Non-Cooperation Movement 1920, Leaders, Causes and Significance

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) was one of the first nationwide movements in India led by Mahatma Gandhi. It aimed to oppose British rule using non-violent methods like boycotts, resignations, and promotion of Indian-made goods. Millions of Indians participated, making it a turning point in India’s freedom struggle.

The movement started in 1920 and became a platform for ordinary Indians to take part in the fight for Swaraj (self-rule) without using violence. It also strengthened Hindu-Muslim unity and created a sense of national pride.

Non-Cooperation Movement Objectives

The main goals of the Non-Cooperation Movement were:

• Achieve Swaraj (self-rule) without violence.

• Withdraw Indian cooperation from British institutions.

• Promote Swadeshi (Indian-made goods) and boycott foreign goods.

• Build national education and other Indian institutions.

• Strengthen Hindu-Muslim unity.

Causes of Non-Cooperation Movement

Several key events and grievances led to the Non-Cooperation Movement. These factors created widespread discontent among Indians.

Dissatisfaction with Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms

The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms were enacted in 1919. These reforms introduced a 'Dyarchy System'. They did not meet Indian demands for self-governance. Most Indian leaders found them unsatisfactory.

Rowlatt Act

The British government passed the Rowlatt Act in 1919. This law allowed imprisonment without trial. It targeted individuals suspected of terrorism. This act angered many Indians. Gandhi called for a nationwide protest, or Satyagraha, against it.

Economic Hardship from First World War

India faced severe economic issues after World War I. Prices of goods rose sharply. This affected common people greatly. Farmers also suffered due to stagnant agricultural product prices. These conditions led to strong public resentment.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

On April 13, 1919, British troops fired on a peaceful crowd in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar. Hundreds were killed or injured. This brutal act shocked the entire nation. It exposed the harshness of British rule. Gandhi renounced his Kaiser-I-Hind title in protest.

Khilafat Agitation

The Khilafat Movement began in response to the dismantling of the Ottoman Caliphate. Indian Muslims launched this movement. Gandhi supported the Khilafat cause. He saw it as a chance to unite Hindus and Muslims against British rule.

Non-Cooperation Movement Features

The Non-Cooperation Movement had a distinct programme. It involved several actions designed to resist British authority non-violently.

• Surrender of titles Non-Cooperation Movement: People gave up titles and honours from the British.

• Boycott of Goods: There was a widespread boycott of foreign goods movement. Indian-made (Swadeshi) products were promoted.

• Boycott of Institutions: People boycotted British courts, schools, and colleges. National institutions were established instead.

• Resignation from Posts: Indians resigned from government jobs and local bodies.

• Refusal of Service: People were asked not to serve in the British army.

• Non-Payment of Taxes: This was planned as a later stage if Swaraj was not achieved.

• Promotion of Swadeshi: Hand spinning and weaving (Khadi) were encouraged.

• National Education: Institutions like Kashi Vidyapeeth were set up.

• Unity: The movement aimed for strong Hindu-Muslim unity. It also upheld strict non-violence.

Non-Cooperation Movement Withdrawal

The Non-Cooperation Movement was gaining momentum. However, Mahatma Gandhi decided to withdraw it in February 1922.

• Chauri Chaura incident Non-Cooperation Movement: In February 1922, protestors attacked a police station in Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh. Several policemen died. Gandhi felt this act violated the principle of non-violence. He believed the nation was not ready for mass civil disobedience.

• Lack of Discipline: Instances of violence and indiscipline occurred. This showed a lack of preparation for a nationwide non-violent struggle.

• Khilafat Issue: The Khilafat issue lost its original relevance. Turkey's own leaders abolished the Caliphate later.

• Government Repression: The British government reacted with harsh measures. Many leaders were arrested. Public meetings were banned.

Non-Cooperation Movement Significance

Despite its abrupt end, the Non-Cooperation Movement left a lasting impact. It greatly influenced India's freedom struggle.

• Mass Participation: It transformed the Indian National Congress into a mass movement. People from all sections of society, including farmers, workers, and women, participated.

• Hindu-Muslim Unity: The movement fostered strong unity between Hindus and Muslims. This was crucial for national cohesion.

• Political Awareness: It raised political and social consciousness across India. People became aware of their rights and the nature of British rule.

• Gandhi's Leadership: The movement established Mahatma Gandhi as a prominent national leader. His methods of non-violence gained wide acceptance.

• Inspiration for Future Movements: The NCM laid the groundwork for later mass movements like the Civil Disobedience Movement. It instilled a spirit of defiance against the British.

Non-Cooperation Movement Impact

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) had a long-lasting impact on India’s struggle for independence, even though it was withdrawn early. Its effects can be seen in many areas:

1. Mass Participation in Politics

• Millions of Indians from villages, towns, and cities joined the movement.

• Farmers, workers, students, and women actively took part, making it the first truly mass movement in India.

• Ordinary people felt they could fight the British peacefully.
  
  

2. Strengthening Hindu-Muslim Unity

• Hindus and Muslims worked together during the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movement.

• It created a sense of national unity which was important for the freedom struggle.

3. Spread of Political Awareness

• People became more aware of British exploitation and their own rights.

• Indians began to question British laws, taxes, and institutions.

• Even students and common workers learned about self-rule (Swaraj) and the need for independence.

4. Growth of National Institutions

• The boycott of British schools, courts, and offices encouraged Indians to create their own institutions.

• Colleges like Kashi Vidyapeeth and organizations promoting Swadeshi goods became popular.

• Villagers started spinning Khadi, which supported self-reliance.

5. Establishment of Gandhian Methods

• Gandhi’s ideas of non-violent resistance (Satyagraha) became widely accepted.

• The movement showed that peaceful protest could challenge a powerful colonial government.

• Future movements like the Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement were inspired by these methods.

6. Rise of Indian National Congress as a Mass Party

• The INC transformed from an elite political organization into a mass movement involving common people.

• Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, C.R. Das, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad gained popularity among the masses.

7. Economic and Social Impact

• The boycott of foreign goods encouraged Indians to produce and buy Indian-made products (Swadeshi).

• People gained confidence in self-reliance, both economically and socially.

In short: Even though the Non-Cooperation Movement was stopped after the Chauri Chaura incident, it mobilized millions, spread political awareness, promoted unity, and set the stage for future freedom movements.

Role of Indian National Congress Non-Cooperation Movement

The Indian National Congress (INC) played a central role in organizing and guiding the movement. It coordinated boycotts, promoted Swadeshi goods, and encouraged people to resign from British jobs peacefully.

Leaders of the Non-Cooperation Movement

Besides Mahatma Gandhi, leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and C.R. Das actively supported and guided the Non-Cooperation Movement.