Chapter 11: Civil Disobedience and Beyond

Answer: The Dandi March, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, was a significant act of civil disobedience against the British salt tax. It galvanized national and international support for India's independence movement, highlighting the power of non-violent protest. The march increased political awareness and participation among Indians, drawing global attention to the cause.

Answer: Women played a critical role in the Civil Disobedience Movement, participating in protests, boycotts, and the Salt March. Influential leaders like Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay encouraged women's involvement, challenging traditional gender roles and demonstrating the widespread support for Gandhi's policies across Indian society.

Answer: Gandhi's strategy of non-violent resistance, or satyagraha, proved extremely effective in uniting diverse Indian communities against British colonial rule. It reduced direct confrontation with authorities and highlighted the moral high ground of the independence movement, eventually leading to India's liberation.

Answer: Gandhi targeted the Salt Tax due to its widespread impact on Indians of all classes. Salt was a staple in every household, and the government's monopoly on its production epitomized unjust colonial policies. By protesting the Salt Tax, Gandhi aimed to unite Indians with a common cause against British oppression.

Answer: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931 marked a temporary truce between the British government and Indian nationalists. It led to the release of political prisoners and allowed Indians to make salt for personal use, demonstrating Gandhi's strategic negotiation skills. However, it fell short of securing immediate political independence.

Answer: Gandhi faced challenges such as maintaining non-violence amidst widespread unrest, balancing religious tensions, and the abrupt suspension of the movement after the Chauri Chaura incident. These highlighted the difficulties in controlling a mass movement, yet underscored Gandhi’s commitment to peace.

Answer: The Khilafat Movement, seeking to protect Islamic caliphate rights post-World War I, introduced a significant Islamic dimension to the Indian independence struggle. It forged Hindu-Muslim unity under Gandhi’s leadership, though its communal aspect eventually posed long-term challenges.

Answer: The Round Table Conferences were largely inconclusive, failing to resolve key issues between Indian leaders and the British government. They exposed divisions within Indian society among different communities and highlighted the complexities of achieving a unified agreement on independence terms.

Answer: After the Non-Cooperation Movement, Gandhi shifted focus to local issues, highlighting his increased emphasis on addressing socio-economic problems directly affecting Indians. This included campaigns in peasant movements and a strategic return to civil disobedience with the Salt March.

Answer: Gandhi adeptly used media to communicate his philosophy and amplify the independence movement's reach. His writings in 'Young India' and coverage in international press during events like the Salt March played crucial roles in garnering global support for India's cause.