Write a short note on Simon Commission and Salt Satyagrah.

Simon Commission:

The Simon Commission, officially known as the Simon Commission on Constitutional Reform, was appointed by the British government in 1927 to review and recommend constitutional reforms for India. Notably, the commission did not include any Indian members, sparking widespread protests and discontent among Indians who demanded greater inclusion in the decision-making process.

The absence of Indian representation in the commission was perceived as a blatant disregard for Indian voices and aspirations for self-governance. The protest against the Simon Commission was a turning point in India's struggle for independence, as it marked a united and widespread opposition to British colonial rule. The most iconic slogan that emerged during this period was "Simon Go Back," reflecting the strong sentiment of rejection and frustration.

The Simon Commission and the subsequent protests laid the groundwork for more assertive demands for self-rule in India. The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose, spearheaded the movement, demanding constitutional reforms and political autonomy.

Salt Satyagrah:

The Salt Satyagrah, also known as the Salt March, was a pivotal event in India's fight for independence led by Mahatma Gandhi. Initiated on March 12, 1930, the march aimed to protest the British monopoly on salt and challenge the salt tax imposed on Indians. Gandhi, along with a group of followers, marched from Sabarmati Ashram to the Arabian Sea, covering a distance of about 240 miles.

The Salt Satyagrah was a non-violent resistance against British salt laws, symbolizing the broader issue of colonial exploitation and the denial of basic rights to Indians. Gandhi's act of picking up natural salt from the Arabian Sea shores galvanized the masses and demonstrated the power of non-violent civil disobedience.

The impact of the Salt Satyagrah was profound, attracting international attention and support. It led to a wave of protests across the country, inspiring people from all walks of life to join the independence movement. The British responded with arrests, but the march had already ignited a spark that fueled the momentum for India's eventual independence.

Both the Simon Commission and the Salt Satyagrah are pivotal chapters in India's struggle for freedom. The former exposed the British government's insensitivity to Indian aspirations, while the latter showcased the potency of non-violent resistance as a means to challenge oppressive colonial laws. Together, these events marked significant milestones on the path to India's eventual independence in 1947.