UPSC Prelims 2025 Q71: Modern History – Modern India
"Sedition has become my religion" was the famous statement given by Gandhiji at the time
of
- (a) the Champaran Satyagraha
- (b) publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi
- (c) attending the Second Round Table Conference in London
- (d) the launch of the Quit India Movement
Answer: (b) publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi
Explanation
'Sedition has become my religion'
Gandhiji made this statement in 1930, at the time of the Salt Satyagraha.
He had come to see British rule as a 'curse', so open defiance of its laws was his duty.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 12 March 1930 | Dandi March begins from Sabarmati Ashram |
| 6 April 1930 | Gandhiji picks up salt at Dandi, breaking the Salt Law |
| May 1930 | Gandhiji arrested; Dharasana salt works raid follows |
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| (a) The Champaran Satyagraha | Incorrect; 1917, when he still worked within the law |
| (b) Publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi | Correct |
| (c) Attending the Second Round Table Conference in London | Incorrect; 1931 |
| (d) The launch of the Quit India Movement | Incorrect; 1942, with the call 'Do or Die' |
Answer: (b) publicly violating Salt Law at Dandi.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. At Champaran in 1917 Gandhiji did not speak of sedition as a creed.
- (b) CORRECT. He said it at the time of publicly violating the Salt Law at Dandi in 1930.
- (c) Incorrect. At the Second Round Table Conference he was negotiating, not defying.
- (d) Incorrect. The Quit India Movement is linked with the slogan 'Do or Die'.
Key point
Salt Satyagraha (1930): Dandi March from 12 March; Salt Law broken on 6 April; Gandhiji's statement 'Sedition has become my religion' belongs to this moment.
Remember
'Sedition has become my religion' = Dandi, 1930.
Common mistakes
- Linking the quote to the Quit India Movement because of its militant tone.
- Confusing it with Gandhiji's 1922 trial statement on disaffection.
- Forgetting the dates: 12 March and 6 April 1930.
Exam tip
Match the slogan to the movement: 'Do or Die' is 1942; open law-breaking as duty is 1930.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence, Ch 22 (Civil Disobedience 1930-31)
- Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi — Volume 43 (March-June 1930)