Points to Remember: Eleven Demands of Gandhi’s 11-Point Programme preceding the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Introduction:
The Civil Disobedience Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, was a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence. Before initiating this mass movement, Gandhi presented a list of eleven demands to the Viceroy, Lord Irwin, in a letter dated 31 January 1930. These demands, collectively known as the “Eleven Points Programme,” encapsulated the Congress’s core grievances against British rule and outlined the necessary conditions for peaceful negotiations. The rejection of these demands by the Viceroy ultimately led to the commencement of the Civil Disobedience Movement. This response will analyze these eleven demands, their context, and their significance. The approach will be primarily factual, drawing upon historical records and Gandhi’s own writings.
Body:
Gandhi’s Eleven Demands:
Gandhi’s eleven demands, presented in his letter to Lord Irwin, were:
Reduction of military expenditure: Gandhi argued that excessive military spending drained India’s resources and diverted funds from crucial social development programs.
Abolition of salt tax: The salt tax was a particularly oppressive tax, affecting even the poorest Indians. Its abolition was a symbolic demand, representing the fight against unjust taxation.
Release of political prisoners: Numerous Indian nationalists were imprisoned for their participation in earlier movements. Their release was a pre-condition for peaceful negotiations.
Abolition of discriminatory taxes: Gandhi demanded the removal of taxes that disproportionately burdened the Indian population.
Protection of Indian industries: The demand aimed to safeguard Indian industries from unfair competition from British goods.
Reform of the tariff system: This aimed at a more equitable system that benefited Indian producers and consumers.
Reduction of land revenue: High land revenue burdened Indian farmers, leading to widespread poverty and distress.
Separation of the judicial and executive functions: This aimed to ensure a fairer and more independent judicial system.
Control over the police: Gandhi sought greater Indian participation in the administration of the police force.
Right to bear arms: This demand was aimed at empowering Indians and challenging the British monopoly on arms.
Provincial autonomy: This was a significant demand, advocating for greater self-governance in Indian provinces.
Analysis of the Demands:
The demands were strategically chosen to address both economic and political grievances. The salt tax, for instance, was a powerful symbol of British exploitation, resonating deeply with the Indian masses. The demands related to economic reforms, such as the reduction of military expenditure and land revenue, aimed to alleviate the economic hardship faced by the Indian population. The demands for political reforms, such as provincial autonomy and control over the police, aimed to transfer power from British hands to Indian hands. The rejection of these demands by Lord Irwin solidified Gandhi’s resolve to launch the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Conclusion:
Gandhi’s eleven demands were a comprehensive articulation of the Indian National Congress’s grievances against British rule. They highlighted the economic exploitation and political subjugation faced by the Indian people. The rejection of these demands by the Viceroy underscored the intransigence of the British government and ultimately paved the way for the launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement. The movement, though involving civil resistance, ultimately contributed significantly to India’s eventual independence. The legacy of these demands lies in their demonstration of the power of peaceful resistance and the importance of articulating clear demands for achieving political and social justice. The success of the movement, though achieved after further struggle, highlights the importance of sustained and strategic non-violent resistance in achieving social and political change. This approach, rooted in constitutional values of justice and equality, continues to inspire movements for social change globally.
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