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The Dandi March, also known as the Salt March or Salt Satyagraha, was a significant event in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. It was led by Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, in March-April 1930.
The story of the Dandi March began with the British monopoly on salt production and the imposition of a salt tax, which heavily burdened the Indian population. Gandhi saw this as an opportunity to mobilize the masses in a nonviolent protest against British rule. On March 12, 1930, he and a select group of 78 followers began a 240-mile march from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad to the coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat.
As they walked, the number of participants in the march grew exponentially, with thousands joining the peaceful protest. The marchers endured hardships but remained committed to nonviolence and civil disobedience. They collected seawater, evaporated it to obtain salt, and openly defied the British monopoly.
News of the Dandi March spread throughout India, inspiring people from all walks of life to join the independence movement. The act of making salt became a symbol of defiance and solidarity against British oppression. The march drew international attention, putting pressure on the British authorities and highlighting the legitimacy of India’s struggle for freedom.
After 24 days, on April 6, 1930, Gandhi and his followers reached Dandi, where he ceremoniously violated the salt laws by picking up a handful of salt. This act was a powerful statement of resistance against British rule and marked a turning point in India’s fight for independence.
The Dandi March ignited a wave of civil disobedience and nonviolent protests across India. It demonstrated the power of mass mobilization and peaceful resistance in achieving political objectives. The movement gained momentum, leading to widespread support for the Indian National Congress and further weakening the British hold on India.
Ultimately, the Dandi March played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence, galvanizing the nation and setting the stage for subsequent campaigns and movements that eventually led to India’s freedom in 1947. It remains a significant event in the history of India’s fight against colonial rule and a testament to the power of peaceful resistance.