Why was the ‘Salt March’ considered an effective symbol of resistance against colonialism

• Nationalism in India (C10)

Why was the ‘Salt March’ considered an effective symbol of resistance against colonialism? Explain.

Answer

Salt March:

1. Salt was consumed by all the sections of the society.

2. It was the most essential item of food.

3. The tax on salt and the government monopoly over production.

4. Gandhi Ji found salt as a powerful symbol that could unite the nation.

5. On 31st January 1930, he sent a letter to Viceroy Irwin stating eleven demands.

6. The idea was to make the demands wide ranging, so that all classes within Indian society could identify with them and everyone could be brought together in a united campaign.

7. The most stirring of all was the demand to abolish the salt tax.