Question

Write a short note on 'Non-Cooperation Movement'.

Hint:

To structure answers about major national movements, always follow this pattern: Causes (why it started), Programme (what they did), and Withdrawal/Outcome (how it ended and its impact). This ensures a complete and logical answer.

Answer 1

The Non-Cooperation Movement was a significant event in India's struggle for independence, led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. It was a response to British colonial rule and the oppressive policies implemented by the British government, particularly after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. The movement aimed to peacefully resist British rule by urging the Indian population to withdraw from all institutions associated with the British government.

Key Features of the Non-Cooperation Movement:

• Non-violent Protest: The movement was based on the principles of non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satya), which Mahatma Gandhi advocated. It sought to avoid any form of physical violence or aggression towards the British or their institutions.
• Boycott of British Goods and Institutions: The movement encouraged people to boycott British goods, schools, courts, and administrative services. Indians were urged to wear khadi (hand-spun cloth) and promote self-reliance through indigenous products.
• Non-cooperation with the British Government: People were asked to resign from government jobs, refuse to pay taxes, and refuse to participate in British-controlled elections. The idea was to create a mass movement that would disrupt the functioning of the British administration.
• Promotion of Nationalism: The movement sought to promote Indian nationalism and unity among the people across different regions, religions, and social groups. It helped in bringing together people from various backgrounds to unite against the common enemy – British colonialism.

Impact of the Non-Cooperation Movement:

• The movement received widespread support from all sections of Indian society, including peasants, workers, students, and the urban middle class.
• It successfully mobilized millions of Indians and brought the issue of independence to the forefront of political discourse in the country.
• However, the movement was called off in 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident, where protesters clashed with the police, leading to the deaths of several policemen. This event went against Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, and he decided to suspend the movement.

Conclusion:

The Non-Cooperation Movement was a turning point in the Indian independence struggle. Although it was not successful in achieving its goals immediately, it galvanized the Indian masses and laid the foundation for future movements. It was one of the first mass movements in the history of India’s freedom struggle, demonstrating the power of non-violent resistance.