Question

Why did Mahatma Gandhi find in ‘salt’ a powerful symbol that could unite the nation? Explain

Answer 1

Mahatma Gandhi found in ‘salt’ a powerful symbol that could unite the nation. 

On 31 January 1930, he sent a letter to the Viceroy Irwin, stating eleven demands. The most important demand was to abolish the salt tax. 

Salt is consumed by all sections of the society, by the rich and the poor alike. 

It is one of the most essential items of food. 

Mahatma Gandhi declared that tax on salt and government monopoly over its production was the most oppressive step taken by the British government. 

Mahatma Gandhi choose salt because all sections of the society could identify with it and everyone could be brought into a united struggle.

Answer 2

Mahatma Gandhi discovered ‘salt’ a convincing representation because salt was one of the most fundamental food items which were utilized by rich as well as poor.

On 31st January 1930, Gandhiji addressed a message to Viceroy Irwin affirming 11 demands. The most important was pertaining to salt and demanded to eliminate the salt tax.  However, the demand of Gandhiji was not addressed. Therefore,  Gandhiji commenced the popular salt march. The march covered more than  240 miles, from Sabarmati to Dandi. The maximum number of people joined him from all the village wherever he stopped. He proposed the people to proceed pacifically in order to resist the British. On 6th April, the salt law was violated by Gandhiji at Dandi by manufacturing the salt from boiling water.