Question

Examine the role of Mahatma Gandhi in the Non-Cooperation Movement and its impact on the masses.

Hint:

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) under Gandhi marked the first mass-based national movement based on non-violence and boycott of British institutions.

Answer 1

Concept: The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22) was the first large-scale mass movement led by Mahatma Gandhi against British rule. It aimed at attaining self-rule (Swaraj) through peaceful and non-violent means.
Step 1: Leadership and ideology. Mahatma Gandhi provided strong moral and ideological leadership to the movement. He emphasized non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satyagraha) as the guiding principles of resistance against British rule.
Step 2: Programme of Non-Cooperation. Gandhi called for the boycott of British institutions and goods. This included:

• Boycott of government schools and colleges
• Surrender of titles and honours
• Boycott of foreign cloth and promotion of khadi
• Resignation from government services and law courts

Step 3: Mobilizing the masses. Gandhi successfully mobilized different sections of society — peasants, students, women, traders, and workers. For the first time, the national movement became deeply rooted in rural India.
Step 4: Promotion of Swadeshi and self-reliance. He encouraged spinning and weaving of khadi as symbols of self-reliance. This created a sense of unity and national identity among the people.
Step 5: Impact and withdrawal. The movement shook British authority and demonstrated the power of mass resistance. However, Gandhi called off the movement in 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident, where violence broke out, reaffirming his commitment to non-violence.
Conclusion: Gandhi’s role in the Non-Cooperation Movement was transformative. He turned the freedom struggle into a mass-based movement and instilled confidence among ordinary Indians, making them active participants in the fight for independence.