Dharasana Satyagraha

Indian Independence Movement

Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Salt March, defying salt laws during the Salt March in 1930. Gandhi was arrested on 4 May after announcing his intentions of the Dharasana Satyagraha. Due to his arrest and other Congress leaders, the raid was led by Sarojini Naidu and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
Date21 May 1930
Location
Result Protestors repulsed; Indian independence movement successfully gains large international attention
Belligerents
Indian National Congress Indian Imperial Police
Commanders and leaders

Sarojini Naidu

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
British officials (not named)
Strength
2,500 400 (including 6 British officials)
Casualties and losses

2 dead

320 wounded (according to Webb Miller)
None

Dharasana Satyagraha was a protest against the British salt tax in colonial India in May 1930. Following the conclusion of the Salt March to Dandi, Mahatma Gandhi chose a non-violent raid of the Dharasana Salt Works in Gujarat as the next protest against British rule. Hundreds of satyagrahis were beaten by soldiers under British command at Dharasana. The ensuing publicity attracted world attention to the Indian independence movement and brought into question the legitimacy of British rule in India. The legitimacy of the Raj was never re-established for the majority of Indians and an ever increasing number of British subjects. Along with international attention, the Indian Independence Movement continued to spring into widespread support among the Indian population, with general disdain of the colonial government due to the violent antics of British officials at Dharasana.