Answer

Introduction

Social reform movements in India often confronted entrenched internal inequalities more directly than anti-colonial struggles. While the Salt March challenged colonial rule, the Mahad Satyagraha targeted deep-rooted caste discrimination.

Body

Role of Mahad Satyagraha in Addressing Internal Inequalities

• Assertion of Basic Human Rights: Claimed equal access to public resources.
  Eg: Dalits drinking water from Chavdar tank as a matter of right.
• Challenge to Caste-based Exclusion: Directly confronted untouchability practices.
  Eg: Upper caste resistance and “purification” of the tank highlight entrenched discrimination.
• Social Reform from Within Society: Targeted oppression by fellow Indians, not colonial rulers.
  Eg: Movement demanded dignity within Hindu social order.
• Ideological Break from Scriptural Inequality: Rejected caste hierarchy legitimised by tradition.
  Eg: Public burning of Manusmriti (1927).
• Foundation for Constitutional Equality: Influenced legal guarantees against discrimination.
  Eg: Reflected in Articles 15 and Article 17 abolishing untouchability.

Role of Salt March in Addressing Internal Inequalities

• Mobilisation Across Social Groups: United Indians cutting across caste and class lines in salt law violation.
• Symbolic Challenge to Colonial Economic Exploitation: Highlighted injustice affecting all sections.
  Eg: Protest against salt tax burdening poor households.
• Indirect Impact on Social Unity: Fostered national consciousness over social divisions.
  Eg: Participation of women and marginal groups in protests.
• Focus on External Oppression: Targeted British rule rather than internal hierarchies.
  Eg: Demand was Swaraj, not social restructuring.
• Limited Direct Attack on Caste Inequality: Did not fundamentally challenge entrenched social practices.
  Eg: Untouchability persisted despite political mobilisation.

Conclusion 

While anti-colonial movements like the Salt March unified India politically, social reform movements such as the Mahad Satyagraha addressed structural inequalities more fundamentally, highlighting that true freedom requires both political independence and social justice.

DOWNLOAD PDF