Consider the following statements about the Salt March: 1. The Salt March was deliberately ignored by the European media. 2. The Salt March was widely covered by the American and European press. 3. The Salt March was the first nationalist activity in which women participated in large numbers. 4. The Salt March impressed upon the British the urgent need to devolve more power to Indians.
2, 3, and 4
Analyzing Statements about the Historic Salt March
Let's carefully examine each statement provided about the Salt March to determine its accuracy in the context of the Indian independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.
Evaluating Statement 1: European Media Coverage of the Salt March
Statement 1 claims that the Salt March was deliberately ignored by the European media. This is historically inaccurate. The Salt March, also known as the Dandi March, was a highly symbolic and nonviolent protest against the British salt tax. Mahatma Gandhi's leadership and the unique nature of the protest attracted significant international attention. Far from being ignored, the event was widely reported by journalists from various parts of the world, including Europe.
Evaluating Statement 2: American and European Press Coverage
Statement 2 asserts that the Salt March was widely covered by the American and European press. This statement is correct. The international press recognized the importance of the Salt March as a major act of civil disobedience against colonial rule. Extensive coverage in American and European newspapers and magazines brought the Indian independence struggle to a global audience, garnering sympathy and support from many outside India.
Evaluating Statement 3: Women's Participation in the Salt March
Statement 3 suggests that the Salt March was the first nationalist activity in which women participated in large numbers. While women had participated in earlier nationalist activities, the Salt March and the subsequent Civil Disobedience Movement marked a significant turning point regarding women's active and visible involvement on a large scale. Led by figures like Sarojini Naidu, women joined the marches, picketed shops, and participated in various forms of protest alongside men. Their participation was crucial in broadening the base of the movement and challenging traditional roles.
Evaluating Statement 4: British Response and Power Devolution
Statement 4 posits that the Salt March impressed upon the British the urgent need to devolve more power to Indians. The Salt March and the subsequent waves of civil disobedience severely challenged the legitimacy of British rule. The sheer scale of participation, the unwavering commitment to nonviolence despite repression, and the international attention put immense pressure on the British government. While power devolution was a gradual process, the widespread agitation triggered by the Salt March certainly demonstrated the depth of Indian resistance and the unsustainable nature of maintaining complete control without significant reforms or transfer of power. It heightened the urgency for constitutional changes and greater Indian representation in governance, paving the way for future negotiations and eventual independence.
Conclusion on the Correct Statements
Based on the analysis:
- Statement 1 is incorrect because the Salt March received significant international media coverage.
- Statement 2 is correct as the event was widely reported by the American and European press.
- Statement 3 is correct in highlighting the unprecedented large-scale participation of women in a major nationalist activity during this period.
- Statement 4 is correct as the movement significantly pressured the British and underscored the need for future power devolution to Indians.
Therefore, the correct statements are 2, 3, and 4.
Revision Table: Key Aspects of Salt March
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Salt March (Dandi March) |
| Year | 1930 |
| Leader | Mahatma Gandhi |
| Objective | Protest against British salt tax and initiate Civil Disobedience Movement |
| Starting Point | Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad |
| Ending Point | Dandi (coastal village) |
Additional Information: Impact of Civil Disobedience Movement
The Salt March was the starting point of the wider Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930. This movement had several significant impacts:
- Increased Mass Participation: It drew in millions of Indians from various sections of society, including peasants, workers, students, and, notably, women, on an unprecedented scale.
- International Awareness: The movement, particularly the Salt March, brought the Indian independence struggle to the forefront of international attention, influencing global opinion.
- Weakening British Authority: The nonviolent defiance across the country made it increasingly difficult for the British administration to maintain control and exposed the lack of consent for their rule.
- Boost to Nationalist Morale: The widespread participation and defiance boosted the confidence and morale of the Indian nationalist movement.
- Future Negotiations: The movement compelled the British government to recognize the strength of Indian nationalism and led to subsequent negotiations for constitutional reforms and eventual self-rule.
The Salt March remains a powerful symbol of nonviolent resistance and mass mobilization in the history of India's fight for freedom.
Similar Questions
In 1943, young leaders in which one of the following districts of Maharashtra set up parallel Government (Prati sarkar) with volunteer corps (Seva dals) and village units (tufan dals)?
Match List-I wish List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
List-I (Act/ Event)
List-II (Year)
A. Rowlatt Act
1922
B. Salt March
1931
C. Chauri Chaura Incident
1930
D. Second Round Table Conference
1919
In the elections to the provincial legislatures in 1937 in British India:
1. Only about 10 to 12 percent of the population had the right to vote
2. The untouchables had no right to vote
3. The Congress won an absolute majority in five out of eleven provinces
4. The Muslim League won more than 80 percent of the seats reserved for Muslims
Select the correct answer using the code given below:On 31st December 1929, in which of the following Congress Sessions was the proclamation of Purna Swaraj made?
Which one among the following was India's first trade union in the proper sense of the term?
Who among the following formed the National Liberation Federation (Liberal Party)?
Directions: The following five (5) items consist of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine these two statements carefully and select the correct answer using the code given below.
Statement I: The Communists left the All India Trade Union Congress in 1931.
Statement II: By 1928, the Communists were no longer working with the mainstream national movement.
The call for ‘renunciation of (all) voluntary associations with the (British) Government’ was given during
Who among the following gave evidence before the Joint Select Committee on the Government of India Bill,1919 in favour of female franchise?
1. Mrs. Annie Basant
2. Mrs Sarojini Naidu
3. Mrs Hira bai Tata
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
After the First World War, the Triveni Sangh was formed by
Important Questions from National movement (1919 - 1939)
Chauri Chaura incident occurred in which year ______.
In which year did Motilal Nehru (Chairman) and eight other Congress leaders draft a constitution for India?
C. Rajagopalachari led the Salt Satyagraha in which of the following states?
Who among the following was one of the founders of the Hindustan Republic Association?
Match the following events of 1920 with their dates before the Non- Co-operation Movement.
a. Political Conference of Raipur i. April 1920 b. Anti Rowlatt Act Black
Day in Bilaspurii. September 1920 c. First Labour Movement started
in Rajnandgaoniii. 17 March 1920 d. Meeting of leaders of Dhamtari
in Kandel Villageiv. 20 March 1920
