Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.
Assertion A: Mahatma Gandhi used 'Salt' as a tactical symbol during his Dandi March.
Reason R: The state monopoly over salt was deeply unpopular.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is correct but R is not correct
• D. A is not correct but R is correct

Hint:

The Dandi March began on 12 March 1930 from Sabarmati Ashram and ended at Dandi on the Gujarat coast.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
The Dandi March was one of the most significant movements of the Indian freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi against British colonial rule.

Step 1: Examine Assertion A. Mahatma Gandhi selected: \[ \text{Salt} \] as a symbol during the Civil Disobedience Movement and Dandi March. Salt was chosen because it was a daily necessity used by every individual, rich or poor. Thus, Assertion A is correct.

Step 2: Examine Reason R. The British government had imposed:
• Heavy taxes on salt
• Monopoly over salt production and sale This policy was highly unpopular among Indians because salt was an essential commodity. Hence, Reason R is also correct.

Step 3: Check whether Reason explains Assertion. Gandhi strategically chose salt because the British monopoly over salt affected common people and generated widespread dissatisfaction. Therefore, Reason R correctly explains Assertion A.

Step 4: Conclusion. Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A}} \]