The Non-Cooperation Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, was a significant phase of India’s freedom struggle against British colonial rule. It marked a turning point in the nationalist movement, as it sought to mobilize the masses in a nonviolent campaign of resistance against British authority. Rooted in Gandhi’s philosophy of ahimsa (nonviolence) and satyagraha (truth-force), the movement aimed to withdraw Indians’ support from the British administration and paralyze its functioning.
Causes of the Movement
- Rowlatt Act (1919):
The enactment of the Rowlatt Act, which allowed detention without trial, provoked widespread anger. The act was seen as an attack on civil liberties. - Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919):
The brutal killing of hundreds of unarmed Indians in Amritsar by British troops under General Dyer deeply shocked the nation, leading to a surge in anti-British sentiment. - Khilafat Issue:
The Khilafat movement, led by Indian Muslims, aimed to protect the position of the Ottoman Caliph after World War I. Gandhi saw this as an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims under a common cause. - Disillusionment with Reforms:
The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919), which introduced limited self-government, failed to satisfy Indian aspirations for autonomy.
Objectives of the Movement
The primary aim of the Non-Cooperation Movement was to attain Swaraj (self-rule) by nonviolent means. Gandhi envisioned it as a moral and political awakening that would delegitimize British authority in India.
Key Strategies and Actions
- Boycott of British Institutions and Goods:
Indians were urged to boycott government schools, courts, legislatures, and foreign goods. This economic boycott aimed to cripple British trade and revenue. - Promotion of Swadeshi:
The movement encouraged the use of khadi (homespun cloth) and indigenous goods to promote self-reliance and reduce dependence on British products. - Resignation from Titles and Positions:
Indians holding honorary titles from the British or working in government positions were asked to relinquish them. - Nonviolent Protest:
Peaceful demonstrations, public meetings, and picketing of liquor shops were organized to spread the message of non-cooperation.
Impact of the Movement
- Mass Mobilization:
The movement brought millions of Indians into the nationalist fold, including peasants, workers, students, and women. It transformed the Congress Party from an elite organization into a mass movement. - Hindu-Muslim Unity:
The alliance between the Non-Cooperation and Khilafat movements briefly strengthened Hindu-Muslim unity, fostering solidarity in the struggle against colonial rule. - Economic Effects:
The boycott of British goods hurt colonial trade, particularly the textile industry, as the demand for khadi surged.
Withdrawal and Aftermath
The movement was abruptly called off in February 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident, where protesters clashed with police, resulting in the death of 22 policemen. Gandhi believed the incident violated the principles of nonviolence and halted the movement to prevent further violence.
While the Non-Cooperation Movement failed to achieve immediate political goals, it marked a shift in Indian nationalism by demonstrating the power of mass participation and nonviolent resistance. It laid the foundation for subsequent movements and intensified the demand for complete independence, inspiring generations of freedom fighters.