The Salt March, also known as the Dandi March, was a significant event in the Indian independence movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. It was a nonviolent protest against the British-imposed salt tax, which was a symbol of their oppressive rule over India. The march started on March 12, 1930, and lasted for 24 days, covering a distance of about 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad to the coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat.

Reasons for Starting the Salt March:
The salt tax was one of the many oppressive measures imposed by the British on the Indian people. The salt tax affected every individual in India, regardless of their socio-economic background. Gandhi saw it as an opportunity to mobilize the masses and unite them against British rule. The reasons for starting the Salt March were:

1. Symbolic Importance: Salt was an essential commodity used by every Indian household. By protesting against the salt tax, Gandhi aimed to highlight the unjust and exploitative nature of British colonial rule.

2. Economic Impact: The salt tax was a burden on the poor, as it affected their ability to access this essential commodity. By making salt, a basic necessity, a symbol of resistance, Gandhi hoped to awaken the economic consciousness of the masses.

3. Uniting the People: Gandhi believed that the salt tax issue had the potential to rally people from all walks of life, transcending barriers of caste, religion, and region. He wanted to bring together people from various sections of society to fight for a common cause.

British Reaction and Response:
The British administration was well aware of the growing discontent among the Indian population. They had anticipated some form of protest but did not expect it to gain such widespread support. The British did not take the Salt March seriously initially, considering it a mere symbolic gesture that would fizzle out.

1. Repression and Arrests: As the Salt March gained momentum, the British administration responded with repression. Thousands of protesters were arrested, including Gandhi himself. However, this only served to further strengthen the resolve of the Indian people.

2. International Attention: The Salt March attracted significant attention both within India and internationally. The nonviolent nature of the protest and the unjust treatment of the Indian people by the British drew widespread sympathy and support for the Indian independence movement.

3. Negotiations and Concessions: The Salt March put pressure on the British government to negotiate with the Indian National Congress. Eventually, negotiations led to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact in 1931, where the British agreed to release political prisoners and allow the production and sale of salt for domestic use.

In conclusion, the Salt March was started as a nonviolent protest against the salt tax imposed by the British. It aimed to unite the Indian population and bring attention to the unjust nature of British colonial rule. The British initially dismissed the protest but were forced to negotiate and make concessions due to the widespread support and international attention garnered by the Salt March.