Mahatma Gandhi, known for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance (Satyagraha), played a pivotal role in various social protest movements aimed at achieving justice, freedom, and equality. Here are some significant social protest movements led by Gandhi:

Champaran Satyagraha (1917):

· Objective: Opposing oppressive indigo cultivation practices imposed on indigo farmers in Champaran, Bihar.

· Methods: Gandhi organized protests, conducted investigations, and used nonviolent resistance to address the grievances of the indigo farmers.

Kheda Satyagraha (1918):

· Objective: Supporting peasants in Kheda, Gujarat, who were unable to pay land revenue due to crop failure.

· Methods: Nonviolent resistance and non-cooperation with the British authorities, urging them to relax revenue collection.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922):

· Objective: Withdrawing cooperation from British institutions and authorities to protest the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and other grievances.

· Methods: Boycott of government schools, colleges, courts, and British goods; promotion of khadi (homespun cloth).

Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) - 1930:

· Objective: Protesting the British salt monopoly and salt tax.

· Methods: March from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, covering 240 miles. Gandhi and his followers made salt by evaporating seawater, defying British salt laws.

Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934):

· Objective: Opposing British salt laws, taxes, and promoting self-rule.

· Methods: Nonviolent non-cooperation, salt marches, and the refusal to pay taxes. Gandhi's arrest during the movement attracted widespread attention.

Quit India Movement (1942):

· Objective: Demanding an end to British colonial rule and immediate independence.

· Methods: Mass protests, strikes, and nonviolent resistance with the slogan "Quit India." The movement led to mass arrests.

 

Khilafat Movement (1919-1924):

· Objective: Support for the Ottoman Caliphate, combined with the Non-Cooperation Movement.

· Methods: Joint protests by Hindus and Muslims, emphasizing Hindu-Muslim unity.

Harijan Movement:

· Objective: Advocating for the rights and upliftment of the Dalits (formerly known as "untouchables").

· Methods: Gandhi worked towards eradicating untouchability, promoting education, and advocating for social reforms.

Swadeshi Movement:

· Objective: Encouraging the use of Indian-made goods and boycotting British goods.

· Methods: Promotion of khadi, encouragement of cottage industries, and boycotts of foreign goods.

Bardoli Satyagraha (1928):

· Objective: Opposing an unjust tax imposed by the British on the farmers of Bardoli, Gujarat.

· Methods: Nonviolent resistance and non-cooperation. The tax was eventually withdrawn.

Gandhi's social protest movements were characterized by nonviolence, civil disobedience, and mass mobilization. His philosophy and methods influenced numerous movements worldwide and continue to inspire struggles for justice and freedom.