G.S.

HUB CIVIL SERVICES CLASSES

B.P.S.C ( C.S.E) By RITESH ANAND
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM 8287417384
ANJALI JOSHI (4th Rank Holder 68th BPSC)

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934) was a landmark phase in India’s struggle for independence, led by
Mahatma Gandhi. It aimed to challenge British authority through nonviolent resistance, primarily by
breaking the Salt Law, refusing to pay taxes, and boycotting British goods
Page |
Background 2
 Simon Commission (1928): Sent by Britain to recommend reforms but had no Indian members.
Sparked nationwide protests with slogans like “Simon Go Back.”
 Nehru Report (1928): Proposed by Motilal Nehru, demanded dominion status, fundamental rights, and
universal suffrage, but was rejected by both the British and Jinnah.
 Jinnah’s Fourteen Points (1929): Proposed safeguards for Muslims, highlighting the deepening
communal divide.
 Irwin’s Rejection (1929): Viceroy Lord Irwin refused to promise dominion status, angering Indian
leaders.
 Revolutionary Activities: Groups like Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) carried out
attacks; Bhagat Singh and Rajguru assassinated British officials.
 1929 Lahore Session of Congress: Jawaharlal Nehru declared ‘Purna Swaraj’ (Complete
Independence) as Congress’s official goal.
 British Carrot-and-Stick Policy: Used brutal repression (arrests, lathi charges) while offering minor
concessions.
 Bardoli Satyagraha (1928): Led by Sardar Patel, demonstrated the success of nonviolent resistance
Gandhi’s Eleven Demands
Gandhi's demands were a compromise formula that appealed to a wide range of political opinions. He gave the
British until January 31, 1930, to accept or reject the demands. If the demands were not met by March 11,
Gandhi threatened civil disobedience.
1. Reduce rupee-sterling ratio to 1s 4d
2. Reduce Agricultural tax by 50% and make it a subject of legislative control
3. Eliminate the government's monopoly on salt and abolish the salt tax
4. Reduce military expenditure and salaries of highest-grade services
5. Release all political prisoners
6. Reform in the Criminal Investigation Department
7. Accept Postal Reservation Bill
8. Protect Indian Textiles
9. Prohibition of intoxicants
10. Reserve coastal shipping for Indians
11. Allow popular control of the issue of firearm licences

Cause
 Rising Nationalist Sentiments: Inspired by global anti-colonial struggles and increasing awareness
among Indians about self-rule.
 Demand for Complete Independence: Shift from dominion status to full independence after British
failure to address Indian aspirations.
 Economic Exploitation of Indian Poor: British policies led to widespread poverty, forced cultivation
of cash crops, and destruction of traditional industries.
 Public Safety Bill & Sedition Law (1928): Used to curb nationalist activities, making it illegal to
criticize British rule.
 Arrest of Political Prisoners: Leaders like Bhagat Singh, Jatin Das, and Sukhdev were arrested,
leading to mass protests.

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 Arms Act (1878): Restricted Indians from possessing weapons, ensuring British military superiority.
 Failure of British Reforms After 1919: The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) offered limited
self-governance, failing to meet Indian demands.
 High Taxation on Essentials like Salt: Salt Tax affected every Indian, particularly the poor, leading to
the Salt March (1930).
 General Discontent Among Indians: Farmers burdened by high revenue demands, industrial workers Page |
exploited by British-owned companies. 3
Phases of the Civil Disobedience Movement
Phase 1: Launch & Mass Participation (1930-1931)
 Dandi March (March 12 - April 6, 1930):
o Gandhi’s 240-mile march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to break the Salt Law,
symbolizing defiance against British rule.
 Parallel Salt Satyagrahas:
o Led by leaders in different regions:
 C. Rajagopalachari (Tamil Nadu)
 K. Kelappan (Malabar)
 Sarojini Naidu (Dharsana)
o Sholapur: Textile workers and residents went on strike, destroyed symbols of colonial authority,
and established a parallel government.
o Bihar and Bengal: Protesters launched anti-chowkidari tax campaigns.
o Gujarat: Villagers boycotted taxes and sought refuge in neighboring princely states to escape
repression.
 Khudai Khidmatgars (Red Shirts) in Peshawar:
o Led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Frontier Gandhi) in Peshawar, advocating nonviolent
resistance in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP).
 Widespread Mass Protests:
o Refusal to pay taxes, boycotting British goods, resignations from government jobs, and picketing
of liquor shops.
o Women, students, and peasants actively participated.
 British Repression:
o Brutal suppression with mass arrests, including Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel.

Phase 2: Gandhi-Irwin Pact & Temporary Halt (1931-1932)

 First Round Table Conference (Nov 1930 - Jan 1931):
o Attended by Muslim League, Hindu Mahasabha, Princes, and Liberals, but INC boycotted
it.
 Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 1931):
o British agreed to:
 Release political prisoners (except violent revolutionaries).
 Allow peaceful salt production by Indians.
o Gandhi agreed to:
 Suspend the movement.
 Attend the Second Round Table Conference (1931).
 Karachi Session of INC (1931):
o Endorsed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact.
o Passed two key resolutions on:
 Fundamental Rights (civil liberties, equality, freedom of speech).
 National Economic Program (labor rights, protection for workers and peasants).

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ANJALI JOSHI (4th Rank Holder 68th BPSC)

Phase 3: Failure of Talks & Resumption of CDM (1932-1934)

 Second Round Table Conference (1931):
o No agreement on constitutional reforms due to differences between Indian groups.
o British PM Ramsay MacDonald’s Communal Award (1932):
 Proposed separate electorates for Muslims, Sikhs, Dalits, and other minorities.
 Gandhi opposed it as it would divide Indians based on caste and religion. Page |
 Resumption of CDM (1932): 4
o Gandhi returned to India and restarted the movement.
o British repression intensified – arrests, fines, and violent suppression.
o Mass participation declined due to economic hardships and state repression.

Phase 4: Withdrawal & Shift to Social Reforms (1933-1934)

 Poona Pact (1932):
o Gandhi, in Yerwada Jail, fasted against the Communal Award.
o The pact was signed between Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, ensuring reserved seats for
Dalits within the general electorate instead of separate electorates.
 Gandhi’s Social Initiatives:
o All-India Untouchability League (1932): To uplift Dalits (Harijans).
o Weekly newspaper ‘Harijan’ (1933): Promoted social reforms.
o Harijan Sevak Sangh: Worked for Dalit welfare and upliftment.
 Final Withdrawal (April 1934):
o Gandhi officially ended the Civil Disobedience Movement due to declining participation and the
need to focus on social reforms.

Major Activities in Civil Disobedience Movement

 Violation of salt laws in various regions.
 Boycott of foreign goods and burning of foreign cloth.
 Refusal to pay taxes, including land revenue and chowkidari tax.
 Picketing of liquor shops and shops selling foreign goods.
 Women’s active participation in spinning and picketing.

Regional spread
Region Associated Leaders Significant Activities

Tamil Nadu C. Rajagopalachari - Break of salt law on the Tanjore coast by a march
- Picketing of foreign cloth shops
- Anti-liquor campaign

Malabar K. Kelappan - Organised salt marches ( Calicut to Poyannur)

P. Krishna Pillai

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Bengal Subhas Chandra Bose - Salt satyagraha, anti-chaukidari tax and anti-Union
and J.M. Sengupta Board agitation
- Collective protests and assault on officers who
attempted to seize the property of those refusing to pay the
chowkidari tax
Page |
5
Peshawar Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan - Organisation of a volunteer brigade, ‘Khudai
Khidmatgars’ (Red-Shirts)
- Refusal by Garhwal Rifles soldiers to fire on an
unarmed crowd

Dharasana Sarojini Naidu, Imam - Raid on the Dharasana Salt Works. (Gandhi was to lead
Sahib, and Manilal the satyagraha but was already arrested.)

Bardoli and Kheda Sardar Patel - No tax movement and refusal to pay land revenue
Region - Exodus of a large number of people from British India
into the neighbouring princely states

United Provinces Jawaharlal Nehru - No-revenue campaign

- No-rent campaign

Bihar Ambika Kant Sinha - Breaking of the salt law in Patna

- Salt satyagraha in Champaran and Saran
- Replacement of salt satyagraha by non-payment of
chowkidari tax

Orissa Gopalbandhu Choudhuri - Satyagraha in the coastal regions of Balasore, Cuttack,

and Puri districts

Unique feature
 First Time Illegality Became a Source of Struggle
 Civil Disobedience: Breaking colonial laws like the Salt Tax became a moral act of resistance.
 Salt March (1930): Gandhi’s march to Dandi symbolized defiance against British laws.
 Legitimacy of Resistance: Defying laws like the Salt Tax was seen as a righteous act, not a
crime.
 Congress Became the Undefeated Leader
 Unified Leadership: Congress, led by Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel, was the main force behind the
independence struggle.

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MENTORSHIP PROGRAM 8287417384
ANJALI JOSHI (4th Rank Holder 68th BPSC)

 Mass Mobilization: Congress united millions from diverse social backgrounds in the fight for
freedom.
 Political Legitimacy: Despite repression, Congress became the central body representing
India’s nationalist cause.
 Target Was Common Man’s Issues (Salt)
 Relatable Cause: The Salt Tax affected all Indians, making it a unifying issue. Page |
 Symbol of Oppression: Salt became a powerful symbol of British exploitation. 6
 National Unity: united people across India, from villages to cities.
 Widespread Participation: People from all walks of life participated in these tax protests.
 Widest Coverage by International Media
 Global Attention: The Salt March and its aftermath gained widespread international media
coverage.
 Pressure on British: The global attention made it harder for the British to justify their
oppressive policies.
 Women’s Participation: Leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, and Aruna Asaf Ali played key
roles in protests, picketing, and organizing movements.
 Mass Mobilization Across Class & Caste: Peasants, students, workers, and tribals participated,
making it a truly national movement.

Participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)

1. Urban Areas
 Limited Participation:
o Fewer lawyers and students joined, and support was less than the Non-Cooperation Movement
(NCM).
o Influence of revolutionary nationalists (e.g., Bhagat Singh) diverted urban youth.
2. Muslims
 Lower Involvement:
o Muslim participation was weaker than in NCM.
o Some areas experienced communal discontent.
3. Merchants & Business Class
 Solidarity from Business Communities:
o Calcutta Marwaris and Gujarati business communities were particularly supportive,
especially in the early stages.
4. Women
 Active in Protests:
o Women participated in picketing foreign goods, particularly liquor and cloth shops, which was
a liberating experience for many.
5. Peasants
 Mass Participation:
o Peasants played a major role in organizing and participating in protests, especially against high
land revenue and taxes.
7. Students
 Youth-Driven Protests:
o Students were highly involved, organizing strikes, protests, and participating in the Salt
Satyagraha.

Outcomes of the Movement

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 Mass Imprisonment: Thousands, including Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel, were jailed, disrupting
Congress’s leadership.
 Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931): Ended the Civil Disobedience Movement; British agreed to release political
prisoners, while Gandhi agreed to suspend protests.
 Karachi Session (1931): Congress reaffirmed commitment to fundamental rights (equality, labor rights,
education). Page |
 Communal Award (1932): British granted separate electorates to Dalits, leading to Gandhi’s fast unto 7
death.
 Poona Pact (1932): Gandhi and Ambedkar reached a compromise; Dalits got reserved seats within
general electorates instead of separate ones.
 Government of India Act (1935): Introduced provincial autonomy, set the stage for future elections,
but retained British control at the center.
 Strengthening of Communal Politics: Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha gained influence, further
dividing nationalist movements.
 Rise of Communist & Socialist Ideologies: Leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose and Jayaprakash
Narayan promoted leftist ideals, inspiring future movements.

Impact & Significance of CDM

 Strengthened Mass Nationalism:
o Unified peasants, women, students, and workers in the national struggle.
 Exposed British Vulnerability:
o Forced the British government to negotiate with Indian leaders.
 Inspired Future Movements:
o Set the stage for Quit India Movement (1942) and eventual independence.
 Economic Impact on the British:
o Boycott of British goods led to a decline in British textile and salt revenue.
 Social Mobilization:
o Increased women’s participation in nationalist movements.
o Strengthened Dalit and tribal consciousness through Gandhi’s reform initiatives.
 International Recognition:
o Gained global attention, strengthening India’s case for self-rule.
 Strengthened Nationalism: Reignited Indian unity across regions and classes.

Civil Disobedience Movement and Bihar (1930-1934)

Bihar, which had already witnessed significant political activism during earlier phases of the Non-Cooperation
Movement (1920-1922), became an important center of the Civil Disobedience Movement, particularly in the
context of salt laws, tax boycotts, and non-payment of taxes. Let’s explore how Bihar contributed to and was
affected by the Civil Disobedience Movement
 Bihar, with its significant rural population, agrarian economy, and historical association with
resistance movements, became a fertile ground for Gandhian ideals and the CDM.
 The state’s political leadership and vast peasant base made it central to the anti-colonial struggle.

Mobilization of the Masses

 Bihar was one of the first provinces to embrace the Salt Satyagraha after Gandhi's call for non-
cooperation. The movement garnered mass support, especially from the rural areas where people were
heavily affected by the salt tax.
 Local leaders played a crucial role in organizing the masses for protests, demonstrations, and boycotts
of British goods.

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 The Bihar Provincial Congress Committee led the state’s campaigns, helping spread the message of
non-violent resistance.

Key Events in Bihar During CDM

 Salt Satyagraha in Bihar:
o The first major incident in Bihar occurred in March 1930, when local leaders in Patna, Gaya, Page |
and other districts joined the Salt Satyagraha. People defied British restrictions by making salt 8
illegally and participating in rallies.
o In Bihar Sharif (capital of the then Magadh region), local leaders staged protests, and several
people were arrested for breaking the salt laws.
 Rural Resistance:
o In rural areas, particularly Champaran, people participated in the movement by refusing to pay
taxes and boycotting British goods. The peasants were encouraged to produce their own salt and
resist British oppression in agricultural sectors.
 Jail Sentiments:
o Thousands were arrested across Bihar. Key leaders like Rajendra Prasad and Anugrah
Narayan Sinha were imprisoned for their involvement in the protests. The imprisonment of
these leaders further intensified the resolve of the people.
Prominent Leaders from Bihar in the CDM
 Rajendra Prasad:
o Rajendra Prasad was the most significant leader from Bihar during the CDM. A prominent
member of the Indian National Congress, Prasad was deeply influenced by Gandhian ideology.
o He led the Salt Satyagraha in Bihar, and in his capacity as a leader of the Bihar Provincial
Congress, he organized resistance against British authorities.
o Prasad's arrest in 1930 during the movement helped consolidate his position as one of the central
figures in the Indian independence struggle.
 Anugrah Narayan Sinha:
o A prominent social reformer and political leader, Anugrah Narayan Sinha was an ardent follower
of Gandhiji. He played an essential role in galvanizing support for the movement in Bihar.
o Sinha’s efforts in spreading the message of non-violence and participating in protests were
instrumental in expanding the reach of the CDM.
 Kedar Nath Jha:
o Another prominent leader who played an active role in organizing protests in the region,
particularly in the Champaran area. His efforts helped ensure a widespread participation in the
Salt Satyagraha.

Impact of the CDM in Bihar

 Mass Political Awakening:
o The CDM served as a significant political awakening for the people of Bihar. The movement
united different social classes, including peasants, students, and intellectuals, in the common
cause of Indian independence.
o The protests broke traditional caste barriers as people from different strata of society came
together to defy British authority.
 Social Impact:
o The movement fostered greater social cohesion, with the population participating in mass civil
disobedience despite their diverse backgrounds. Gandhi's message of Hindu-Muslim unity, non-
violence, and self-reliance resonated deeply with the Bihari masses.
 Economic Impact:

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o The boycott of British goods led to the establishment of local production units. Salt production,
illegal under British rule, became a significant form of defiance in rural areas.

Legacy of Bihar in the CDM

 Bihar’s Contribution to National Movements:
o Bihar’s involvement in the CDM left a lasting legacy in the Indian freedom struggle. The mass Page |
mobilization and political leadership from Bihar inspired other regions to intensify their 9
movements against British rule.
 Post-CDM Struggles:
o After the Civil Disobedience Movement, Bihar continued to be active in the broader Indian
struggle, contributing to later movements like the Quit India Movement (1942).
 Leadership Legacy:
o Bihar’s political leadership, especially figures like Rajendra Prasad, became integral to the future
direction of the Indian freedom movement. Rajendra Prasad’s subsequent role as the first
President of India highlighted Bihar’s pivotal role in shaping the post-independence nation.

Conclusion
Bihar’s contribution to the Civil Disobedience Movement was instrumental in the success of the national
struggle for independence. The active participation of the people, alongside visionary leaders, helped Bihar
emerge as a crucial region in the fight against British colonial rule. Through mass movements, cultural
awakening, and strategic leadership, Bihar proved to be a strong pillar in the Indian freedom movement.

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 G.S. HUB CIVIL SERVICES CLASSES
B.P.S.C ( C.S.E) By RITESH ANAND
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM 8287417384
ANJALI JOSHI (4th Rank Holder 68th BPSC)

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