Salt Satyagraha Movement in Ghatal Subdivision: A Historical Enquiry

Abstract: The ideological shifts between 1927 and 1930 paved the way for the Civil Disobedience Movement. Entrusted with its leadership, Mahatma Gandhi chose to defy the Salt Laws, a move initially mocked by Viceroy Irwin. Unlike the Non-Cooperation Movement, Gandhi vowed not to withdraw this struggle abruptly, sparking immense public fervor. Midnapore became a vital epicenter, particularly the Ghatal Subdivision. On April 7, 1930, a major Satyagraha center was established at Shyamganj on the banks of the Roopnarayan River. Managed by the Daspur Thana Congress under leaders like Manmatha Kumar Mukherjee, the center successfully produced and sold salt at Ghatal and Chechua Hat. The British responded with draconian measures. The escalating police atrocities led to a violent clash at Chechua Hat, resulting in the death of Daroga Bholanath Ghosh. In retaliation, police firing martyred fourteen freedom fighters. Despite such brutal suppression, the spirit of resistance in Ghatal remained indomitable.