Name - Piyush

Roll Number - 2022 / 03 / 013

Course - BA ( Hons ) English

General Elective (GE) Assignment

Group - A

Question : Discuss any one of the three mass movements( NCM, CNI or
QIM) led by Mahatma Gandhi during the independence struggle.

Non - Cooperation movement

One of the major mass movements led by Mahatma Gandhi during the
Indian independence struggle was the Non-Cooperation Movement
(NCM) in 1920-1922. The Non-Cooperation Movement was a nationwide
campaign of civil disobedience launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 in
response to the passage of the Rowlatt Acts by the British government.
The Rowlatt Acts were a series of repressive measures that gave the
government the power to arrest and detain people without a warrant or
trial. Gandhi saw the Rowlatt Acts as a clear violation of civil liberties and
a threat to Indian independence. The NCM was a response to the
Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 and aimed to oppose British rule
through nonviolent means.

The roots of the Non-Cooperation Movement can be traced to the

aftermath of World War I and the dissatisfaction among Indians with the
British response to their demands. Mahatma Gandhi sought a non-
violent means to address the issues, emphasizing the principles of non-
cooperation with the British government. The objectives included
gaining self-governance, economic independence, and social justice.

The Non-Cooperation Movement called for Indians to boycott British

goods and institutions, such as schools, courts, and legislatures. Gandhi
also urged Indians to spin their own cloth, as a way of boycott British
textiles. The movement was initially very successful, and there was
widespread participation across India. However, the movement began to
lose momentum in 1922 after a series of violent incidents. Gandhi called
off the movement in 1922, but it still had a lasting impact on the Indian
independence struggle. The Non-Cooperation Movement showed that
Indians were united in their opposition to British rule and that they were
willing to take action to achieve their freedom.

A unique aspect of the Non-Cooperation Movement was its alliance with

the Khilafat Movement. Gandhi joined hands with the Khilafat leaders,
such as the Ali brothers, to mobilize both Hindus and Muslims against
British rule. This unity aimed to address the concerns of the Indian
Muslims regarding the dismantling of the Ottoman Caliphate after World
War I.

The Non-Cooperation Movement gained widespread support, involving

people from various sections of society. It marked a turning point in
India's struggle for independence by bringing nonviolent resistance to
the forefront as a potent tool against colonial rule.
Unfortunately, the movement was called off in 1922 following the Chauri
Chaura incident, where a protest turned violent and a police station was
set on fire, resulting in the death of several police officers. Gandhi,
adhering to his principles of nonviolence, felt that the movement had
lost its nonviolent character and suspended it.

The Non - Coorperation movement had three main objectives:

1. Boycott of British institutions: Gandhi called for the boycott of British

educational institutions, law courts, and government services. He
wanted Indians to withdraw their cooperation from these
institutions in order to weaken British authority and showcase the
strength of the Indian people.

2. Nonviolent protests: Gandhi emphasized the use of nonviolent civil

disobedience as a means of resistance. Indians were encouraged to
hold demonstrations, strikes, and protests against British policies.

3. Strengthening of Indian nationalism: The NCM aimed to instill a

sense of pride and unity among the Indian people by promoting
Indian culture, industries, and goods. Gandhi emphasized the
importance of Swadeshi (self-reliance) and encouraged Indians to
wear Khadi (homespun cloth) as a symbol of resistance.

Here are some of the key achievements of the Non-Cooperation

Movement:
1. The NCM gained massive support from different sections of Indian
society, including students, traders, and intellectuals. Thousands of
people participated in civil disobedience demonstrations, boycotted
British goods, and returned their titles and honors conferred by the
British government.

2. Though the NCM was initially successful in mobilizing people and

gaining support, it was eventually called off after a violent incident at
Chauri Chaura in 1922. Gandhi suspended the movement as a
response to the violent clash between protesters and police,
emphasizing the importance of nonviolence in the struggle for
independence.

3. Despite its premature end, the NCM played a significant role in

boosting Indian nationalism and awakening a spirit of resistance
against British rule. It marked a turning point in the Indian
independence movement, inspiring future generations of freedom
fighters and setting the stage for further mass movements led by
Mahatma Gandhi.

Reasons for the Success of the Non-Cooperation Movement:

1. Khilafat Movement Alliance: The alliance between the Non-

Cooperation Movement and the Khilafat Movement was a crucial
factor. Muslims were upset with the British for not protecting the
Ottoman Caliphate after World War I. Gandhi's support for their
cause led to a united front against British rule.

2. Public Support and Mass Participation: The movement garnered

massive public support across various sections of society. People
from different backgrounds, including peasants, workers, students,
and intellectuals, actively participated.

3. Economic Boycott: The movement encouraged Indians to boycott

British goods and institutions, thereby hitting the economic interests
of the colonial rulers. This economic boycott had a tangible impact
on British trade in India.
4. Repression and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: The Jallianwala Bagh
massacre in 1919 and subsequent repressive measures by the
British, including the Rowlatt Act, angered and radicalized many
Indians. The Non-Cooperation Movement was a response to these
atrocities.

5. Rural Participation: The involvement of rural communities, especially

peasants, in the movement was crucial. The Khilafat leaders and the
Congress worked together to mobilize rural support, making the
movement more inclusive

Challenges Faced by the Non-Cooperation Movement :

1. Violent Outbursts: One of the main challenges was the outbreak of

violence in certain places, such as Chauri Chaura in 1922. The
incident led to the death of police officers, and Gandhi, in response,
called off the movement. The inability to prevent or control such
violent incidents posed a serious challenge to the movement's
commitment to non-violence.

2. Regional Variations: The movement faced variations in intensity and

participation across different regions of India. While it was strong in
some areas, in others, especially in the South, the response was
comparatively muted. This regional imbalance posed a challenge to
creating a unified nationwide movement.

3. Criticism from Within the Congress: There were internal divisions

within the Indian National Congress regarding the strategy and
timing of the movement. Some leaders were skeptical of the mass
mobilization and withdrawal from institutions, fearing it might lead
to chaos and disrupt the ongoing reforms.

4. British Repression and Arrests: The British responded to the Non-

Cooperation Movement with repression. Thousands of Indians,
including leaders, were arrested, leading to a leadership vacuum and
a temporary halt in the momentum of the movement.

5. Economic Impact on Participants: The economic boycott and

withdrawal from certain activities had severe consequences for the
participants. People faced economic hardships, and the sacrifices
 required by the movement were not sustainable for everyone,
leading to a decline in support over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Non-Cooperation Movement was a watershed

moment in India's struggle for independence. It laid the foundation for
future movements, solidified the principles of non-violent resistance,
and showcased the power of mass mobilization. The Non-Cooperation
Movement was a significant turning point in the Indian independence
struggle. It demonstrated the power of mass nonviolent resistance and
helped to pave the way for India's independence in 1947. In addition to
the Non-Cooperation Movement, Mahatma Gandhi also led the Civil
Disobedience Movement (1930-1934) and the Quit India Movement
(1942-1945). These movements were all part of Gandhi's strategy of
nonviolent resistance, which he believed was the most effective way to
achieve Indian independence.

Gandhi's leadership of the Indian independence movement was

instrumental in India's eventual freedom from British rule. His
commitment to nonviolence and his ability to unite people from all
walks of life made him a powerful force for change. Gandhi's legacy
continues to inspire people around the world who are fighting for justice
and freedom.