Concept:
The Salt March of 1930 was a major episode of the Civil Disobedience Movement and demonstrated Gandhi's strategy of using a simple, widely understood issue to challenge colonial authority.
The march also generated extensive contemporary documentation, including newspapers and official police reports.
Step 1: Examining Statement A:
Gandhi began the Salt March on 12 March 1930 from the Sabarmati Ashram.
He and his selected group of followers travelled towards the coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat.
The march ended with Gandhi's symbolic breaking of the colonial salt law on 6 April 1930.
Therefore, statement A is correct.
Step 2: Examining Statement B:
Lord Irwin was the Viceroy of India during the Salt March.
The Civil Disobedience Movement developed during his tenure, and Gandhi later entered into negotiations with him, leading to the Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931.
Therefore, statement B is correct.
Step 3: Examining Statement C:
The question identifies “London News” as the relevant newsmagazine.
This statement is incorrect in the historical formulation used for tracing the march because the recognised source is the London Illustrated News, rather than a publication simply called “London News”.
Therefore, statement C is false.
Step 4: Examining Statement D:
The colonial authorities closely monitored Gandhi and the progress of the march.
Secret reports and observations prepared by police officials provide evidence about the movement and its reception.
Therefore, statement D is correct.
Step 5: Final Evaluation:
Statements A, B, and D are correct, while statement C is incorrect.
Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct answer is (A) A, B and D only.