This historical study looks at how the Civil Disobedience Movement started again after political talks broke down in . It shows how the movement continued during the era of Mahatma Gandhi despite severe measures taken by the British government. This section helps students preparing for competitive exams understand the main details of this phase, which are important for history and political science tests.
🎯 In this chapter, you will understand:
- Why negotiations failed after the Second Round Table Conference in .
- The key events and regional protests that took place during the truce period.
- The strict laws and ordinances used by the colonial state to suppress protestors.
- How people across India responded until the movement was withdrawn in .
💡 Why this topic matters: Understanding this phase shows how mass political awareness grew in India even when facing strict government action.
🧠 Core Idea: When formal talks ended without results, Indian nationalists restarted non-violent protests, while the government used tough emergency powers to regain control.
Civil Disobedience Resumed in 1931 and Its Course Under British Repression
When diplomatic talks came to an end, the Indian freedom struggle gained fresh energy because the period of truce did not bring expected results. After the Second Round Table Conference, conditions in India grew difficult as the British government stopped negotiating and took a firm stand. The return of Mahatma Gandhi to India in marked the end of the agreement made under the Gandhi-Irwin Pact and started a period of strict administrative control.
- (i) On , the Congress Working Committee noted that talks had broken down and decided to start the Civil Disobedience Movement again.
- (ii) This decision came directly because constitutional discussions held in London failed to bring agreement.
- (iii) The movement aimed to bring back active support from the public after months of waiting during the truce.
Key Events During the Truce Period (March–December 1931)
Even before protests officially started again, regional tensions stayed high as local authorities and national groups disagreed over local issues.
Activities and Protests Across Indian Provinces
While senior leaders were busy in London, local activities continued at the ground level, particularly in farming areas and active political centers.
The United Provinces Resistance
In this region, economic difficulties led to strong support for rural demands.
- (a) The movement worked mainly to reduce land rent for farmers who were affected by the worldwide economic slowdown.
- (b) Local groups protested against sudden land evictions carried out by landlords who supported British policies.
The North-West Frontier Province (NWFP)
In the North-West Frontier, non-violent volunteers faced firm government control.
- (a) Members of the Khudai Khidmatgars faced tough state actions while helping local farmers.
- (b) Public demonstrations focused on opposing the strict collection of taxes by officials.
The Bengal Crisis and Hijli Jail Incident
Special emergency powers were applied frequently across Bengal to restrict political activities.
- (a) Authorities used special emergency rules to limit the work of political organizers across the province.
- (b) In , an incident involving the shooting of political prisoners at Hijli Detention Camp led to strong protests across the country.
Changed Government Attitude After the Second Round Table Conference
The government changed its plan to reduce the influence of the Indian National Congress before the movement could build strength across the country.
British Strategic Goals and Imperial Policy
Official policy aimed to keep Mahatma Gandhi isolated and stop public political support from spreading in rural regions.
- (i) A main goal was to prevent leaders from organizing another large public campaign across the country.
- (ii) Government actions were meant to encourage local administrative officials by showing that public agreements with Congress were over.
- (iii) The administration worked to separate urban political organizers from supporters living in villages.
Direct Actions Taken by the Colonial State
Disagreements grew quickly when the administration turned down requests for discussions, leading to swift arrests.
- (i) Lord Willingdon, serving as Viceroy, declined to meet with Mahatma Gandhi on .
- (ii) On , Mahatma Gandhi was taken into custody, which started a rapid series of government restrictions.
Government Action: Implementation of Repressive Measures
During , official authorities introduced nationwide legal limits and active policing against the independence movement.
Ordinances, Censorship, and Confiscations
Administrative measures were used to stop the work of the Indian National Congress at all levels.
Official orders issued to restrict public gatherings and media publications in 1932. - Organization Bans: All branches of the Congress, from national committees to local offices, were declared unlawful.
- Widespread Detentions: Police arrested senior political figures along with community organizers and supporters.
- Asset Seizures: Official orders allowed the government to take control of buildings and funds to restrict movement resources.
- Ashram Closures: Facilities associated with Mahatma Gandhi were taken over by police to prevent their use as organizing centers.
- Press Rules: Strict publishing rules were introduced to stop newspapers from printing nationalist news and speeches.
- Treatment of Women Demonstrators: Women who joined public marches faced harsh measures from local authorities.
Popular Response and the Final Phase of the Movement
Even under firm official control, people in many regions continued to demonstrate using peaceful protest methods.
Initial Response and Diverse Forms of Agitation
Thousands of participants entered jails voluntarily, showing that public awareness remained strong in both towns and villages.
- (i) Within four months, around 80,000 demonstrators were placed in detention across different provinces.
- (ii) Public actions included peaceful protests outside shops selling imported goods, burning non-local cloth, and holding unauthorized meetings.
- (iii) People showed opposition by raising national flags publicly and breaking official laws regarding forests and salt production.
- (iv) Refusing to pay local watchman taxes (chowkidara tax) became a key protest method in rural districts.
- (v) The main campaign occurred at the same time as local protests in regions like Kashmir and Alwar.
Challenges and the Eventual Withdrawal
Over time, practical difficulties and limited preparation reduced the scope of public protests.
- (i) The sudden restart of the movement without a detailed plan made it hard to keep activities going for a long period.
- (ii) In , Mahatma Gandhi formally ended the campaign of Civil Disobedience.
- (iii) The outcome showed that while public meetings could be stopped, widespread support for national self-governance remained intact.
⚡ Quick Revision Capsule: Resumption of Civil Disobedience (1931–1934)
This table summarizes key milestones, events, and measures from the second phase of the movement:
| Time Period | Key Event / Aspect | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Return of Mahatma Gandhi | Marked the official end of the truce period following the Second Round Table Conference. | |
| Arrest of Gandhi & Official Bans | Viceroy Lord Willingdon initiated strict laws banning Congress organizations. | |
| Widespread Public Participation | Over 80,000 satyagrahis were jailed while engaging in tax boycotts and peaceful marches. | |
| Press Censorship & Property Seizures | The government used emergency powers to halt news coverage and confiscate movement assets. | |
| Official Movement Withdrawal | Mahatma Gandhi formally ended the campaign, shifting focus toward constructive work. |
📝 Summary
The resumption of the Civil Disobedience Movement between and represents an important period in modern Indian history. Following the failure of discussions in London, the colonial state used firm emergency rules to halt political organizing. Despite these restrictions, thousands of citizens participated through peaceful marches, tax resistance, and boycotts until Mahatma Gandhi called off the campaign in .
🚀 Quick Revision Points
Essential facts to review before examinations:
- (i) The movement restarted after negotiations broke down at the Second Round Table Conference in late .
- (ii) Viceroy Lord Willingdon refused talks with Gandhi, leading to immediate detentions in early .
- (iii) Key protest methods included refusing the chowkidara tax, breaking salt laws, and boycotting non-local goods.
- (iv) The movement was officially suspended in , turning nationalist attention toward legislative work and rural community programs.
- 💡 Exam Tip: Questions often ask about the contrast between the first phase () and second phase () of Civil Disobedience. Focus on the increased use of government ordinances and the refusal of local watchman taxes during the second phase.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why was the Civil Disobedience Movement restarted in December 1931?
A1: It was restarted because discussions at the Second Round Table Conference in London ended without an agreement, and the colonial government began taking firm measures against local political activities in India.Q2: What were the main methods used by the government to control the movement in 1932?
A2: The government declared the Congress illegal, arrested organizers, introduced strict press censorship, and took control of assets and ashrams associated with the movement.Q3: When and why was the Civil Disobedience Movement formally called off?
A3: Mahatma Gandhi officially ended the movement in due to reduced public participation under tough government rules and the need to re-organize national efforts.
