Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Salt was an ideal unifying symbol because it was consumed by rich and poor alike, making it relevant to every section of Indian society. It was one of the most essential items of food, so the British tax on salt and their monopoly over its production directly affected all Indians regardless of class, religion, or region. Gandhi declared that this tax revealed the most oppressive face of British rule. By choosing salt, Gandhi ensured that every Indian — peasant, worker, or industrialist — could identify with the grievance and join a single united campaign.

Source: The Salt March and the Civil Disobedience Movement, Chapter 2

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The examiner expects three clear points for 3 marks:

1. Salt was consumed by all — rich and poor (universal relevance).
2. It was an essential food item (necessity, not luxury).
3. The tax/monopoly exposed British exploitation, making it a powerful political symbol.

Avoid writing about the march itself in detail — the question asks why salt was effective as a symbol, not what happened during the march. Stick to the passage's reasoning.