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6. Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)

Background

Key Points:

  • The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in 1920 by Mahatma Gandhi.
  • Main reasons for launching the movement:
    • Protest against the Rowlatt Act.
    • Protest the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
    • Support the Khilafat Movement.
    • Demand for Swaraj (self-rule).

Elaboration:

  • Rowlatt Act Protest: The act allowed the British to arrest Indians without trial. Many Indians found this unfair and it limited their freedom.
    • Example 1: Satyagraha Sabhas were formed to protest against this law.
    • Example 2: Mass strikes and demonstrations took place in major cities.
  • Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: In 1919, British soldiers fired on a large crowd of unarmed Indians in Amritsar, killing hundreds. This shocked the nation.
    • Example 1: Rabindranath Tagore returned his knighthood in protest.
    • Example 2: National mourning and rallies occurred across India.
  • Khilafat Movement Support: Indian Muslims were upset by British actions against the Ottoman Caliph. Gandhi joined their cause to unite Hindus and Muslims.
    • Example 1: Joint Khilafat meetings in several cities.
    • Example 2: Religious leaders urged followers to join the movement.
  • Demand for Swaraj: Indians wanted their own government, free from British rule.
    • Example 1: National meetings where leaders spoke for Swaraj.
    • Example 2: Pamphlets and newspapers spread the message of self-rule.

Main Programmes

1. Boycott of British Institutions and Goods

Key Points:

  • Indians stopped using British goods and services.
  • Students left government-run schools and colleges.
  • Lawyers refused to work in British courts.
  • Boycott included foreign cloth, liquor shops, titles, and honours given by the British.

Elaboration:

  • By giving up government schools, Indian students chose to support national educational institutions.
    • Example 1: The formation of Jamia Millia Islamia and Gujarat Vidyapith as alternatives.
    • Example 2: Hostel protests and strikes across major cities.
  • Famous lawyers like C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru stopped practicing in British courts.
    • Example 1: Law courts in Calcutta and Allahabad saw significant drops in cases.
    • Example 2: Indian National Congress leaders held “people’s courts” to resolve disputes.
  • Boycott of foreign cloth encouraged Indians to wear only Indian-made clothes.
    • Example 1: Public bonfires of British cloth.
    • Example 2: Closure of liquor shops in several towns after protests.

2. Promotion of Khadi and Self-Reliance

Key Points:

  • Gandhi promoted spinning khadi (hand-woven cloth) for self-reliance.
  • Khadi became a symbol of Indian pride and independence.
  • Villagers were encouraged to support local products and reduce imports.

Elaboration:

  • Gandhi often demonstrated spinning on the charkha at public gatherings.
    • Example 1: Charkha spinning competitions in villages.
    • Example 2: Schoolchildren and leaders wore only khadi at functions.
  • Khadi signified unity—whether Hindu or Muslim, all could participate.
    • Example 1: Mass production of khadi in ashrams.
    • Example 2: National leaders used khadi clothing as political statements.
  • Village industries like pottery and weaving were revived in many areas.
    • Example 1: Markets set up for locally made goods.
    • Example 2: Public messages urging people to buy Indian salt, soap, and cloth.

Participation

Key Points:

  • Movement spread to urban and rural India.
  • Peasants, tribals, merchants, and mill owners all took part.
  • Protested local problems like high taxes, unfair laws, and exploitation.

Elaboration:

  • In villages, peasants joined to protest against high rents and heavy taxes.
    • Example 1: In Awadh, Baba Ramchandra led farmer protests.
    • Example 2: Refusal to pay taxes in several villages.
  • Tribals opposed British forest laws that restricted their rights.
    • Example 1: Forest satyagrahas in Andhra by tribal communities.
    • Example 2: Tribal gatherings to discuss their rights.
  • Merchants and mill owners boycott foreign goods to support Indian industries.
    • Example 1: Cloth merchants in Bombay refused to sell British cloth.
    • Example 2: Mill owners produced more Indian textiles to meet demand.

Chauri Chaura Incident (1922)

Key Points:

  • On 5th February 1922, police fired on peaceful protesters in Chauri Chaura (Uttar Pradesh).
  • The crowd reacted by burning the police station and 22 policemen died.
  • Gandhi called off the movement as he did not want violence.

Elaboration:

  • Gandhi believed violence went against the movement’s principles.
    • Example 1: Gandhi fasted for peace and issued appeals for non-violence.
    • Example 2: Pressure mounted to resume protests, but Gandhi stood firm on peace.
  • This incident taught the Congress about the responsibility of controlling mass movements.
    • Example 1: Congress leaders held meetings to debate the future.
    • Example 2: The idea of “pause and reconsider” became important in later movements.

Impact

Key Points:

  • First mass movement involving millions from every part of India.
  • It built unity and a sense of national identity.
  • Some were disappointed by the sudden stop, but Gandhi focused on new goals like Hindu–Muslim unity and fighting untouchability.

Elaboration:

  • Unity among Indians grew stronger.
    • Example 1: People from different regions, religions, and languages joined.
    • Example 2: Large processions and meetings everywhere in India.
  • Gandhi’s focus shifted to constructive programmes.
    • Example 1: Extensive campaigns to remove untouchability.
    • Example 2: Schools opened to promote education for all.
  • Although the movement ended, it inspired future freedom struggles.
    • Example 1: The Civil Disobedience Movement in the 1930s.
    • Example 2: Many young leaders became active in politics after 1922.

Scenario-Based Questions

  1. Scenario: Your school is holding a British-imported uniform drive, but you want to support the Non-Cooperation ideals.

    • Question: What steps can you and your classmates take to promote self-reliance as Gandhi advised?
    • Answer: Encourage everyone to wear khadi uniforms, set up a spinning demonstration, and explain the importance of using Indian-made products.

  2. Scenario: Tribal communities are unhappy about government rules restricting access to forests.

    • Question: How can their protest be linked to the Non-Cooperation Movement?
    • Answer: Like the tribals in the movement, they can organise peaceful marches, refuse to follow unfair laws, and connect their struggle to the larger fight for rights and freedom.

  3. Scenario: The principal wants to reward students with British-made medals for good behaviour.

    • Question: As a follower of the Non-Cooperation Movement, what would you suggest?
    • Answer: Politely request to use Indian-made prizes instead, highlighting the movement’s focus on boycotting British goods.

  4. Scenario: You notice some shops in your neighbourhood selling mostly foreign goods during the movement.

    • Question: What actions could local residents take according to the Non-Cooperation programme?
    • Answer: Organise awareness rallies, ask shopkeepers to stock Indian goods, and encourage people to only buy Indian-made products.

  5. Scenario: After a peaceful protest, some angry youth plan to destroy government property.

    • Question: What advice, based on Gandhi’s teachings, would you give them?
    • Answer: Remind them that the movement is non-violent, ask them to express their anger peacefully, and explain how violence could harm the cause.

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