GANDHI,S SALT MARCH
The Salt March, also known as the Dandi March, was a major act of non-violent civil
disobedience led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930. It marked the beginning of the Civil
Disobedience Movement against British colonial rule in India.
The march was a symbolic protest against the British salt monopoly and salt tax, which
affected all Indians, especially the poor. It demonstrated Gandhi’s strategy of
Satyagraha—resistance through non-violence and moral persuasion.
2. Causes of the Salt March
Several factors led to Gandhi’s Salt March:
British Salt Tax: Indians were prohibited from producing or selling salt independently, and
heavy taxes were imposed on this essential commodity.
Economic Exploitation: The tax burden was particularly hard on poor Indians, highlighting
colonial economic injustice.
Need for Mass Participation: Gandhi sought a simple, symbolic action that millions could
join, raising awareness and mobilizing people.
Failure of Negotiations: Previous efforts to negotiate with the British had failed, requiring
direct action.
The salt tax became a national issue, providing a unifying cause for Indians across regions
and classes.
3. Leadership and Key Figures
Mahatma Gandhi: Leader of the march, planned the strategy, and inspired national
participation.
Jawaharlal Nehru: Supported Gandhi and helped mobilize urban centers.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Assisted in coordinating regional participation.
Other Leaders: C. Rajagopalachari, Sarojini Naidu, and local volunteers played active roles.
Participants: Thousands of men and women joined the march and subsequent acts of civil
disobedience.
Gandhi’s leadership emphasized peaceful protest and moral authority, inspiring millions.
4. Course of the March
Start Date: March 12, 1930
Starting Point: Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
Destination: Coastal village of Dandi, Gujarat (approximately 240 miles away)
Duration: 24 days
Gandhi led a group of 78 volunteers, walking about 10 miles per day, engaging villagers, and
inspiring local participation.
On April 6, 1930, Gandhi reached Dandi and produced salt by evaporating seawater, openly
defying the British law.
The march attracted national and international attention, highlighting British oppression and
Indian unity.
The Salt March, also known as the Dandi March, was a major act of non-violent civil
disobedience led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930. It marked the beginning of the Civil
Disobedience Movement against British colonial rule in India.
The march was a symbolic protest against the British salt monopoly and salt tax, which
affected all Indians, especially the poor. It demonstrated Gandhi’s strategy of
Satyagraha—resistance through non-violence and moral persuasion.
2. Causes of the Salt March
Several factors led to Gandhi’s Salt March:
British Salt Tax: Indians were prohibited from producing or selling salt independently, and
heavy taxes were imposed on this essential commodity.
Economic Exploitation: The tax burden was particularly hard on poor Indians, highlighting
colonial economic injustice.
Need for Mass Participation: Gandhi sought a simple, symbolic action that millions could
join, raising awareness and mobilizing people.
Failure of Negotiations: Previous efforts to negotiate with the British had failed, requiring
direct action.
The salt tax became a national issue, providing a unifying cause for Indians across regions
and classes.
3. Leadership and Key Figures
Mahatma Gandhi: Leader of the march, planned the strategy, and inspired national
participation.
Jawaharlal Nehru: Supported Gandhi and helped mobilize urban centers.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Assisted in coordinating regional participation.
Other Leaders: C. Rajagopalachari, Sarojini Naidu, and local volunteers played active roles.
Participants: Thousands of men and women joined the march and subsequent acts of civil
disobedience.
Gandhi’s leadership emphasized peaceful protest and moral authority, inspiring millions.
4. Course of the March
Start Date: March 12, 1930
Starting Point: Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
Destination: Coastal village of Dandi, Gujarat (approximately 240 miles away)
Duration: 24 days
Gandhi led a group of 78 volunteers, walking about 10 miles per day, engaging villagers, and
inspiring local participation.
On April 6, 1930, Gandhi reached Dandi and produced salt by evaporating seawater, openly
defying the British law.
The march attracted national and international attention, highlighting British oppression and
Indian unity.
