Introduction
The Civil Disobedience Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, was a significant chapter in India’s struggle for independence. It marked a new phase where people across the country actively resisted British rule through non-violent means. This movement was different from previous protests because it encouraged ordinary citizens to break laws that they believed were unjust. In this blog post, we will explore the details of the Civil Disobedience Movement and how different regions of India responded to it.
Launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement
The movement began with the famous Dandi March on March 12, 1930. Gandhi, along with 78 of his followers, marched from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat. There, he broke the salt law by making salt from seawater, which was illegal under British law. This act of defiance symbolized the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement and inspired people across the country to follow suit.
Main Features of the Movement
- Boycott of foreign goods, especially British cloth.
- Refusal to pay taxes, including land revenue and salt tax.
- Breaking colonial laws such as the salt law and forest laws.
- Non-payment of chowkidari tax in some regions.
- Peaceful protests, marches, and picketing of liquor shops.
Responses in Different Parts of India
The movement spread like wildfire and saw widespread participation across regions, but the form of protest often varied.
1. Gujarat and Maharashtra
In Gujarat, the Dandi March set the tone for resistance. People openly made salt and participated in boycotts. In Maharashtra, under leaders like Vinoba Bhave, people refused to pay land revenue. There was strong rural participation, especially in areas around Pune and the Konkan region.
2. Bengal
Bengal witnessed intense boycotts of British goods and widespread picketing. Students, women, and intellectuals participated actively. There was also a rise in underground revolutionary activities in some areas, although Gandhi disapproved of violence.
3. Tamil Nadu and Kerala
In Tamil Nadu, C. Rajagopalachari led a salt march from Tiruchirapalli to Vedaranyam, similar to Gandhi’s Dandi March. In Kerala, protests were combined with the fight against social discrimination. Lower castes also participated, making it a socially inclusive movement.
4. North-West Frontier Province
This region saw an extraordinary response under the leadership of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as the Frontier Gandhi. He formed the Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of God) – a non-violent army of volunteers who played a crucial role in the movement. Despite brutal suppression by the British, the spirit of non-violence was maintained.
5. Punjab
In Punjab, the movement was strong but faced heavy repression. Many leaders were arrested, and police violence was common. Despite this, people continued with protests and refused to pay taxes and obey unjust laws.
6. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
These regions saw active participation from peasants who refused to pay taxes. Local leaders organized protests, and salt satyagrahas were organized at local rivers and lakes.
British Response
The British government reacted harshly. Thousands of protesters, including Gandhi, were arrested. Peaceful protests were often met with violence. The British tried to suppress the movement with force, but this only strengthened the resolve of the people.
Conclusion
The Civil Disobedience Movement was a powerful example of how united, peaceful resistance could challenge a mighty colonial power. It not only brought the issue of independence to the global stage but also united Indians across caste, class, and regional lines. Though it was eventually suspended, the movement laid the foundation for the next phase of the freedom struggle and proved that India was ready to take charge of its own destiny.