Question

Explain the importance of the 'Salt March' of Gandhiji as a symbol to unite the nation. (5)

Answer 1

Answer:

Mahatma Gandhi found in Salt a powerful symbol that could unite the nation Gandhiji send a letter to Viceroy Irwin skating 11 demands on 31st Jan 1930 by levying tax on salt and establishing Monopoly over its production the communal power revealed the most opressive face of them

Answer 2

Answer:

It was found in a salt powerful symbol which enhanced the nation to be united strongly.The idea was to make the demand wide ranging,.so that all classes within Indian society could identify with them & everyone could be brought together in a united campaign.The most stirring of all was the demand to abolish the salt tax.Salt was something consumed by the rich & the poor a like,& it was one of the most essential of foods.The tax on salts & the government monopoly over its production,Mahatma Gandhi declared,revealed the most oppressive face of the British rule

Explanation:

• Salt is one of the entity to which everyone can easily relate to as no matter where you live or what culture you follow salt is a part of your life in one way or the other.
• Making salt at that time was state monopoly and as it was a common household necessity people had to buy it at higher prices which represented the very nature of British rule i.e exploitative.
• Tax on salt caused further deprivation of the poor and hence was severely regressive in nature, further it also deprives them of one of the easy sources of livelihood.
• Use of salt as symbol mobilised wider discontent beyond Hindus Muslims and backward classes.