Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Start your answer with a brief introduction of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Write its features and achievements.
• Explain how it affected the Indian freedom struggle.
• Conclude accordingly

Introduction:

The non-cooperation movement was a political campaign launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 to have Indians revoke their cooperation from the British government, with the aim of persuading them to grant self-governance, or swaraj.

Body:

Features:

• It was based on the principles of truth, non-violence and self-reliance.
  • It aimed to weaken the British authority and influence by boycotting their institutions, goods and services.
• It involved various sections of Indian society, such as students, teachers, lawyers, peasants, workers, traders, etc.
  • It also had the support of various political parties and groups, such as the Congress, the Khilafat Committee, etc.
• It had following programs:
  • Surrender of titles and honours conferred by the British
  • Boycott of government schools, colleges, courts and offices
  • Boycott of foreign cloth, liquor and other goods
  • Non-payment of taxes and rent.
• It witnessed various forms of protest and resistance, such as hartals, strikes, demonstrations, bonfires, picketing, swadeshi, charkha, etc.
  • It also saw the emergence of parallel institutions and movements, such as national schools, colleges, panchayats, khadi committees, etc.

Achievements:

• It was the first nationwide mass movement that mobilized millions of Indians across regions, religions and classes.
  • It created a sense of unity and solidarity among them against a common enemy.
• It challenged the legitimacy and credibility of the British rule in India.
  • It exposed the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the British administration and economy.
  • It also aroused the political consciousness and aspirations of the Indian people.
• It inspired various other movements and leaders in different parts of India, such as the Civil Disobedience Movement, the Quit India Movement, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, etc.
  • It also influenced various anti-colonial struggles across the world.
• It forced the British to adopt a more conciliatory and reformist approach towards India.

Conclusion:

The Non-Cooperation Movement was a landmark event in the history of India’s freedom struggle. It marked a shift from moderate to radical methods of resistance. It also demonstrated the power and potential of non-violent mass action against an oppressive regime.