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Question

Explain the demands made by Gandhi before the salt march.

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Solution

Mahatma Gandhi believed in the ideals of Non -violence,Swaraj, Swadeshi and Boycott and in the direct action and participation of the people. To wage a struggle against the oppressive British policies and laws, Mahatma Gandhi sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin stating eleven demands on 31st January 1930. These demands represented the general interests and which all the classes identified with.

a. The most important demand was to abolish salt tax.

b. Since salt was consumed by rich and poor alike and was one of the most essential food items.The salt tax levied by the government revealed the most oppressive side of the colonial rule.

c. Salt was seen by Mahatma Gandhi as a powerful symbol that could unite masses.

The eleven demands served as an ultimatum to the government failing to fulfill which he would resort to his agenda of swaraj. The colonial government failed to heed to any of Mahatma Gandhi's demands. Hereby, Gandhi chose to break the salt law peacefully and show resistance to the British rule. This instigated the Civil disobedience movement and the salt march to Dandi.


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