Very Short Question and Answers - Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22)

Mahatma Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920.

The main reasons were protest against the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and support for the Khilafat Movement.

The primary demand was for Swaraj, which means self-rule.

Government schools and colleges, and British courts were boycotted.

C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru gave up their practice in British courts.

It promoted self-reliance by urging people to spin their own cloth (khadi) and encouraging the use of village industries.

Khadi became a symbol of nationalism and self-sufficiency.

Peasants protested against high rents and taxes imposed by landlords and the government.

Tribals opposed forest laws that restricted their rights over forest resources.

Merchants and mill owners supported the boycott of foreign cloth.

The Chauri Chaura incident took place in U.P. on 5 February 1922.

The movement was called off after violent events in Chauri Chaura, where a police station was set on fire and 22 policemen were killed.

Gandhi believed the movement had turned violent and wanted to stop further violence.

Gandhi focused on promoting khadi, Hindu-Muslim unity, and the removal of untouchability.

They were disappointed because they felt their efforts had been wasted and the movement was ended suddenly despite its widespread popularity.

By boycotting foreign goods, especially imported cloth, and promoting locally made khadi.

It brought together diverse groups of people, including urban and rural populations, peasants, tribals, merchants, and students, in a common struggle.

The Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Students left government schools and colleges as a form of protest.

It was the first mass movement involving millions, strengthened spirit of unity and nationalism, but ended suddenly, leaving some disillusioned.