During the First World War, Indian merchants and industrialists wanted protection against imports of foreign goods, and a rupee-sterling foreign exchange ratio that would discourage imports. To organise business interests, they formed the Indian Industrial and Commercial Congress in 1920 and the Federation of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) in 1927. The industrialists attacked colonial control over the Indian economy, and supported the Civil Disobedience Movement when it was first launched. They gave financial assistance and refused to buy or sell imported goods.
After the failure of the Round Table Conference, business groups were no longer uniformly enthusiastic. They were apprehensive of the spread of militant activities, and worried about prolonged disruption of business, as well as of the growing influence of socialism amongst the younger members of the Congress. The industrial working classes did not participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement in large numbers, except in the Nagpur region. As the industrialists came closer to the Congress, workers stayed aloof. But inspite of that, some workers did participate in the Civil Disobedience Movement, selectively adopting some of the ideas of the Gandhian programme, like boycott of foreign goods, as part of their own movements against low wages and poor working conditions. There were strikes by railway workers in 1930 and dockworkers in 1932. In 1930, thousands of workers in Chotanagpurkers in 1930o Gandhi caps and participated in protest rallies and boycott campaigns. But the Congress was reluctant to include workers’ demands as part of its programme of struggle. It felt that this would alienate industrialists and divide the anti-imperial forces.
Another important feature of the Civil Disobedience Movement was the large-scale participation of women. During Gandhiji’s salt march, thousands of women came out of their homes to listen to him. They participated in protest marches, manufactured salt, and picketed foreign cloth and liquor shops. Many went to jail.
Which event in Indian history marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement?
Correct Answer :
Commencing of Dandi March
Solution :
The correct answer is Commencing of Dandi March.
Explanation:
The Civil Disobedience Movement was a major milestone in the Indian freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi.
1. Historical Context: The movement officially began with the historic Dandi March (also known as the Salt March), which Mahatma Gandhi started on March 12, 1930, from Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi.
2. Significance of the Event: Upon reaching Dandi on April 6, 1930, Gandhi breaking the British salt law by manufacturing salt from seawater marked the formal inauguration of the nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement.
3. Participation mentioned in the text: As highlighted in the passage, during Gandhiji's Salt March, people from various sections of society, including thousands of women, actively joined protest marches, manufactured salt, and picketed foreign goods and liquor shops to challenge colonial authority.
Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.
Create, conduct, and manage professional online assessments with Mindyard. Perfect for teachers and institutes.
Copyright © 2026 Mindyard. All Rights Reserved.
