Civil Disobedient Movement | KPSC KAS Preparation: All subjects - KPSC KAS (Karnataka) PDF Download

Nehru Report -1928

• Secretary of State, Lord Birkenhead, issued a challenge to Indians to devise a Constitution acceptable to all parties.
• The Congress accepted this challenge and organized a meeting with representatives from all parties on 28 February 1928.
• A committee of eight members, led by Motilal Nehru, was formed to draft a blueprint for India's future Constitution, resulting in the Nehru Report.
• The Nehru Report advocated for the following:
  • Dominion Status as an immediate step, to be achieved within two years.
  • Establishment of a fully responsible government at the Centre.
  • Granting autonomy to the provinces.
  • Clearly defining the division of powers between the Centre and the provinces.
  • Introduction of a bicameral legislature at the Centre.
  • Rejecting separate electorates and the reservation of seats for Muslims in Bengal and Punjab.
• Dominion Status Transition:
  • Within the next two years, the immediate goal was to achieve Dominion Status, followed by the establishment of a fully responsible government at the Centre. This would involve granting autonomy to the provinces and clearly defining the distribution of power between the Centre and the provinces.
  • Additionally, a bicameral legislature at the Centre was proposed to ensure a structured system of governance.
• Rejection of Separate Electorates:
  • The concept of separate electorates was turned down, including the reservation of seats for Muslims in Bengal and Punjab. This decision was strongly opposed by Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who considered it detrimental to the Muslim community's interests.

Jinnah's 14 Points

• During a critical period, Jinnah outlined the 14 Points as a definitive set of demands that addressed the concerns of the Muslim population. These points marked a significant ideological divergence, leading Jinnah to sever ties with the Indian National Congress.
• Under the guidance of League leaders, Jinnah revitalized the Muslim League, shaping its trajectory. The 14 Points encapsulated the aspirations of Muslims and profoundly influenced their political stance for the next two decades until the establishment of Pakistan in 1947.
• In March 1929, a pivotal Muslim League session in Delhi, presided over by Jinnah, consolidated Muslim perspectives into the 14 Points, which henceforth became synonymous with Jinnah's vision and the League's objectives.

Calcutta Session - 1928

At the Calcutta session in 1928, significant decisions were made by the Indian National Congress regarding the future status of India in its relationship with the British Empire.

• Resolution on Dominion Status: Gandhiji proposed a resolution during the Calcutta session endorsing the suggestion outlined in the Motilal Nehru report, which advocated for India to achieve Dominion Status within a span of two years.
• Amendment by Jawaharlal Nehru: Jawaharlal Nehru, however, presented an amendment emphasizing the Congress's unwavering dedication to complete independence for India.
• Ultimatum for Dominion Status: In an attempt to find a compromise between these two stances, the Congress issued a warning to the British authorities, stipulating that if Dominion Status was not granted to India by December 31, 1929, a civil disobedience movement would be initiated.

Lahore Session - 1929

• The Indian National Congress convened in Lahore in 1929 with Jawaharlal Nehru as the president.
• A resolution was put forth, advocating for Complete Independence or Purna Swaraj from British rule.
• Another resolution was passed, initiating the Civil Disobedience Movement against the British authorities.
• During this session, it was decided to commemorate January 26 annually as Independence Day throughout India.
• Consequently, on January 26, 1930, Independence Day was celebrated nationwide.
• Later, on the same date in 1950, the Indian Constitution came into effect, marking the transition of January 26 to Republic Day.

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)

• In the Lahore Session of 1929, the Indian National Congress issued a warning to the British government, stating that if India was not granted dominion status by December 31, 1929, a civil disobedience movement would be initiated. 
• This declaration set the stage for the Congress's second major struggle.
• The Civil Disobedience Movement was formally initiated through the Salt Satyagraha of 1930, which involved breaking the salt laws. The primary objective of this movement was to attain complete independence for India through acts of civil disobedience.

Salt Satyagraha - 1930

• Gandhi protested against the government tax on common salt, which was a vital commodity for the masses.
• He initiated the historic Salt March to Dandi in Gujarat on 12 March 1930 to challenge the salt tax.
• Starting with 79 chosen followers, Gandhi embarked on the March to Dandi on 12th March 1930, aiming to break the salt laws.
• On 6 April 1930, at the coast of Dandi, Gandhi officially launched the Civil Disobedience Movement by breaking the salt laws.
• This act triggered a nationwide movement, with widespread participation, including women.
• Rajagopalachariar led the Salt March in South India from Trichinopoly to Vedaranyam, while K Kelappan led a march in the Malabar Coast from Calicut to Payyanur.
• Referred to as Salt Satyagraha or the Civil Disobedience Movement, the protests included demonstrations, strikes, and boycotts of foreign goods.
• Citizens defied tax payments, leading to the arrest of key leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Rajaji by the end of May 1930.
• The movement spread to the North Western Frontier Provinces, where Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, known as the Frontier Gandhi, led the resistance.
• The Civil Disobedience Movement encouraged Indians to challenge the government at all levels, disrupting its operations.
• The 1882 Salt Act granted the British a monopoly over salt production, storage, and trade, along with imposing a salt tax.

Significance of Salt Satyagraha

• The Salt Satyagraha marked a significant moment in India's struggle for independence, showcasing mass civil disobedience against unjust laws.
• It demonstrated the power of nonviolent resistance and unity among diverse groups in the fight against colonial oppression.