In the annals of modern India, two pivotal movements stand out: the Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement. These milestones, both orchestrated under the astute leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, were executed with a unified plan of action—non-violence and non-cooperation. Notably, these movements witnessed the rare convergence of the Congress and the Muslim League, marking a significant chapter in India’s historical narrative.
What was the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Initiated in 1920 by Mahatma Gandhi, the Non-Cooperation Movement emerged as a sweeping nationwide campaign aimed at securing Indian independence from British rule. At its core, the movement drew strength from Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha, stressing the principles of non-violence and civil resistance as its guiding forces.
Launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement
Mahatma Gandhi spearheaded the non-cooperation movement, urging the Indian populace to denounce British rule and withhold their collaboration from the British government and institutions.
The call extended to boycotting British goods, with a rallying cry to favor indigenous products. This strategic move aimed to undermine British economic dominance while bolstering Indian industries. Another dimension of resistance involved the renunciation of titles and honors bestowed by the British government, symbolizing a rejection of their authority and a proclamation of national pride.
Gandhi advocated peaceful protests, advocating for non-compliance with British laws and regulations. This encompassed non-payment of taxes and abstention from participation in British-run institutions. The launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement was marked by large-scale public demonstrations, emphasizing the collective stand against British colonial rule.
Major Causes of Non-Cooperation Movement
- Jallianwala Bagh Massacre:
- Occurred in 1919 in Amritsar.
- British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indians.
- Catalyst for the Non-Cooperation Movement.
- Rowlatt Act (1919):
- Granted sweeping powers to suppress dissent.
- Curtailed civil liberties.
- Enabled indefinite detention without trial.
- Sparked widespread Indian outrage, fueling the call for non-cooperation.
- Khilafat Movement:
- Initiated by Indian Muslims.
- Aimed to protect the caliphate in Turkey post World War I.
- Gained support from Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders.
- Seen as an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims against British rule.
- Economic Exploitation:
- Indians faced high taxes and unfair trade policies.
- Economic grievances fueled discontent and resentment.
- The desire for Swaraj:
- Driven by the Indian people’s strong yearning for Swaraj (self-rule).
- Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of non-violence and civil disobedience.
- Gandhi believed that non-cooperation with British authorities would lead to eventual independence.
Salient Features of the Non-cooperation Movement
The movement primarily manifested as a nonviolent and peaceful protest against British rule in India. As part of this protest:
- Indians were urged to forfeit titles and resign from local body positions.
- Government employees were requested to resign from their positions.
- Parents were asked to withdraw their children from government-run or assisted schools and colleges.
- A call to boycott imported goods in favor of Indian-made products was emphasized.
- Voters were urged to boycott legislative council elections.
- Participation in the British army was strictly prohibited.
- If initial steps failed, it was envisioned that people would refuse to pay taxes.
- The demand for Swarajya (self-government) was a core aspect of the Indian National Congress (INC).
- The non-cooperation campaign marked a pivotal moment as the INC was willing to sacrifice constitutional measures for self-rule.
- If the campaign reached its conclusion, Gandhiji promised that Swaraj would be attained within a year.
Methods and Spreading of Non-Cooperation Movement
To ensure the success of the movement, the Ali brothers and Mahatma Gandhi conducted numerous rallies and meetings across India. Noteworthy instances include:
- Thousands of students left their educational institutions, with over 800 national schools and colleges participating nationwide.
- A significant educational boycott was orchestrated in Kolkata under C.R Das’s leadership.
- Subhash Chandra Bose assumed leadership of the Calcutta National Congress, contributing significantly to the movement.
- In Punjab, Lala Lajpat Rai played a pivotal role in the movement’s success.
The movement extended beyond education to include a widespread boycott of foreign products and clothes. Major products were boycotted, and shops selling foreign cloth faced picketing. Liquor shops also experienced picketing. To promote domestic textiles, people embraced Khadi, making it the uniform of the national movement. The use of charkhas became synonymous with the movement.
At the 1921 All India Khilafat Conference in Karachi, Mohammed Ali declared British Army service as ‘religiously unlawful for Muslims.’ Gandhiji further emphasized the need for civilians and army members to sever ties with the repressive British government.
Region-specific movements included:
- In the Midnapore district of Bengal, a movement emerged against Union board taxes.
- In the Andhra district of Guntur, no-tax movements were organized.
- Defiance of forest laws became prominent in Andhra during the movement.
- In Assam, tea plantation laborers went on strike.
In Punjab, the Akali movement commenced as part of the Non-Cooperation Movement, aiming to reclaim control of gurudwaras from corrupt influences.
Significant Leaders of the Non-Cooperation Movement
The non-cooperation campaign witnessed the active involvement of numerous leaders and ordinary individuals, fostering unity between Hindus and Muslims. Notable figures associated with the Non-Cooperation Movement include:
- Rajendra Prasad
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- M.N. Roy
- Debi Basanti
- Jitendralal Banerjee
- Subhash Chandra Bose
- Maulana Mohammed Ali
- Lala Rai Lajpat
These individuals played pivotal roles in shaping and advancing the objectives of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Role of Mahatma Gandhiji in Non-Cooperation
- Gandhi’s Leadership in Non-Cooperation:
- Mahatma Gandhi played a pivotal role in disseminating the policies and initiatives of the Non-Cooperation Movement nationwide.
- Nationwide Mobilization Efforts:
- Gandhi and his loyalists embarked on a nationwide tour to garner public support and mobilize the masses for the campaign.
- Impact on Education:
- Gandhi’s persuasion led to the exodus of several pupils from state institutions, as they chose to join national schools.
- Unprecedented Heights of Independence Movement:
- The Non-Cooperation Cause, coupled with Gandhi’s leadership, elevated the Indian independence movement to unprecedented heights.
- Political Zeal and Fearlessness:
- The movement instilled a new political zeal and imparted fearlessness among the Indian populace.
- Popular Expression of Swarajya:
- Under Gandhi’s leadership, Swarajya found popular expression, captivating the entire nation with a patriotic zeal.
- Gandhi’s Gift – Satyagraha:
- Gandhi’s gift to the nation, satyagraha (passive resistance), became a formidable asset for the Indians.
- Fundamental Promotion of Khadi:
- The Non-Cooperation Movement prioritized the promotion of khadi, with Gandhi actively championing the cause.
- Revival of Charkha and Handloom Products:
- Under Gandhi’s leadership, the charkha and Indian handloom products experienced a revival, providing employment to a large number of weavers.
- Gandhi’s Unifying Contribution:
- Gandhi’s significant contribution was the unification of the entire country under a common ethos, marking a historic first.
- Pan-India Liberation Struggle:
- Gandhi’s exceptional leadership gave the liberation struggle a pan-India character, uniting the diverse regions in the quest for freedom.
Suspension of Non-Cooperation
In the aftermath of the Chauri Chaura event, Gandhiji issued a directive to halt the movement in February 1922. In Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh, a violent mob ignited a police station, resulting in the death of 22 officers amid a clash with movement protesters.
Gandhiji justified calling off the movement, asserting that the populace was not prepared for an ahimsa-based insurrection against the government. However, several leaders, including Motilal Nehru and C R Das, opposed the suspension, citing sporadic acts of violence.
Importance of Non-Cooperation Movement
The Non-Cooperation Movement holds significance for various reasons:
- Widespread Participation:
- The movement witnessed extensive involvement from all societal segments, including peasants, workers, students, and women.
- It forged a united front against British rule, bringing diverse sections of society together.
- Promotion of Nonviolent Resistance:
- The movement advocated the principles of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.
- Encouraged boycotts of British institutions, such as schools, colleges, and law courts, weakening the British administration and challenging their authority.
- Awakening National Consciousness:
- The movement ignited a sense of national consciousness and pride among the Indian masses.
- Instilled a spirit of unity, self-reliance, and self-confidence, fostering a collective identity.
- Expansion of Nationalist Agenda:
- Extended the nationalist agenda beyond elite circles, making it accessible to the masses.
- Provided a platform for common people to actively engage in the freedom struggle.
- Emergence of Mahatma Gandhi:
- Mahatma Gandhi rose as a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement.
- His principles of non-violence and Satyagraha became influential tools in the pursuit of freedom.
- International Attention and Support:
- The Non-Cooperation Movement drew international attention and garnered sympathy for India’s struggle for independence.
- Exposed the oppressive nature of British colonial rule and contributed to gaining support from other nations.
Consequences of Non-Cooperation Movement
- Congress Representation:
- The National Congress demonstrated its representation of the majority of the country’s views, dispelling accusations of being a “microscopic minority.”
- Widespread Participation:
- The movement was widespread across the country, with few places remaining completely silent in response to the call for non-cooperation.
- People’s Involvement in Politics:
- The Non-Cooperation Movement provided the people with their first chance to engage in politics and combat injustice and economic misery resulting from foreign domination.
- Muslim Participation and Communal Unity:
- Despite the Malabar events, Muslims played a significant role in the movement, contributing to communal unity during the Civil Disobedience Campaign.
- Purn Swaraj Goal:
- The goal of the Non-Cooperation Movement was Purn Swaraj, although it remained unachieved.
- Cauri-Chaura Incident Impact:
- The movement faced a setback due to the Cauri-Chaura incident, leading Gandhi Ji to cancel it.
- Impact on Indian Faith and Unity:
- Despite challenges, the movement, causing Indians to lose faith in the British, enthralled the nation.
- Success and National Unity:
- In summary, the non-cooperation movement was a success, uniting India as a nation.
Non-Cooperation Movement Facts for UPSC Exam
Key Phases of the Non-Cooperation Movement:
The Non-Cooperation Movement stands as a pivotal chapter in India’s quest for independence from British control. Led by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, the movement aimed to employ non-violent measures or “satyagraha” to resist British authority.
Key facets of the movement include:
- Protest Strategies:
- Protesters actively practiced non-cooperation by refusing to purchase British goods, emphasizing local handicrafts, and picketing liquor stores.
- Ahimsa and Nonviolence:
- Throughout the summer of 1920, the movement highlighted the principles of Ahimsa and nonviolence. Gandhi’s exceptional ability to mobilize hundreds of thousands to the cause marked a broad-scale manifestation of these principles.
- Fear of Mass Uprising:
- Gandhi, harboring concerns of a potential mass uprising, initiated the non-cooperation movement on September 5, 1920.
- Chauri Chaura Incident:
- In February 1922, a group of peasants set fire to a police station in Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh, leading to the suspension of the non-cooperation movement.
FAQs
Q: What was the Non-Cooperation Movement?
A: The Non-Cooperation Movement was a significant phase of India’s struggle for independence led by Mahatma Gandhi from 1920 to 1922. It aimed to resist British rule through nonviolent means, urging Indians to boycott British institutions, government services, courts, schools, and other symbols of colonial authority.
Q: What were the main objectives of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
A: The movement aimed to:
- Achieve self-governance for India.
- Promote the idea of swaraj (self-rule) and self-reliance.
- Boycott British-made goods to cripple the economic foundation of colonial rule.
- Encourage the use of khadi (homespun cloth) and promotion of indigenous industries.
- Forge Hindu-Muslim unity in the struggle against British imperialism.
Q: What were the key events during the Non-Cooperation Movement?
A: Some pivotal events included:
- The return of honours and titles bestowed by the British government.
- Mass boycotts of educational institutions, courts, and legislative councils.
- The Chauri Chaura incident, where protesters turned violent, leading Gandhi to call off the movement.
- The emergence of nonviolent resistance as a potent tool for India’s struggle for independence.
Q: What were the outcomes of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
A: Although the movement was called off due to the Chauri Chaura incident, it had significant impacts:
- It mobilized millions of Indians and raised political consciousness.
- It demonstrated the power of nonviolent resistance in challenging colonial authority.
- It strengthened India’s resolve for independence and laid the groundwork for future movements.
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