The Civility of Disobedience

A new exhibition and accompanying book capture the way the original disruptors in Mumbai helped pave the way towards freedom for India

- -Priya Pathiyan

AD 1930-1931, a year in the past, which impacted not only the present at the time, but has had far-reaching effects into the future. This was when anti-colonial protests gained a firm foothold in India, starting with Mahatma Gandhi leading the march to Dandi against the taxation of salt and, ultimately, leading to a mass mobilisation of ordinary citizens from all walks of life, as they became actively involved in the struggle for freedom from the British yoke. This phenomenon manifested especially strongly in Mumbai, with women participating as actively as men... making and selling salt when it was against the law; spinning yarn on charkhas so families could wear Indian-made khadi; encouraging people to buy swadeshi g