Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)
1. Background
Post-World War I Discontent:
After World War I, there was widespread discontent in India due to economic
hardships, the Rowlatt Act, and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Indians were
deeply dissatisfied with British rule and their unfulfilled promises of
political reforms.
Khilafat Issue: The
discontent was further aggravated by the Khilafat issue, where Indian Muslims
were concerned about the fate of the Ottoman Caliphate after the defeat of the
Ottoman Empire in World War I.
Gandhi's Leadership:
Mahatma Gandhi, who had emerged as a leader of national stature, proposed the
idea of non-cooperation with the British as a means to achieve self-rule
(Swaraj).
2. Objectives
Attain Swaraj: The primary
objective was to attain self-governance or Swaraj by using non-violent means.
Protest against Repressive
Policies: It sought to protest against repressive policies like the Rowlatt
Act and the injustices of British rule.
Support the Khilafat Movement:
The movement also aimed to support the Khilafat cause by uniting Hindus and
Muslims in a common struggle against British imperialism.
3. Key Features
Boycott of British
Institutions: Gandhi urged Indians to boycott British goods, educational
institutions, law courts, and legislative councils.
Surrender of Titles:
Indians were encouraged to surrender titles and honors conferred by the British
government.
Non-payment of Taxes: In
some areas, the movement included the non-payment of taxes to the government.
Promotion of Swadeshi: The
movement promoted the use of Indian-made goods (Swadeshi) and encouraged the
revival of hand-spinning and weaving (Charkha) as symbols of self-reliance.
4. Key Events
Congress Session at Nagpur
(1920): The Indian National Congress, under Gandhi’s leadership, adopted
the Non-Cooperation resolution at its Nagpur session in December 1920, marking
the official start of the movement.
Mass Mobilization: The
movement saw widespread participation from various sections of society,
including students, lawyers, peasants, and women. It led to mass resignations
from government jobs and widespread boycotts.
Chauri Chaura Incident (1922):
On February 4, 1922, in Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh, a violent clash occurred
between protesters and police, resulting in the death of 22 policemen. This
incident led Gandhi to call off the movement, as he believed the movement was
veering away from non-violence.
5. Impact and Significance
Increased National
Consciousness: The movement succeeded in raising national consciousness and
mobilizing millions of Indians in the struggle for independence.
Boycott and Economic Impact:
The boycott of British goods and institutions had a significant economic
impact, and the Swadeshi movement led to the revival of Indian industries.
Repression by the British:
The British government responded with severe repression, including mass
arrests, and the movement saw the arrest of Gandhi and other leaders.
Unity and Hindu-Muslim
Cooperation: The movement, particularly in its early phase, saw
unprecedented Hindu-Muslim unity, as both communities worked together under
Gandhi’s leadership.
6. Conclusion
Suspension of the Movement:
The Non-Cooperation Movement was officially suspended by Gandhi after the
Chauri Chaura incident, as he did not want the movement to turn violent.
Legacy: Despite its
premature end, the movement marked the beginning of mass mobilization in the
Indian independence struggle. It transformed the Indian National Congress into
a mass-based organization and set the stage for future movements, including the
Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement.
The Non-Cooperation Movement was a landmark event in the
Indian freedom struggle, demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance and
mass participation in the quest for independence.
