Civil Disobedience Movement
Civil disobedience movement It was an important chapter in the freedom struggle of India , which Mahatma Gandhi under the leadership of 12 March 1930 was started. The aim of this movement was to protest against the unjust laws of the British government non-violent way The aim was to oppose the freedom struggle. This movement gave new direction and momentum to the Indian freedom struggle.
Background of the Civil Disobedience Movement
- Opposition to Simon Commission ( 1927):
The British government appointed Simon Commission to reform the Indian Constitution , which did not have any Indian member. This led to widespread protests throughout the country. - Demand for Poorna Swaraj ( 1929):
Lahore Session ( 1929) In Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Under the Chairmanship of Complete Independence was announced. - Opposition to the Salt Law:
The tax imposed on salt put a heavy economic burden on the common people. Levying tax on an essential commodity like salt showed the injustice of the British government’s policies.
Beginning of the movement
- Dandi March : Mahatma
Gandhi 12 March 1930 To Sabarmati Ashram (Ahmedabad) From there he started a 240- mile ( 385 km) march with 78 satyagrahis. - 6 April 1930 Gandhiji started the Dandi (Gujarat) After reaching there, he violated the British law by making salt from sea water.
- This incident spread as a wave of protest against the British across the country.
Major phases of the movement
- Widespread Public Participation:
- People boycotted foreign clothes and goods.
- Non-payment of taxes , abandonment of government jobs and schools were done.
- The satyagrahis violated the salt laws , the forest laws , and the prohibition of alcohol.
- Participation of women:
- Sarojini Naidu , Kasturba Gandhi , and other women leaders participated actively.
- British Government’s Response:
- Thousands of freedom fighters were arrested , including Mahatma Gandhi , Jawaharlal Nehru , and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Were included.
- Violent incidents:
- Although the movement was non-violent , violence was also seen at some places , like Chittagong Armoury Raid ( 1930) , led by Surya Sen Did it.
🤝 Important Results
- Gandhi-Irwin Pact ( 1931):
- Gandhiji agreed to withdraw the movement.
- In return, the British government released political prisoners and allowed the manufacture of salt.
- Second Round Table Conference ( 1931):
- Gandhiji discussed the issue of India’s independence in the conference held in London , but no concrete result emerged.
- Relaunch of the Movement ( 1932):
- When the British government did not make any concrete reforms , the movement started again and 1934 It continued till.
Importance of Civil Disobedience Movement
- This movement gave impetus to the freedom struggle mass movement Gave it the form of.
- Nonviolence and Satyagraha His principles were recognised the world over.
- Pressure was exerted on the British government , which led to Indian Independence Act 1947 The path was paved.
conclusion The Civil Disobedience Movement was such a movement of the Indian freedom struggle which showed that Even the biggest power can be challenged through non-violence . This movement was a major milestone in the history of India’s independence. Courage , Perseverance , and Unity is a symbol of.
Background of the Civil Disobedience Movement
Civil Disobedience Movement There were many political , social and economic reasons behind the emergence of the . This movement was not limited to the protest against the unjust laws of the British rule , but it was also a movement against the atrocities committed by the British. Complete independence of India ( Purna Swaraj ) It was also a decisive step in the direction of
🚩 1. Effects of the First World War ( 1914-1918) :
- During the First World War, the British government sought cooperation from Indians and promised reforms in return.
- After the war, instead of fulfilling its promises, the British government implemented repressive policies.
- inflation , hunger , and Unemployment Problems like these increased and dissatisfaction began to spread among the public.
⚖️ 2. Rowlatt Act ( 1919):
- The British government Rowlatt Act Under this Act , any person could be imprisoned without trial.
- There were movements all over the country against this Act , in which Gandhiji for the first time Satyagraha Movement started the.
- During the protests against this Act Jallianwala Bagh Massacre ( 1919) happened in which General Dyer On his orders, bullets were fired on unarmed Indians.
- This incident filled the hearts of Indians with deep anger against the British rule.
🤝 3. Khilafat Movement ( 1919-1924):
- After World War I Khilafat Movement Started in which Gandhiji expressed support for Hindu-Muslim unity.
- However , the movement failed and Chauri Chaura incident of 1922 After that Gandhiji Non-cooperation movement was withdrawn.
- Many people were disappointed by the withdrawal of the movement , but it further strengthened the foundation of the freedom struggle.
🏛️ 4. Opposition to Simon Commission ( 1927):
- 1927 the British Government Simon Commission Appointed , whose objective was to review constitutional reforms in India.
- in this commission No Indian members Because of which , there was massive protest against it throughout the country.
- ” Simon Go Back “ Demonstrations were held across the country with slogans such as Lala Lajpat Rai But he died due to lathi charge.
🎯 5. Declaration of Poorna Swaraj ( 1929) :
- of 1929 Lahore Session In , Jawaharlal Nehru Under the Chairmanship of Complete Independence was announced.
- For the first time on 26 January 1930 Independence Day and the laws of British rule against Indians An appeal was made for violation of.
🧂 6. Salt Law and Economic Exploitation:
- The British government also imposed taxes on essential commodities like salt , which affected the poor and middle class people.
- Gandhiji considered it a symbol of British exploitation Salt Satyagraha , which became a major part of the Civil Disobedience Movement .
conclusion:
In the background of the Civil Disobedience Movement political repression , economic exploitation , and National Awareness Elements like these were included. This movement not only united the Indian people against the British rule , but also taught them that Nonviolence and Satyagraha Freedom can also be achieved through this. 🚩
Beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement
Civil Disobedience Movement The beginning of the Indian freedom struggle is a milestone in the history of Historical turning point The aim of this movement was to oppose the unjust laws of the British government. Non-violent methods Beginning of the movement Mahatma Gandhi who made it a mass movement By giving it the form, crores of Indians were connected to the freedom struggle.
Planning and background of the movement:
Mahatma Gandhi warned the British government that he would launch a civil disobedience movement if the demands of Indians were not met.
- 1930s Gandhiji Viceroy Lord Irwin Wrote a letter to and demanded the rights of Indians.
- When the British government ignored their demands , they Non-violent movement was announced.
Dandi March – Beginning of the movement:
The most important phase of the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement was Dandi March ( Salt March) .
- Date: 12 March 1930
- place: Sabarmati Ashram (Ahmedabad) , Gujarat
- Leadership: Mahatma Gandhi
- Companions: 78 satyagrahis (mostly young and dedicated activists)
Trip Details:
- Gandhiji and his followers 240 miles ( 385 km) Completed the journey on foot.
- During the journey, he stopped at many villages and made people aware against the British government.
- After travelling for 24 days , they reached 6 April 1930 of Gujarat Dandi Village Reached.
🧂 Salt Satyagraha :
- Gandhiji reached the Dandi beach making salt from sea water violated British law.
- This is a Symbolic and powerful protest Because salt was an important part of every Indian’s life.
Countrywide expansion of the movement:
After the Dandi March the movement spread throughout the country.
- Violation of Salt Law: People started openly breaking the law by making salt from sea water.
- Boycott of Government Taxes: Land tax , liquor tax , and taxes on foreign goods were not paid.
- Boycott of foreign clothes: Indians burnt foreign clothes Swadeshi Movement Promoted to.
- Participation of women: Sarojini Naidu , Kasturba Gandhi , and thousands of women played an active role.
- Boycott of British Institutions: Courts , government jobs and schools were abandoned.
👮 ♂️ British government’s response:
- The British government became alarmed by the growing popularity of the movement.
- Mahatma Gandhi , Jawaharlal Nehru , Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel , and thousands of activists were arrested.
- To suppress the movement, the British Government Repressive policies adopted , in which lathicharge , firing , and Excessive arrests Were included.
🤝 Gandhi-Irwin Pact ( 1931):
- Seeing the impact of the movement the British government decided to negotiate with Gandhiji.
- March 1931 In Gandhi-Irwin Pact occurred , in which:
- The British government agreed to release the political prisoners.
- Gandhiji agreed to stop the movement temporarily.
- Under this pact Gandhiji Second Round Table Conference Participated in.
Features of the Civil Disobedience Movement:
- Non-violent protests: It was based on the principles of truth and non-violence.
- mass movement: People from all sections of society – farmers , labourers , women and students – participated in it.
- Economic non-cooperation: Boycott of foreign clothes and taxes were imposed to hurt the British economy.
- Women Empowerment: The participation of women in this movement was unprecedented.
conclusion:
The Civil Disobedience Movement gave a new direction to the Indian freedom struggle. It proved that Satyagraha and non-violence Tyrannical rule can also be challenged through this movement. This movement was a part of India’s freedom struggle. Historical and inspiring chapters it is. 🚩
Major Phases of the Civil Disobedience Movement
Civil Disobedience Movement This is an important chapter of India’s freedom struggle , which started with Mahatma Gandhi by 12 March 1930 This movement was against the unjust laws of the British government. Non-violent methods It was based on violating the freedom of the Constitution of India. There were many major phases of this movement , which gave a new direction to the Indian freedom struggle.
📜 1️ ⃣ Dandi March – Beginning of the movement ( 12 March 1930 – 6 April 1930)
- Leadership: Mahatma Gandhi
- place: From Sabarmati Ashram (Ahmedabad) to Dandi (Gujarat)
- Journey: 240 miles ( 385 km) on foot , accompanied by 78 satyagrahis.
- Objective: Violating the salt law of the British government.
Major events:
- Gandhiji held meetings in many villages on the way and made people aware against British rule.
- 6 April 1930 On 20th July Gandhiji reached the sea shore and by making salt violated British law.
Importance: This incident became a symbol of protest against the British throughout the country and transformed the movement into a mass movement.
🌍 2️ ⃣ Countrywide expansion of the movement (April 1930 – December 1930)
After the Dandi March the Civil Disobedience Movement spread throughout the country.
Major Activities:
- Violation of Salt Law:
- People started breaking British law by making salt from sea water.
- Under the leadership of Gandhiji Sarojini Naidu And Kasturba Gandhi Women like her were also active.
- Boycott of Government Taxes:
- land tax , liquor tax , and taxes on foreign cloth.
- Boycott of British Institutions:
- Indians boycotted government jobs , schools , courts , and other institutions.
- Participation of women:
- Women also participated in the movement on a large scale for the first time.
Result: During the movement, lakhs of people were sent to jail , including prominent leaders like Gandhiji , Nehru , Patel.
🤝 3️ ⃣ Gandhi-Irwin Pact – ( March 1931)
Seeing the increasing pressure of the movement, the British government started negotiations with Gandhiji.
key points:
- British Government: Agreed to release political prisoners and allow Indians to manufacture salt.
- Mahatma Gandhi: Agreed to temporarily end the movement.
Importance: Under this pact Gandhiji Second Round Table Conference Participated in.
🌍 4️ ⃣ Second Phase of the Movement ( 1932 – 1934)
The demands of Indians were ignored in the Second Round Table Conference , which disappointed Gandhiji and other leaders.
Major Activities:
- Gandhiji restarted the movement and launched new Satyagraha against the British government.
- in this stage rights of dalits And Poona Pact ( 1932) was also emphasized.
British Government’s Response:
- Gandhiji was arrested again.
- The British government took strict measures to suppress the movement.
Result:
- The movement continued till 1934 , but gradually its influence diminished.
- Although the movement was not completely successful , it further strengthened the Indian independence struggle.
Major Contributions of the Civil Disobedience Movement:
- Form of mass movement: Crores of Indians actively participated in the freedom struggle for the first time.
- Participation of women: There was a historic change in the role of women.
- Non-violent protests: The principles of Satyagraha and non-violence gained international recognition.
- Pressure on the British Government: The British government was forced to negotiate with Indian leaders.
conclusion: The Civil Disobedience Movement played a major role in the Indian freedom struggle New energy and unity This movement proved that Nonviolence and Satyagraha Even the biggest power can be challenged through this .
The Civil Disobedience Movement Key Takeaways
Key Outcomes of the Civil Disobedience Movement
Civil Disobedience Movement It was an important phase of the Indian freedom struggle , which shook the roots of British rule. Although this movement may not have been successful in getting immediate independence , it had many far-reaching and influential results. This movement created self-confidence and unwavering determination towards independence among the Indian people.
🌍 1️ ⃣ had a profound effect on the policies of the British government
- Due to the movement, the British government had to face the anger and dissatisfaction of the Indian people.
- The government realized that it was not possible to rule India for long through repressive policies.
- Harsh measures had to be taken to suppress the protests against British rule , but this only made the Indian people more organised.
✊ 2️ ⃣ New strength to Indian National Movement
- this movement Non-cooperation movement It was the biggest mass movement after , which gave new energy to the freedom struggle.
- During the movement Farmers , labourers , women , students and businessmen participated in large numbers , making it a true mass movement it changed into.
- This has made Indians Self-reliance and courage A feeling of developed.
🤝 3️ ⃣ Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)
- Under pressure of the movement, the British government agreed to negotiate with Mahatma Gandhi.
- Gandhi-Irwin Pact Under:
- The British government released political prisoners.
- Indians were allowed to manufacture salt.
- Gandhiji temporarily suspended the movement.
- This agreement was a major factor in the Indian freedom struggle Political conversation Shows the importance of.
🌐 4️ ⃣ Participation in the Second Round Table Conference
- Gandhiji representing the Indian National Congress Second Round Table Conference, 1931 Participated in.
- Though Gandhiji’s demands were not met in the conference , it gave a boost to the Indian freedom struggle. International recognition Found it.
🚩 5️ ⃣ Historical participation of women
- in the civil disobedience movement Women show unprecedented courage showed up and actively participated in the movement.
- Sarojini Naidu , Kasturba Gandhi , and Kamla Nehru Like women took on leadership roles.
- This has made Indian society Women Empowerment also got strength.
📢 6️ ⃣ Public discontent and awareness against British rule
- The movement organised people from all sections of society against British rule.
- The ideas of independence reached every village , due to which feeling of nationalism Got stronger.
- People lost their fear against the atrocities of the British government and started protesting openly.
💼 7️ ⃣ Boycott of foreign clothes and British goods
- During the movement Exotic clothing and accessories was widely boycotted.
- The people Swadeshi products This led to the development of Indian industries.
- This also harmed the British economy.
⛓️ 8️ ⃣ Arrests and repression of political prisoners
- , Jawaharlal Nehru , Sardar Patel among others during the movement Thousands of freedom fighters were arrested to be done.
- To suppress the movement, the British Government Extremely repressive policies But despite this the wave of the movement did not weaken.
🏆9️⃣ Laying the Ground for Indian Independence
- The Civil Disobedience Movement laid the foundation for the next phases of the Indian freedom struggle Lay a strong foundation .
- This movement showed that Non-violent Protest Big political powers can also be challenged through this.
- This gave the Indian National Congress and freedom fighters valuable experience for future strategies.
🚩 10️ ⃣ International support and recognition
- The Civil Disobedience Movement gained worldwide support and India’s independence struggle was recognised internationally.
- Foreign media covered the movement , increasing global pressure on the British government.
conclusion: Though the Civil Disobedience Movement could not bring immediate independence to India , it brought about a new dimension to Indian society. national integration , political awareness , and Principles of non-violence This movement proved that if the people stand united against injustice , then The most powerful empire can also move. 🚩
Importance of the Civil Disobedience Movement
Civil Disobedience Movement It was a historic and decisive phase of the Indian freedom struggle. This movement started under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi was not only against the British rule Non-violent protests rather it became a symbol of Indian society National Unity And Awareness of freedom This movement also filled the freedom struggle with a new direction and strength.
🌍 1️ ⃣ Giving new direction to the freedom struggle
- Civil disobedience movement made the Indian freedom struggle a Organized mass movement I changed it into.
- Earlier movements were mainly limited to the educated class , but the Civil Disobedience Movement also included peasants , labourers , women and youth.
- This movement was successful in creating the belief among Indians that independence was not just a dream but a reality . Truth It can be made.
✊ 2️ ⃣ Demonstration of the power of non-violence and Satyagraha
- This movement was completely under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi Non- violent Was.
- Gandhiji’s Satyagraha The theory of showed that tyrannical rule could be challenged even without violence.
- non-violence as a Political weapon Establishing it as was the biggest achievement of this movement.
🚩 3️ ⃣ Building national unity and awareness
- The movement has Hindu , Muslim , Sikh , Christian Unite all communities.
- People from every corner of the country stood united against the British rule , which National Unity got strengthened.
- During the movement National consciousness And Awareness of freedom It spread to every village of the country.
👩 🦰 4️ ⃣ Active participation of women
- During the Civil Disobedience Movement For the first time, women on a large scale Participated in the movement.
- Sarojini Naidu , Kasturba Gandhi , Kamala Nehru Prominent women like led the movement.
- This has made Indian society Women Empowerment The foundation was laid.
📢 5️ ⃣ Public sentiment against British rule
- The movement captured the minds of the Indian people fear of repression and oppression I finished it.
- People openly violated the unjust laws of the British government , such as Salt Law And Boycott of taxes .
- This movement showed that The British Empire is not invincible And that can be challenged.
🤝 6️ ⃣ Start of political dialogue with the British Government
- Under the pressure of the movement, the British Government supported Gandhiji Gandhi-Irwin Pact ( 1931) Did.
- This agreement showed that under public pressure The British government also had to hold talks with Indian leaders was forced to.
- This agreement is a major factor in Indian politics The importance of dialogue and conversation It reflects.
🌐 7️ ⃣ Recognition of India’s freedom struggle at the international level
- around the world , giving Indian freedom struggle a boost International Support found.
- Foreign media covered Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian Movement , increasing global pressure on the British government.
- This gave impetus to India’s freedom struggle Global Recognition Found it.
🏡 8️ ⃣ Swadeshi movement and promotion of economic independence
- Foreign clothes and British goods were boycotted during the movement.
- The people Khadi and Swadeshi products This led to the development of Indian industries.
- This has helped the Indian economy Self-reliance The feeling got strengthened.
⛓️ 9️ ⃣ Recognition of the rights of political prisoners
- Thousands of freedom fighters were jailed during the movement.
- But because of this the British Government rights of political prisoners had to be recognised and many political prisoners were released.
🚩 10️ ⃣ A source of inspiration for future movements
- The Civil Disobedience Movement taught Indians that it is necessary to raise voice against injustice.
- this movement Quit India Movement of 1942 It also became a source of inspiration for.
- It inspired the struggle for independence Irrepressible and invincible Made it.
Conclusion : The Civil Disobedience Movement was a part of the Indian freedom struggle Historical landmark This movement not only gave political awareness to India but also gave a A strong , organized and self-reliant nation This movement teaches us even today that Truth and non-violence Even while following the path of defeat the biggest powers It can be done. 🚩
Reference
Bipan Chandra. India’s Struggle for Independence (1857–1947). Penguin Books, 1988.
Sumit Sarkar. Modern India: 1885–1947. Macmillan, 1983.
Sekhar Bandyopadhyay. From Plassey to Partition and After: A History of Modern India. Orient BlackSwan, 2015.
R. C. Majumdar. History of the Freedom Movement in India. Firma KLM, 1962.