Question 7 - Past Year Questions - 5 Marks - Chapter 2 Class 10 History - Nationalism in India - History

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

Answer:  

Points to Remember

1. Salt a powerful symbo l 
2. Letter to viceroy Irwin stating eleven demands .
3. Wide-ranging demands of all classes
4.  The oppressive face of British rule.
5. Abolish the salt tax.

Answer to be written in exam

1. Mahatma Gandhi found salt a powerful symbo l that could unite the nation as it is the most essential food item and consumed by all sections of the society.  
2. On 31st January 1930, he sent a letter to Viceroy  Irwin stating eleven demands. 
3.  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 .
4. The tax on salt and the government monopoly over its production , Mahatma Gandhi revealed the most oppressive face of British rule .
5. The most stirring of all was the demand to abolish the salt tax.