Azad Maidan (A Ground of Nationalist Activities in Bombay)

In 1930, the Civil Disobedience Movement in Bombay (now Mumbai City district) was a significant event in the history of the city, and Azad Maidan was its hub. Initially known as the Esplanade, the ground was renamed Azad Maidan for the prominent role it played during India’s freedom struggle. When Mahatma Gandhi was arrested in May 1930, the city erupted in protests, and mass rallies were taken out at several locations, including Azad Maidan. After his release on 25 January 1931, Gandhi was greeted by a huge crowd on his visit to the city. A public gathering had been called on 26 January 1931, as it marked the first year since the declaration of Purna Swaraj (observed as Independence Day then) at the Maidan. Over two lakh citizens of Bombay, including workers, women, students, etc., assembled in large numbers. When Gandhiji reached the platform to deliver his speech, the crowd became so overwhelmed that it led to a stampede, resulting in the cancellation of the meeting. Gandhiji returned to the city in March 1931, and another public meeting was organized at the Maidan. Despite the security measures, as soon as Gandhiji began to speak, the excitement of the crowd took over, which led to the cancellation of the gathering, just like it did during the former occasion. The patriotic fervour amongst the people of Bombay was at an all-time high during this period. Azad Maidan saw some of the largest gatherings of people and remained a pivotal centre of activism throughout the independence struggle.