The Non-Cooperation Movement was a significant political and social movement during India’s struggle for independence,

spearheaded by Mahatma Gandhi. It marked the first mass-scale attempt to resist British rule through nonviolent means,
harnessing the collective strength of Indians across various sections of society.

Here is a detailed account of the Non-Cooperation Movement, structured chronologically and with essential details:

1. Background of the Movement

Rowlatt Act (1919)

The British government enacted the Rowlatt Act in March 1919, giving authorities powers to detain individuals suspected of
anti-British activities without trial. This draconian law led to widespread anger, and Mahatma Gandhi called for protests
against it.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (April 13, 1919)

On April 13, 1919, General Reginald Dyer ordered troops to fire on a peaceful gathering in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar. The
massacre killed over a thousand Indians and injured many more. This tragic event deeply scarred Indian society and
intensified anti-British sentiments.

Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919)

The reforms promised limited self-governance, which fell far short of Indian aspirations. These half-hearted measures further
fueled discontent.

Khilafat Movement (1919–1924)

The Khilafat Movement, led by Ali brothers (Shaukat Ali and Mohammad Ali), sought to protect the position of the Caliph of
Turkey, a symbol of Islamic unity, after World War I. Gandhi allied with this movement to unite Hindus and Muslims against
British rule.

2. Launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement

Congress Session in Calcutta (September 1920)

The Indian National Congress (INC), in its special session at Calcutta in September 1920, approved Gandhi’s proposal to
launch the Non-Cooperation Movement. The movement aimed to:

• Attain Swaraj (self-rule).

• Protest the injustices of the Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

• Support the Khilafat Movement.

Adoption at Nagpur (December 1920)

At the Nagpur session of the Congress in December 1920, the movement was officially adopted. Gandhi's emphasis on
nonviolence and the unity of Hindus and Muslims became central themes.

3. Core Objectives and Methods

The Non-Cooperation Movement sought to:

1. Boycott British goods, institutions, and titles.

2. Promote the use of khadi (hand-spun cloth) to support Indian industries.

3. Resign from government jobs and educational institutions.

The movement was based on nonviolent resistance and encouraged self-reliance through swadeshi (self-sufficiency).

4. Phases of the Movement

First Phase: Early Enthusiasm (1920–1921)

• Resignations from Titles and Positions: Influential leaders like C. R. Das, Motilal Nehru, and Rajendra Prasad gave
up their prestigious government titles and professions.

• Boycott of Educational Institutions: Students and teachers left British-aided schools and colleges. National
institutions like Jamia Millia Islamia and Kashi Vidyapeeth were established.

• Boycott of Foreign Goods: Foreign cloth and goods were publicly burned in massive bonfires, symbolizing rejection
of British economic dominance.

• Support for Khilafat: Gandhi collaborated with Muslim leaders, bringing millions into the movement.

Second Phase: Mass Participation (1921)

• Expansion in Rural Areas: The movement resonated in rural India, particularly among peasants and tribal
communities. Prominent peasant uprisings, like those in Awadh (led by Baba Ramchandra) and the Eka Movement,
were associated with the broader goals of non-cooperation.

• Women’s Participation: Women like Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, and others actively participated, marking the
beginning of large-scale involvement of women in Indian politics.

• Labor Unrest: Workers in industries and plantations organized strikes and protests.

• Arrests of Leaders: The British arrested key leaders, including Gandhi, to suppress the movement. However, this
only strengthened public resolve.

5. Chauri Chaura Incident (February 1922)

On February 4, 1922, in the small town of Chauri Chaura (United Provinces, now Uttar Pradesh), a group of protestors
clashed with police. The angry mob set fire to a police station, killing 22 policemen.

This violent turn deeply disturbed Gandhi, as it went against the principle of ahimsa (nonviolence). Consequently, Gandhi
called off the Non-Cooperation Movement on February 12, 1922, emphasizing the need for discipline in the fight for freedom.

6. Impact of the Movement

Successes

1. Mass Awakening: The movement marked the entry of ordinary Indians into the freedom struggle, transcending
regional, caste, and religious barriers.

2. Strengthened Unity: Hindu-Muslim unity reached its zenith during this period, especially through the Khilafat
Movement.

3. Economic Boycott: The boycott of British goods and the promotion of khadi shook the economic foundation of
British industries.

4. Nationalist Institutions: New schools, colleges, and ashrams symbolized India’s educational and cultural
autonomy.

Limitations
 1. Premature Withdrawal: The abrupt end of the movement disheartened many and caused divisions within the
Congress.

2. Limited Reach: While the movement mobilized millions, its reach was uneven, with some regions remaining
relatively untouched.

3. Emergence of Communal Tensions: Despite initial unity, the withdrawal of the movement coincided with the
resurfacing of communal tensions.

7. Chronology of Key Events

Date Event

March 1919 Rowlatt Act passed.

April 13, 1919 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

September 1920 Congress approves Non-Cooperation Movement at the Calcutta session.

December 1920 Movement formally launched at the Nagpur session of Congress.

1920–1921 Boycotts of foreign goods, titles, and institutions gain momentum.

February 4, 1922 Chauri Chaura incident.

February 12, 1922 Gandhi suspends the movement.

8. Gandhi’s Perspective

Gandhi viewed non-cooperation as a moral and spiritual struggle against injustice. His insistence on ahimsa as a guiding
principle set the tone for future movements. The movement also reflected his belief in the transformative power of self-
reliance and mass mobilization.

9. Aftermath and Legacy

1. Emergence of New Leaders: Figures like Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru began to gain prominence.

2. Shift in Strategy: Post-1922, Congress adopted a more cautious approach, focusing on constructive work and
preparing for future struggles.

3. Formation of Swaraj Party: Dissatisfied with the suspension of the movement, leaders like C. R. Das and Motilal
Nehru formed the Swaraj Party in 1923 to contest elections and fight for reforms from within the legislative councils.

4. Strengthening of Nationalism: The movement instilled a sense of pride and confidence in Indians, proving their
capacity to challenge British authority.

10. Conclusion

The Non-Cooperation Movement was a watershed moment in India’s freedom struggle. Though it ended prematurely, its
impact was profound. It demonstrated the potential of nonviolent resistance, mobilized millions, and set the stage for future
movements like the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930) and the Quit India Movement (1942). Gandhi’s vision of Swaraj
and self-reliance left an indelible mark on Indian history, influencing both the struggle for independence and post-
independence policies.
This movement was not just a fight against colonial rule but also a transformative journey for Indian society, emphasizing
unity, discipline, and self-respect.

The Civil Disobedience Movement was one of the most significant phases of India's freedom struggle against British colonial
rule. Launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930, it marked a critical shift from mere non-cooperation to direct and active
defiance of unjust laws. This movement galvanized millions across the country and became a cornerstone in the history of
Indian nationalism.

Here is a detailed account of the Civil Disobedience Movement, presented in chronological order with all relevant dates,
names, and its profound significance:

1. Background and Context

Failure of the Simon Commission (1927-1928)

The British government appointed the Simon Commission in 1927 to recommend constitutional reforms in India, but it had
no Indian members. This exclusion outraged Indians, leading to widespread protests with slogans like "Simon Go Back."

Nehru Report (1928)

In response to the Simon Commission, Indian leaders, led by Motilal Nehru, proposed the Nehru Report, demanding
dominion status for India. However, the British rejected it, further frustrating Indian aspirations for self-rule.

Lahore Congress and Purna Swaraj (1929)

At the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress (December 1929), under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, the
Congress declared Purna Swaraj (complete independence) as its ultimate goal. The session resolved to celebrate January
26, 1930, as Independence Day, marking the symbolic break from British rule.

2. Launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement

Dandi March (March 12–April 6, 1930)

Mahatma Gandhi initiated the movement with the Dandi March, a 24-day, 240-mile journey from Sabarmati Ashram to the
coastal village of Dandi in Gujarat. Gandhi, along with 78 followers, embarked on this march to protest the Salt Laws, which
gave the British a monopoly on the production and sale of salt.

On April 6, 1930, Gandhi broke the Salt Law by making salt from seawater at Dandi, symbolizing open defiance of British
authority. This act of civil disobedience inspired millions to defy other colonial laws.

3. Core Objectives and Strategies

The Civil Disobedience Movement aimed to:

1. Challenge Unjust Laws: Protest against oppressive laws such as the Salt Tax.

2. Boycott British Goods and Institutions: Similar to the Non-Cooperation Movement, Indians were urged to boycott
British-made goods, refuse to pay taxes, and withdraw from government jobs.

3. Promote Swadeshi: Encourage the use of Indian-made goods and revive indigenous industries like hand-spinning
and weaving.

4. Empower the Masses: Involve ordinary Indians, including women, peasants, and tribal communities, in the
nationalist movement.
4. Spread of the Movement

Salt Satyagraha Across India

The breaking of the Salt Law became a nationwide phenomenon. In cities and villages across India, people openly
manufactured and sold salt in defiance of British regulations.

Widespread Boycotts

• Foreign goods and liquor shops were picketed.

• People refused to pay land revenue, chaukidari taxes, and forest dues.

• Government schools, colleges, and courts were boycotted.

Participation of Women

Women, for the first time in such large numbers, actively joined the struggle. Leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi,
and thousands of ordinary women played vital roles in picketing and organizing protests.

Involvement of Peasants and Tribals

The movement spread to rural areas, with peasants refusing to pay taxes and tribals protesting British exploitation of forests.

Role of Students and Youth

Students boycotted educational institutions, and young leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose and Jayaprakash Narayan
provided intellectual and organizational support.

5. Major Events and Developments

Salt Satyagraha in Dharasana (May 1930)

After Gandhi's arrest on May 5, 1930, Sarojini Naidu, along with other leaders, led a peaceful protest at the Dharasana Salt
Works. Despite brutal police violence, the satyagrahis maintained nonviolent discipline, drawing global attention to British
atrocities.

Protests in Peshawar (April 1930)

In Peshawar, the movement saw the participation of the Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as the Frontier Gandhi. The
Khudai Khidmatgars (Servants of God), a nonviolent volunteer force led by him, played a key role. Protestors faced heavy
repression, with British troops opening fire on unarmed demonstrators.

Chowringhee Protests in Bengal

In Bengal, students and workers organized large-scale demonstrations, leading to clashes with British authorities.

6. Repression by the British Government

The British responded to the movement with brutal repression:

• Arrests of Leaders: Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, and thousands of other leaders were imprisoned.

• Censorship: Newspapers were censored to prevent the spread of nationalist ideas.

• Police Brutality: Peaceful protesters were beaten, and satyagrahis faced violent crackdowns.

• Confiscation of Property: Peasants refusing to pay taxes had their land and belongings confiscated.
7. International Impact

The Civil Disobedience Movement gained widespread international attention. Reports of British atrocities in India tarnished
their image globally. Notable figures like Albert Einstein and Romain Rolland expressed solidarity with Gandhi and the Indian
struggle for independence.

8. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 5, 1931)

To diffuse tensions, the British initiated talks with Gandhi. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was signed on March 5, 1931, with the
following terms:

• Gandhi agreed to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement.

• The British agreed to release political prisoners and return confiscated property.

• Gandhi would attend the Second Round Table Conference in London as the sole representative of Congress.

While the pact marked a temporary truce, it disappointed many Congress leaders and grassroots activists, who felt that the
movement’s momentum had been compromised.

9. Resumption of the Movement (1932-1934)

Failure of the Second Round Table Conference (1931)

Gandhi’s participation in the conference yielded no tangible results. The British refused to grant India dominion status,
leading to the resumption of the movement.

Repression Intensifies

The British government, led by Lord Willingdon, adopted harsh measures to suppress the renewed movement. Gandhi was
arrested again in January 1932, and thousands of Congress workers were imprisoned.

Poona Pact (1932)

During this period, Gandhi launched a fast unto death to protest the British proposal for separate electorates for Dalits. This
led to the Poona Pact between Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, emphasizing joint electorates with reserved seats for Dalits.

10. Impact of the Civil Disobedience Movement

Successes

1. Mass Mobilization: The movement mobilized millions, including women, peasants, workers, and tribal communities.

2. National Awakening: It deepened the resolve for Swaraj and exposed the oppressive nature of British rule.

3. International Recognition: The movement gained global attention, putting moral pressure on the British Empire.

4. Economic Impact: Boycotts of British goods and taxes hurt the colonial economy.

Limitations

1. Limited Reach: Certain regions and communities, such as princely states and industrial workers, remained relatively
unaffected.

2. Communal Tensions: The Hindu-Muslim unity seen during the Non-Cooperation Movement began to wane, affecting
the broader nationalist struggle.
 3. Moderate Outcomes: The movement did not achieve immediate political goals, such as dominion status or
constitutional reforms.

11. Chronology of Key Events

Date Event

December 1929 Congress declares Purna Swaraj at Lahore.

January 26, 1930 First Independence Day celebrated.

March 12–April 6, 1930 Gandhi leads the Dandi March.

April 6, 1930 Gandhi breaks the Salt Law at Dandi.

May 5, 1930 Gandhi arrested.

May 1930 Dharasana Salt Works Satyagraha led by Sarojini Naidu.

March 5, 1931 Gandhi-Irwin Pact signed.

November 1931 Gandhi attends the Second Round Table Conference.

January 1932 Movement resumes; Gandhi arrested again.

12. Legacy of the Civil Disobedience Movement

1. Foundation for Future Struggles: The Civil Disobedience Movement laid the groundwork for the Quit India
Movement (1942), the final push for independence.

2. Strengthening Congress: The movement consolidated the Indian National Congress as the primary voice of Indian
nationalism.

3. Inspirational Model: Gandhi’s nonviolent methods inspired global leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson
Mandela in their respective struggles for justice and equality.

The Civil Disobedience Movement was a landmark in India's freedom struggle. While it did not immediately secure
independence, it showcased the strength of nonviolent resistance and the collective will of the Indian people to oppose
injustice. It remains a powerful example of how ordinary citizens can challenge oppressive systems through courage, unity,
and persistence.