When was ahmedabad satyagraha started

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The Ahmedabad Satyagraha began in February 1918, specifically on February 22, when Mahatma Gandhi initiated a nonviolent protest supporting mill workers demanding fair wages after a plague epidemic and increased taxation.

Key Facts

The Ahmedabad Satyagraha started on February 22, 1918.
It was led by Mahatma Gandhi as a nonviolent labor protest.
The strike involved over 22,000 textile mill workers.
Workers demanded a 50% wage increase due to the plague bonus policy.
Gandhi undertook a hunger strike for 21 days during the movement.

Overview

The Ahmedabad Satyagraha of 1918 marked one of the first major applications of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of nonviolent resistance in India. It emerged during a period of economic hardship following a plague outbreak and increased wartime inflation, which strained industrial workers' livelihoods.

The movement centered on textile mill workers in Ahmedabad demanding fair wages and better working conditions. Gandhi’s leadership transformed it into a disciplined, nonviolent campaign that set a precedent for future civil disobedience struggles across India.

February 22, 1918: The official start date of the Ahmedabad Satyagraha, when Gandhi called for a strike among mill workers.
22,000 workers: Approximately this many textile laborers participated in the strike, making it one of the largest labor actions in Gujarat at the time.
50% wage increase: Workers demanded this raise, citing the continuation of a plague bonus that mill owners refused to extend post-epidemic.
Gandhi’s first hunger strike: He fasted for 21 days to pressure both workers and mill owners toward a peaceful resolution.
Industrial dispute: The conflict highlighted tensions between labor and management during World War I, when cotton prices surged but wages stagnated.

How It Works

The Ahmedabad Satyagraha demonstrated Gandhi’s method of nonviolent resistance through organized civil disobedience and moral pressure. It combined labor activism with spiritual discipline, setting a model for future movements.

Satyagraha: A philosophy of truth-force and nonviolent resistance. Gandhi applied it here to demand justice without resorting to violence or coercion.
Strike action: Workers refused to work until their demands were met. The strike lasted from February 22 to March 18, 1918, totaling 25 days.
Plague bonus: A temporary wage increase granted during the 1917 plague. Workers insisted it continue, but mill owners resisted, triggering the conflict.
Arbitration: Gandhi encouraged negotiation. A settlement committee was formed, leading to a 35% wage increase after mediation.
Hunger strike: Gandhi began fasting on March 15, 1918, to urge workers to remain peaceful and owners to compromise.
Non-cooperation: Workers peacefully picketed mills, avoiding violence while maintaining pressure through unity and discipline.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the Ahmedabad Satyagraha with other early Gandhian movements reveals its unique blend of labor rights and nonviolent strategy.

Movement	Year	Location	Primary Demand	Outcome
Champaran Satyagraha	1917	Bihar	Abolition of forced indigo farming	Partial success; inquiry committee formed
Kheda Satyagraha	1918	Gujarat	Revenue relief for drought-affected farmers	Government suspended tax collection
Ahmedabad Satyagraha	1918	Ahmedabad	Wage increase for mill workers	35% raise granted after arbitration
Non-Cooperation Movement	1920	Nationwide	Self-rule and end to British institutions	Called off after Chauri Chaura
Dandi March	1930	Gujarat	End of salt tax	Increased global attention to Indian independence

The Ahmedabad Satyagraha stands out for its focus on urban labor rights rather than rural agrarian issues. It also marked Gandhi’s first use of a hunger strike as a political tool, influencing future campaigns. Unlike Champaran or Kheda, it involved industrial workers and set a precedent for labor movements using nonviolent methods.

Why It Matters

The Ahmedabad Satyagraha was a turning point in India’s independence movement, proving that nonviolence could be effective in urban, industrial settings. It established Gandhi as a national leader and demonstrated the power of organized, peaceful protest.

Model for labor rights: It showed that workers could achieve fair wages through unity and nonviolent action, not just strikes or violence.
Gandhi’s leadership: His role in mediating between workers and owners enhanced his credibility as a social reformer.
Legal precedent: The arbitration outcome set a benchmark for future labor disputes in colonial India.
Moral authority: Gandhi’s fast elevated the movement beyond economic demands to a moral and ethical struggle.
Public awareness: The event drew national attention to workers' conditions and the need for labor reforms.
Legacy: It inspired later movements like the textile strikes in Mumbai and Ahmedabad during the 1920s and 1930s.

The Ahmedabad Satyagraha remains a foundational moment in India’s labor and independence history, blending economic justice with ethical resistance in a way that continues to influence social movements today.