| Original caption: “A huge crowd of disciples who listen as India’s leader Mahatma Gandhi speaks to them in Bombay, India. Gandhi was later arrested by British troops for his activities in his passive resistance campaign against England. Gandhi’s wife and son followed him to jail for their efforts to carry out the Mahatma’s principles.” Mahātmā Mohandas K. Gandhi (October 2, 1869 – January 30, 1948) addresses the women of Hindustani Seva Mandal, led by Umabai Kundapur (March 25, 1892 – 1992). Women were instrumental in the Salt Satyagraha (March 12, 1930 – April 6, 1930). The civil disobedience in 1930 marked the 1st time women became mass participants in the struggle for freedom. Thousands of women, from large cities to small villages, became active participants in satyagraha. After the 2nd Round Table Conference (September 7, 1931 – December 1, 1931) in London, at which Gandhi represented the Indian National Congress, Gandhi returned to Bombay. In talks with the Indian National Congress, he decided to restart civil disobedience. Gandhi had suspended satyagraha (literally “holding firmly to truth”), the nonviolent resistance tactics that had garnered worldwide attention and support during his talks in London, and had gained concessions from the British. The British Viceroy had initially dismissed the Salt Satyagraha, but the effort resonated with many Indians, and caused disruptions to the British Raj in India. The new Viceroy, Earl Freeman Freeman-Thomas, 1st Marquess of Willingdon (September 12, 1866 – August 12, 1941) decided that the British would not allow a resumption of satyagraha and arrested Gandhi and the other leaders of the Indian National Congress. Gandhi was arrested on January 4, 1932, just a few days after his return to India and imprisoned at the Yerwada Jail, Pune. Gandhi’s wife, Kasturba Gandhi (April 11, 1869 – February 22, 1944), was arrested on January 15, 1932, and sentenced to 6 weeks imprisonment; when that expired, she was sentenced to an additional 6 months. Devdas M. Gandhi (May 22, 1900 – August 3, 1957) was arrested on February 2. He was released on August 1. | |
| Image Filename | wwii0462.jpg |
| Image Size | 392 KB |
| Image Dimensions | 1500 x 1076 |
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| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | December 29, 1931 |
| Location | |
| City | Bombay |
| State or Province | Bombay Presidency |
| Country | India |
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| Record Number | |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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