Textbook Solutions: The Story of Dandi March | New English Ferry: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets - Class 5 PDF Download

A. Fill in the blanks with the correct options.

1. Indians could no longer make their own salt because ______________________
(a) the factories had to be shut down due to a war
(b) die Dutch took control of the salt pans and factories
(c) they forgot how to make salt
(d) the British took control of the salt pans and factories
Ans: (d)
The passage mentions that the British took control of all the salt factories and salt pans in the country, preventing Indians from making their own salt.

2. At Dandi, the ______________________ left large deposits of salt crystals on the shore.
(a) Indian Ocean
(b) ships
(c) Arabian Sea
(d) factory workers
Ans: (c)
The passage mentions that at Dandi, the Arabian Sea left large deposits of salt crystals on the shore.

3. ______________________ spread the news of the marchers every day to all corners of the world.
(a) The British government
(b) Musicians and artists
(c) Newspaper reporters and radio correspondents
(d) Students
Ans: (c)
The passage states that newspaper reporters and radio correspondents spread the news of the marchers every day.

4. Gandhiji led the marchers up along the ______________________ to another point where the river was more shallow.
(a) Mahi River
(b) Yamuna
(c) Ganges
(d) Beas
Ans: (a)
The passage mentions that Gandhiji led the marchers along the Mahi River to another point where the river was more shallow.

B. Read these sentences and answer the questions that follow.

1. 'He pointed out many unjust things the British were doing.'
a. Who pointed out the unjust things and to whom?
Ans: The passage states that Gandhiji was writing a letter to the Viceroy, Lord Irwin, pointing out the unjust things the British were doing.
b. How did he point out the unjust things?
Ans: The passage mentions that Gandhiji found himself writing a letter to the Viceroy, Lord Irwin, to point out the unjust things.

2. 'I will not change one law set down by my government.'
a. Who said this? Why did he speak of not changing laws?
Ans: The passage states that Lord Irwin, the Viceroy, thought, 'Do what you want. I will not change one law set down by my government.'
b. Which government was the speaker loyal to?
Ans: Lord Irwin, as the Viceroy, represented the British government in India.

3. 'What guns and soldiers could not do, Gandhiji did, quietly and simply.'
a. What did Gandhiji do quietly and simply?
Ans: The passage suggests that Gandhiji achieved what guns and soldiers could not through his nonviolent and peaceful actions.
b. Who helped Gandhiji in this?
Ans: The passage mentions that the people of India responded bravely and unitedly to Gandhiji's call.

Answer these questions.

1. How was the salt satyagraha 'a different kind of battle'?
Ans: The salt satyagraha was different because it was a nonviolent battle led by Mahatma Gandhi to protest against unfair British policies, particularly the salt tax.

2. What was the salt tax, and why was it unfair?
Ans: The salt tax was a tax imposed by the British on salt. It was unfair because the British took control of salt production, forcing Indians to buy salt from them and pay an additional tax on top of the salt's price.

3. Why did the British not try to stop Gandhiji from marching to Dandi?
Ans: The British did not take Gandhiji seriously, thinking the whole idea of the march was a joke. They believed he would collapse before reaching Dandi.

4. What problem did the marchers face halfway to Dandi?
Ans: The marchers faced the problem of a deep Mahi River that was too difficult to wade across. They had to find another point where the river was more shallow to continue the march.

5. What was the Gandhi-Irwin pact?
Ans: The Gandhi-Irwin Pact, signed on March 5, 1931, was an agreement where the British government gave in to many Indian demands. Most importantly, it marked the end of the salt tax, allowing Indians to make their own salt.

D. Think and answer.

1. Describe the gradual change in the attitude of the British towards Gandhiji and his demands?
Ans: Initially, the British did not take Gandhiji seriously, thinking his march was a joke. However, as the Dandi March gained widespread attention and support, the British had to acknowledge its significance. Eventually, the Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed, indicating a change in the British attitude, as they began to give in to many Indian demands.

2. Gandhiji could have made the British accept his demands through other forms of protest. Which qualities of Gandhiji become evident from the way he organized the protest? Support your answer with examples from the story.
Ans: Gandhiji's qualities evident in the way he organized the protest include his commitment to nonviolence, strategic thinking, and the ability to mobilize people. He chose a peaceful march to Dandi, symbolically breaking the salt law, showcasing the power of nonviolent resistance. His ability to communicate and gain media attention helped spread the message globally. The march demonstrated Gandhiji's commitment to justice and fairness without resorting to violence.