What were Gandhi and his Indian followers protesting at the rally?

Gandhi and his Indian followers were often involved in protests against British colonial rule in India. They advocated for India's independence and sought various political and social reforms. One notable event was the Salt March in 1930, where Gandhi and a group of followers protested the British salt monopoly by marching to the Arabian Sea to make their own salt in defiance of the salt tax imposed by the British government. This peaceful act of civil disobedience became a symbol of the larger movement for Indian independence. Gandhi and his followers protested against a range of issues, including discriminatory laws, economic exploitation, and the denial of political rights.

One of the most significant episodes in Mahatma Gandhi's campaign against British rule in India was the Salt March, also known as the Dandi March, which took place in 1930. This protest was a part of the broader civil disobedience movement against British salt laws.

Background :

- The British government had a monopoly on salt production and imposed a salt tax, making it illegal for Indians to produce salt independently. This tax disproportionately affected the poorest members of society.

The Salt March (1930) :

- In response to the salt tax and seeking to challenge British authority, Gandhi organized the Salt March, a 240-mile journey from Sabarmati Ashram to the Arabian Sea.

- Starting on March 12, 1930, Gandhi, along with a group of followers, walked for about 24 days, engaging with local communities along the way.

Objectives :

- The primary objective of the Salt March was to produce salt from the seawater, defying the British salt laws.

- By choosing salt as a symbol of resistance, Gandhi sought to connect with the masses, as salt was a staple in every Indian household.

Civil Disobedience :

- The march exemplified Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent civil disobedience. It was a peaceful and symbolic protest against unjust laws.

- Thousands of Indians joined the march or participated in similar acts of civil disobedience across the country.

Impact :

- The Salt March attracted significant international attention and highlighted the injustices of British colonial rule in India.

- While the immediate impact of the Salt March on British policy was limited, it contributed to the larger momentum of the Indian independence movement.

Broader Independence Movement :

- The Salt March was just one episode in the broader struggle for Indian independence. Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolent resistance inspired various campaigns and movements that eventually led to India gaining independence in 1947.

The Salt March remains a pivotal moment in the history of India's fight for independence, symbolizing the power of nonviolent protest and civil disobedience in the face of injustice.