Non Cooperation Movement 1920: Timeline, Phases, and Withdrawal

Gandhi’s 1920 Non Cooperation Movement: Defying British Rule Together

Gandhi Ji launched a non cooperation movement, including boycotts of all government posts, boycotts of titles given by Britishers, and non-payment of taxes. The Non Cooperation Movement was started from the Khilafat platform on August 1, 1920, led by Gandhi.

Also Read: SIMON COMMISSION 1927: REFORMS, POLITICAL REACTIONS, & ROAD TO THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACT 1935

Launch of Non Cooperation Movement (NCM) and its timeline: Tilak’s Legacy, Gandhi’s Leadership

• Opposition to Movement: Initially, practically all of Congress’s old leaders were opposed to joining the movement.
• Non-Secular Nature: Tilak was opposed to any Hindu-Muslim cooperation for a religious purpose and believed that the movement should be secular.
• Death of Tilak: Meanwhile, the movement was established on August 1, 1920, but Tilak died on the same day. As a result, the movement became entwined with sorrow.
• Calcutta Session: On September 20, 1920, the All India Congress Committee held a special session in Calcutta, which was presided over by Lala Lajpat Rai.
• Recognised Movement: Despite objections from certain top officials, the Indian National Congress recognised non cooperation as its own during this session.
• Main issues: As a result, on September 4, 1920, the INC began the Non Cooperation Movement in response to the issues of the Swaraj, the Punjab massacre, and the Khilafat issue.
• Supporters: They include Motilal Nehru, Jitendra Basu, Saifuddin Kitchlew, Shaukat Ali, Dr Ansari, and Yakub Hassan.
• Opponents: while opponents include C R Das, Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya, and Annie Beasant.

Phases of Non Cooperation Movement: Students’ Boycott, Khadi Revolution

First Phase (January – March 1921)

Primary Focus: School, university, and tribunal boycotts, as well as charkha promotion. Students’ Role: Massive Educational Institution Boycott Approximately 90,000 pupils left government schools and universities. Subash Chandra Bose: He became the principal of the National College in Calcutta, while C R Das was a prominent figure in Bengal. Boycotting Colonial Courts: Many notable lawyers departed from practice, including Deshbandhu Motilal Nehru, C R Das, M R Jayakar, Saifuddin Kitchlew, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, C. Rajagopalachari, T. Prakasam, Asaf Ali. Goal: Raise one crore rupees for the Tilak Swaraj Fund by August 1921, recruit one crore members in Congress, and install twenty lakh charkhas.

The Second Phase (July 1921 Onwards)

Emphasis: Boycott of foreign fabric, a boycott of Prince of Wales’ visit, popularisation of Chakra, Khadi, and Jail Bharo Andolan. Boycotting and Picketing: Volunteers went door-to-door boycotting foreign apparel, community burning of foreign clothing, picketing Toddy businesses, and so on. Khadi: Its advertising was extremely effective, and it became the national movement’s uniform. Gandhi Dropped Wearing Dhoti: When a student in Madurai complained to Gandhi that the Khadi was too expensive to buy, he suggested wearing less clothing. As a result, he dropped his Dhoti and Kurta in favour of a Langot. Gandhi immediately got the label “Half-naked Fakir.”

Withdrawal of Non Cooperation Movement: Chauri Chaura and Movement’s End

The Chauri Chaura incident horrified Gandhi, who withdrew from the Non cooperation Movement. The movement was dubbed the “Himalayan Blunder” by him.

Also Read: KHILAFAT COMMITTEE 1921: RESOLUTION, DEMANDS, GANDHI’S SUPPORT, AND GOVERNMENT REPRESSION

Significance of Non Cooperation Movement: Unity, Consciousness, and Economic Shift

• As Gandhiji had promised Swaraj but it did not materialize. However, it became a truly popular movement when lakhs of Indians took part in a public, nonviolent protest against the government. The scale of the movement astounded the British government, which made it tremble. Muslims and Hindus both participated, highlighting the nation’s general oneness.
• The Congress Party was able to win over the public with its non cooperation movement. People became more conscious of their political rights due to this campaign. They were unconcerned with the government.
• Plenty of individuals voluntarily poured into prisons. Indian traders and mill owners made substantial gains during this period as a result of the boycott of British products. Khadi was given a raise.

#PWonlyIAS Edge

The 1920 INC Session (Nagpur): Presided by C. Vijayaraghavachari. Opposition to Gandhi faded, and even detractors like C R Das supported Gandhi’s leadership. While Congress agreed on a nonviolent approach to noncooperation resolution.

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