Gandhi Sociology Essay

Introduction(1)

Salt March of 1930 led by Mahatma Gandhi, seemingly against the British salt tax but actually against systemic exploitation

Gandhi quote(1)

“With this, I am shaking the foundations of the British Empire” showing the march’s deeper meaning

Civil disobedience(1)

Millions joined Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance or Satyagraha, meaning “truth-force”

Outcome(1)

British were forced to acknowledge Indians as equals, leading eventually to independence in 1947

Issue(2)

The Salt March aimed to oppose decades of systemic oppression disguised as a salt tax

Battle of Plassey(2)

1757 British victory establishing puppet ruler Mir Jafar and beginning exploitation

Economic extraction(2)

British demanded “presents” worth $200 million today from Indian rulers

Hegemony(2)

Gramsci defined it as when “a subject population comes to accept its subjection as both correct and beneficial”

Salt tax(2)

A rupee and 13 annas per maund (37 kg), doubled 1923

Salt law quote(2)

“It would be unjust and unrighteous if the tax on salt should be increased” – S.A. Samintha

Salt law 1882(2)

“Any person convicted of an offense could be punished with imprisonment… for 6 months”

Action start(3)

2 March 1930 – Gandhi’s letter to Viceroy Irwin calling British rule a ‘curse’

Salt March(3)

Began 12 March 1930 from Ahmedabad with 78 followers, walking 20–30 km per day

Public support(3)

Met by crowds and flowers

thousands joined to boycott British goods

Dandi(3)

After 380 km Gandhi reached the Arabian Sea with 50 000 Indians and lifted a handful of salt in defiance

Mass response(3)

Millions broke salt laws by making or buying illegal salt

Reasons for salt march(3)

1. Salt tax not vital to revenue (less risk of violence) 2. Symbolic power united Indians

Success(4)

Led to the Gandhi–Irwin Pact (March 1931) recognising Indians as equals

Arrests(4)

60 000 protesters arrested, including Congress leaders

Truce(4)

Released 26 Jan 1931 as British sought negotiation

Economic cost(4)

Indian businesses lost money from boycotts and strikes

British reaction(4)

Churchill called Gandhi a “seditious fakir” and the movement a “nauseating spectacle”

Consequence(4)

Salt March forced British to accept dialogue and equal status

Round Table Conference(4)

Irwin suggested India become a dominion (1930–31)

Pact terms(4)

Over 90 000 political prisoners freed, salt production legalised, properties returned

Long term(4)

Shift in British attitudes paved way for India’s independence in 1947