstrated non-violent power, increased women's participation, weakened British prestige, led to GoI Act 1935. Failed to get Purna Swaraj immediately.

Prelims-Ready Notes

Key Demands & March

  • Gandhi's Eleven Demands (Jan 1930): Presented to Lord Irwin; included abolition of salt tax.
  • Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha): March 12 – April 6, 1930; Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi; 78 followers.

Regional Satyagrahas

  • Tamil Nadu: C. Rajagopalachari (Trichy to Vedaranyam).
  • Malabar: K. Kelappan (Calicut to Payyanur).
  • Dharasana Salt Works Raid: Led by Sarojini Naidu, Imam Saheb, Manilal Gandhi. Reported by Webb Miller.

Key Personalities & Incidents

  • Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan ("Frontier Gandhi"): Led Khudai Khidmatgars ("Red Shirts") in NWFP.
  • Garhwali Soldiers' Refusal: At Peshawar, refused to fire on unarmed crowd.
  • Vanar Senas & Manjari Senas: Children's brigades.
  • Viceroy during CDM resumption: Lord Willingdon.

Round Table Conferences (RTCs)

  • First RTC (1930-31): Boycotted by Congress.
  • Second RTC (1931): Gandhi sole Congress representative. Failed due to communal representation.
  • Third RTC (1932): Boycotted by Congress.

Pacts & Awards

  • Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 5, 1931): Led to CDM suspension & Congress participation in 2nd RTC. Bhagat Singh's execution not commuted.
  • Communal Award (Aug 1932): By Ramsay MacDonald. Separate electorates for Depressed Classes.
  • Poona Pact (Sep 1932): Between Gandhi & Ambedkar. Abandoned separate electorates for Depressed Classes for increased reserved seats in joint electorates. Gandhi fasted in Yerawada Jail.

Karachi Congress & CDM End

  • Karachi Congress (March 1931): Pres. Sardar Patel. Endorsed Gandhi-Irwin Pact. Resolutions on Fundamental Rights & National Economic Programme.
  • CDM Withdrawal: Suspended May 1933, formally withdrawn April 1934.

Mains-Ready Analytical Notes

1. Symbolism of Salt Satyagraha

Gandhi's choice of salt as the central issue was a masterstroke of political symbolism. Salt, a daily necessity for all, and the government's monopoly and tax on it, directly impacted every Indian, rich or poor, Hindu or Muslim.

Breaking the salt law was a simple yet powerful act of defiance that everyone could understand and participate in, transforming the abstract idea of Swaraj into a tangible struggle against an unjust law. It effectively mobilized vast sections of the population.

2. Mass Participation and Women's Role

The CDM witnessed an unprecedented scale of mass participation.

Women's Participation: This was a defining feature. Women from all sections of society came out in large numbers, participating in processions, picketing, and even facing lathis and imprisonment. This marked their firm entry into the public sphere of the nationalist movement, a significant step from their more limited role in earlier agitations.

3. Gandhi-Irwin Pact: A Compromise with Controversies

Compromise: The pact was a compromise where both sides made concessions. The British acknowledged the strength of the movement and the need for Congress participation in constitutional discussions. Congress agreed to suspend the movement for negotiations.

Controversies:

  • Bhagat Singh's Execution: Gandhi's failure to secure commutation of the death sentences for Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru was widely criticized by radical nationalists and youth, leading to protests against him at the Karachi Congress.
  • No Commitment to Purna Swaraj: The pact did not include any British commitment to Purna Swaraj, the declared goal of the Lahore Congress.

Despite criticisms, the pact allowed Congress to negotiate from a position of relative strength at the Second RTC.

4. Communal Award and Poona Pact: Navigating Complex Social Realities

The Communal Award threatened to further divide Indian society by granting separate electorates to the Depressed Classes.

Gandhi's fast unto death against it was a moral crusade to prevent the political fragmentation of Hindu society and what he saw as the perpetuation of untouchability.

The Poona Pact was a compromise between Gandhi and Ambedkar, demonstrating the complexities of addressing social justice issues within the broader nationalist struggle. While it averted separate electorates, the issue of social and political rights for Depressed Classes remained a critical challenge.

5. Limitations and Achievements of CDM

Limitations:

  • Failed to achieve immediate Purna Swaraj.
  • Hindu-Muslim unity achieved during Khilafat-NCM weakened; Muslim participation was lower.
  • The movement could not be sustained indefinitely in the face of severe repression.

Achievements:

  • Deepened Nationalist Consciousness: Raised political awareness to unprecedented levels across India.
  • Mass Empowerment: Demonstrated the power of non-violent mass action and instilled fearlessness.
  • Weakened British Authority: Significantly eroded the prestige and moral authority of British rule.
  • Forced Constitutional Dialogue: Compelled the British to negotiate with the Congress (RTCs).
  • Paved way for GoI Act 1935: The pressures generated contributed to the next phase of constitutional reforms.
  • Women's Emancipation: Marked a major step forward in women's participation in public life.

Contemporary Relevance

Legacy of Non-Violent Resistance: The CDM remains a classic example of successful non-violent mass struggle, inspiring movements worldwide.

Inclusive Nationalism: The efforts to include diverse social groups (women, peasants, tribals) offer lessons for building inclusive political movements.

Social Justice within Nationalism: The Poona Pact highlights the challenge of integrating social justice concerns (like caste) within the broader nationalist agenda.

Federalism and Representation: The debates at the RTCs on federalism and communal representation continue to have echoes in contemporary Indian political structures and debates.

Anniversaries of events like the Dandi March or the Poona Pact often spark discussions on their historical significance. Statues and memorials, such as the National Salt Satyagraha Memorial at Dandi, keep the memory of these events alive. Contemporary social justice movements, particularly those related to caste discrimination, sometimes draw inspiration or parallels from the debates surrounding the Communal Award and Poona Pact, while the tactic of civil disobedience continues to be employed globally to protest injustices.

UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims MCQs

1. UPSC Prelims 2013

The Gandhi-Irwin Pact included which of the following?

  1. Invitation to Congress to participate in the Round Table Conference.
  2. Withdrawal of Ordinances promulgated in connection with the Civil Disobedience Movement.
  3. Acceptance of Gandhiji’s suggestion for enquiry into police excesses.
  4. Release of only those prisoners who were not charged with violence.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

  • (a) 1 only
  • (b) 1, 2 and 4 only
  • (c) 3 only
  • (d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Show Answer & Hint

Answer: (b)

Hint: Gandhi's demand for an inquiry into police excesses (3) was not accepted by Irwin. The other three provisions were part of the pact.

2. UPSC Prelims 2017

With reference to Indian National Movement, consider the following pairs:

Person : Position held

  1. Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru : President, All India Liberal Federation
  2. K.C. Neogy : Member, The Constituent Assembly
  3. P.C. Joshi : General Secretary, Communist Party of India

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

  • (a) 1 only
  • (b) 1 and 2 only
  • (c) 3 only
  • (d) 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer & Hint

Answer: (d)

Hint: Tej Bahadur Sapru played a mediatory role in the Gandhi-Irwin Pact and attended RTCs, representing the Liberals.

3. UPSC Prelims 2015

Who of the following organized a march on the Tanjore coast to break the Salt Law in April 1930?

  • (a) V. O. Chidambaram Pillai
  • (b) C. Rajagopalachari
  • (c) K. Kamaraj
  • (d) Annie Besant
Show Answer & Hint

Answer: (b)

Hint: C. Rajagopalachari led the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha on the Tanjore coast in Tamil Nadu, parallel to Gandhi's Dandi March.

Mains Questions

1. UPSC Mains 2021

To what extent did the role of the Moderates prepare a base for the wider freedom movement? Comment.

Direction

This question asks about Moderates, but one can contrast their methods with the mass mobilization of the CDM to show the evolution of the freedom struggle.

2. UPSC Mains 2019

Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.

Direction

The CDM and Gandhi's leadership during this period exemplify his approach. Bose, while initially part of Congress, later had significant differences with Gandhi on methods and pace, especially after the CDM's withdrawal.

3. UPSC Mains 2016

"The Salt Satyagraha was a masterstroke of Gandhi that shook the British Empire to its foundations." Discuss.

Direction
  • Explain why salt was chosen as a symbol (universal impact, clear injustice).
  • Describe the Dandi March and its impact on mass mobilization.
  • Discuss how the subsequent violation of salt laws across India and other forms of civil disobedience (boycotts, no-tax campaigns) created a nationwide challenge.
  • Analyze how it exposed British brutality (Dharasana) and weakened their moral authority internationally.
  • Conclude by assessing its impact on shaking the foundations of the Empire by demonstrating mass defiance and the power of non-violent resistance.

Trend Analysis (UPSC Questioning Style)

Prelims Trends

  • Chronology: Order of events (Dandi March, Gandhi-Irwin Pact, RTCs, Communal Award, Poona Pact).
  • Key Personalities: Gandhi, Irwin, Ambedkar, MacDonald, Rajagopalachari, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, Sarojini Naidu.
  • Specifics of Pacts/Awards: Key provisions of Gandhi-Irwin Pact, Poona Pact, Communal Award.
  • Forms of Protest: Salt Satyagraha, Forest Satyagrahas, No-Tax campaigns.
  • Geographical Spread: Leaders and events in different regions (e.g., Vedaranyam March, Peshawar).

Mains Trends

  • Significance of CDM: Analyzing it as a mass movement, its impact on nationalism, women's participation.
  • Gandhi's Strategy: Evaluating the choice of salt, the decision to launch and withdraw the movement.
  • Round Table Conferences: Reasons for their convening, participation, outcomes, and failures.
  • Communal Issue: The Communal Award and Poona Pact are frequently asked, focusing on their impact on social divisions and nationalist politics.
  • Critical Evaluation: Assessing the achievements and limitations of the CDM and associated events.

Original MCQs for Prelims

1. The Karachi Session of the Indian National Congress (1931) is significant primarily for:

  1. Endorsing the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
  2. Adopting the goal of Purna Swaraj for the first time.
  3. Passing resolutions on Fundamental Rights and National Economic Programme.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • (a) 1 only
  • (b) 1 and 3 only
  • (c) 2 and 3 only
  • (d) 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: The Karachi Session endorsed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1) and passed landmark resolutions on Fundamental Rights and National Economic Programme (3). Purna Swaraj (2) was declared at the Lahore Session (1929).

2. The Dharasana Salt Satyagraha, known for the brutal police repression on non-violent protesters, was led by which of the following after Gandhi's arrest during the Civil Disobedience Movement?

  • (a) Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel
  • (b) C. Rajagopalachari and K. Kelappan
  • (c) Sarojini Naidu, Imam Saheb, and Manilal Gandhi
  • (d) Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and his Khudai Khidmatgars
Show Answer & Explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: After Mahatma Gandhi's arrest, the planned raid on the Dharasana Salt Works was led by Sarojini Naidu, Imam Saheb (a close associate of Gandhi from South Africa), and Gandhi's son, Manilal Gandhi.

Original Descriptive Questions for Mains

1. "The Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934), while not achieving immediate Purna Swaraj, fundamentally altered the dynamics of the Indian freedom struggle and the relationship between the nationalists and the British." Discuss.

Key Points/Structure
  • Introduction: Briefly state the context of CDM (Lahore Congress) and its broad impact.
  • Altering Dynamics of Freedom Struggle: Mass Participation (women, peasants, workers, tribals, students); New Forms of Agitation (salt satyagraha, no-tax, forest satyagrahas, boycotts); Wider Geographical Spread; Empowerment of Masses; Shift in Congress Strategy.
  • Altering Relationship with the British: Demonstrated Indian Resolve; Forced Negotiations (Gandhi-Irwin Pact, RTCs); Weakened British Moral Authority (Dharasana); Economic Impact; Paved Way for GoI Act 1935.
  • Limitations: Government repression, internal factors, communal issues.
  • Conclusion: Summarize that CDM was a crucial turning point, radically changing scale, methods, and intensity, empowering masses, and forcing British engagement.

2. Evaluate the significance of the Poona Pact (1932) in the context of the Indian nationalist movement and the struggle for social justice.

Key Points/Structure
  • Introduction: Context of Communal Award and Gandhi's fast.
  • Background: Ramsay MacDonald's Communal Award (separate electorates for Depressed Classes); Gandhi's Opposition (fear of vivisecting Hindu society, perpetuating untouchability); Dr. Ambedkar's Stance (demand for genuine representation).
  • Provisions: Abandoned separate electorates; Substantially increased reserved seats (147 prov., 18% central) in joint electorates with primary elections.
  • Significance for Nationalist Movement: Averted Major Split; Reaffirmed Joint Electorates (vital for national unity); Focus on Harijan Uplift.
  • Significance for Social Justice: Increased Representation for Depressed Classes; Recognition of Depressed Classes' Grievances; Ambedkar's Compromise (secured more seats, brought untouchability to forefront).
  • Limitations/Criticisms: Some argue it didn't go far enough; joint electorates diluted accountability.
  • Conclusion: Critical compromise upholding common national identity while addressing demands for representation and justice for Depressed Classes, centralizing social reform.