On the east coast, salt was obtained extensively along the coast of Orissa.
By the late 18th century, the British East India Company had a stranglehold on Indias salt trade.
Eventually, this Inland Customs Line extended all the way into Punjab in the north.
The original custom line was constructed out of thorn bushes, cut and piled up high.
Some of them took root and by 1868, there was already a green barrier 290 kilometers long.
The hedge was composed mainly of Indian plum, babool, karonda and Euphorbia.
In arid places where nothing else would grow, hardy plants like prickly pear was used.
Where the soil was poor, ditches were dug and filled with better soil.
Embankments were built in areas that were prone to flooding.
Trenches were built to bring water from nearby wells.
At its greatest extent, the hedge was at least 1,300 kilometers long.
Maintaining the hedge turned out to be quite a task.
Smugglers forced their way through the hedge with herds of salt-laden camels or cattle.
Others threw sacks of salt over the hedge.
According to records, between 1877-78, more than six thousand smugglers were apprehended illegally crossing the barrier.
An even bigger hurdle was to trade and free travel across the subcontinent.
By the 1870s, the hedge had become a nuisance.
A series of financial reforms were introduced that equalized tax across the country and made smuggling unprofitable.
Finally, the Inland Customs Line was abandoned in 1879.
Salt deprivation might have contributed to many diseases worsening health and hindering recoveries.
Although the hedge was abolished, salt tax itself did not go away.
It remained a controversial subject throughout Indias long fight for independence.
