The Non-Cooperation Movement was the first major nationwide campaign led by Mahatma Gandhi, marking the beginning of mass struggle against British rule. It aimed to achieve Swaraj through non-violent means, uniting millions of Indians across regions, communities, and social classes.
Background
-
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) and the Rowlatt Act created widespread anger against the British.
-
The Khilafat Movement (1919–1924), led by Indian Muslims to protect the Ottoman Caliphate, encouraged Hindu–Muslim unity.
-
Gandhi’s principles of Satyagraha and non-violent resistance inspired people to act collectively.
-
Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) failed to satisfy nationalist aspirations for self-rule.
Objectives of the Movement
-
To resist British rule peacefully through non-cooperation.
-
To promote Swadeshi by boycotting British goods and institutions.
-
To encourage Indians to wear Khadi, revive indigenous industries, and use national schools and courts.
-
To unite Hindus and Muslims in the struggle for Swaraj.
Methods of Non-Cooperation
-
Boycott of British government schools, colleges, courts, and offices.
-
Boycott of foreign cloth and promotion of Khadi (hand-spun cloth).
-
Refusal to pay taxes and participation in peaceful protests.
-
Resignation of Indians from government jobs and legislatures.
-
Mass mobilization through processions, public meetings, and speeches.
Key Leaders
-
Mahatma Gandhi: supreme leader and strategist of non-violent resistance.
-
Khilafat leaders: Muhammad Ali, Shaukat Ali — helped mobilize Muslim support.
-
Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, C. Rajagopalachari, Subhas Chandra Bose — regional and youth leaders involved in organizing campaigns.
Achievements
-
Millions of Indians actively participated for the first time in a national movement.
-
Hindu–Muslim unity was strengthened temporarily through combined Khilafat and Non-Cooperation activities.
-
National consciousness spread to rural India, beyond urban elites.
-
Swadeshi, Khadi, and national education movements gained momentum.
-
Demonstrated the effectiveness of non-violent resistance against colonial authority.
Limitations and Suspension
-
The movement was suspended abruptly in 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident, where protesters killed 22 policemen.
-
Some groups, frustrated by British repression, resorted to violence, violating Gandhi’s principle of non-violence.
-
Full independence was not achieved, and the British retained power.
Key Takeaway
The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922) marked the first mass participation in India’s freedom struggle under Gandhi’s leadership. It transformed the Indian National Congress into a mass organization and laid the foundation for future campaigns of civil disobedience and non-violent resistance.