Question

Which among the following is / are false regarding the Civil Disobedience Movement, 1930–31?

1. On 6 April 1930, by picking up a handful of salt Gandhiji inaugurated the Civil Disobedience Movement.

2. Khudai Khidmatgars played an extremely active role in the Civil Disobedience Movement.

3. The Government demonstrated benevolent façade and acted sympathetically to the demonstrations to avoid repression. 4. Women, students and youth played the most prominent part in the boycott of foreign cloth and liquor.

• A. Only 1 and 2
• B. Only 2
• C. Only 2 and 3
• D. Only 3

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Only 3

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1931)

• Inauguration of the Movement: Mahatma Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement on April 6, 1930, by breaking the salt law at Dandi. This act symbolized the defiance against British rule and its unjust economic policies.
• Role of Khudai Khidmatgars: The Khudai Khidmatgars (Red Shirts), a non-violent, Pashtun nationalist organization led by Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan, played a very significant and active role in the Civil Disobedience Movement, particularly in the North-West Frontier Province. They participated in protests, boycotts, and non-violent resistance.
• Government's Response: The government did not display a benevolent façade or act sympathetically. Instead, it adopted a policy of repression and suppression. This included mass arrests of leaders, lathi charges, and the use of force to quell the demonstrations. For instance, the Peshawar firing incident where unarmed protestors were shot by the army highlighted the government's harsh stance.
• Participation of Women and Youth: Women, students, and the youth were at the forefront of the movement. They actively participated in the boycott of foreign cloth and liquor shops, picketing, and other forms of protest, demonstrating a broad-based participation across different sections of society.
• Key Events and Significance: The movement witnessed significant events like the Dandi March, the Dharsana Salt Works Satyagraha, and widespread participation across India. It marked a turning point in India's struggle for independence, showcasing the power of non-violent resistance on a mass scale.
• Gandhi-Irwin Pact: The movement was eventually suspended with the signing of the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in March 1931, which led to the release of political prisoners and the discontinuation of the movement.