Salt March & Civil Disobedience

The Salt March, also known as the Dandi March or Salt Satyagraha, was a pivotal act of non-violent civil disobedience led by Mahatma Gandhi. Starting on March 12, 1930, Gandhi and 78 followers marched 240 miles from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi to produce salt from seawater, directly defying British salt laws.

The British salt tax, which made it illegal for Indians to produce or sell salt independently, was seen as a symbol of colonial exploitation affecting every Indian, regardless of caste, creed, or economic status. Gandhi's choice of salt as the focus of civil disobedience was a masterstroke of political strategy.

The 24-day march captured the attention of the world. On April 6, 1930, Gandhi picked up a handful of salt at Dandi, symbolically breaking British law. This simple act inspired millions across India to start making their own salt and boycotting British products.