The Non-Cooperation Movement was phase in the Indian independence struggle. It was initiated by the Indian National Congress (INC) on 5th September 1920. Mahatma Gandhi led this movement, advocating for peaceful resistance against British colonial rule. The movement lasted until February 1922 and marked a shift towards mass mobilisation in Indian politics.
Background
The Non-Cooperation Movement emerged in response to various historical events:
- The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed Indians.
- The Rowlatt Act, which allowed for the arrest and detention of Indians without trial.
- Discontent following World War I, where Indians expected greater autonomy in return for their support.
- The Khilafat Movement, which aimed to protect the Ottoman Caliphate, resonated with Indian Muslims and sought unity with the INC.
Objectives
The primary aims of the Non-Cooperation Movement included:
- Attaining Swaraj (self-rule) for India.
- Encouraging Indians to boycott British institutions and products.
- Promoting Swadeshi (use of Indian goods) and self-reliance.
- Eradicating social evils like untouchability.
Features of the Movement
The Non-Cooperation Movement was characterised by several key features:
- Non-violent protest methods were strictly adhered to.
- Participants were encouraged to resign from government jobs and give up titles awarded by the British.
- Indians were urged to boycott foreign goods and use only Indian-made products.
- Boycotting elections to legislative councils was promoted.
- Refusal to pay taxes and serve in the British army was planned if initial actions failed.
Gandhi’s Role
Mahatma Gandhi was the central figure in the Non-Cooperation Movement. His manifesto called for:
- Adopting swadeshi principles, including hand-spinning and weaving.
- Mobilising the masses through peaceful means.
- Traveling across India to spread awareness about the movement.
Participation
The movement garnered widespread participation across various sections of society:
- Businessmen supported the economic boycott of British goods.
- Peasants joined in to express their grievances against British policies.
- Women actively participated, marking their growing role in the national movement.
- Students and youth were encouraged to leave British-controlled educational institutions.
Key Events and Timeline
The Non-Cooperation Movement unfolded through a series of events:
- September 1920 – Launch of the movement at the INC session in Calcutta.
- December 1920 – Endorsement of the movement at the Nagpur session of the INC.
- 1921 – Massive protests and boycotts across India.
- February 1922 – Suspension of the movement following the Chauri Chaura incident.
Chauri Chaura Incident
The movement was called off after the Chauri Chaura incident in February 1922. A violent clash resulted in the deaths of 22 policemen. Gandhi believed that the incident contradicted the principles of non-violence. This decision was met with mixed reactions from leaders within the INC.
Impact on Indian Society
The Non-Cooperation Movement had a deep impact on Indian society:
- It raised political consciousness among the masses.
- It encouraged communal harmony, with both Hindus and Muslims participating.
- It established the Congress as a popular political force.
- It promoted the use of Khadi and Indian products, boosting local economies.
Key Personalities
Several notable figures were associated with the Non-Cooperation Movement:
- Mahatma Gandhi: The principal leader advocating for non-violent resistance.
- C.R. Das: Played role in the resolution for non-cooperation.
- Jawaharlal Nehru: Supported the movement and encouraged mass participation.
- Ali Brothers: Leaders of the Khilafat Movement who joined forces with Gandhi.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Promoted the movement in Gujarat.
Significance of the Movement
The Non-Cooperation Movement shaped the freedom struggle:
- It mobilised millions and created a sense of unity against colonial rule.
- It established the principle of non-violent resistance as a core strategy.
- The movement laid the groundwork for future protests, including the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- It brought into light issues of social justice, including the fight against untouchability.
Limitations of the Movement
Despite its significance, the Non-Cooperation Movement faced several limitations:
- Not all regions of India participated equally; rural areas were less involved.
- The merging of the Khilafat issue with the movement complicated secular politics.
- Some leaders disagreed on strategies, leading to fragmentation within the INC.
- Lack of a clear roadmap for achieving independence hindered effectiveness.
Legacy
The Non-Cooperation Movement left a lasting legacy on Indian politics:
- It inspired future movements, including the Quit India Movement.
- It encourageed a sense of national identity and purpose among Indians.
- It established Gandhi as a prominent leader in the struggle for independence.
- It encouraged political engagement among various sections of society, including women and the youth.
