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Q1. Discuss the successes and failures of the 1920 non-cooperation movement. What impact did it have on subsequent freedom movements in pre-independence India? (250 words 15 Marks)
Answer:
By the repressive measures of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the denial of justice, Gandhi observed that “the only effective means to vindicate national honour and to prevent a repetition of the wrongs in future is the establishment of Swaraj”. Consequently, the non-co-operation campaign was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on 1st August 1919.
Successes of Non-Cooperative Movement:
- The non-cooperation movement led by Gandhi was a mass movement which had never been seen before and after the Great Rebellion of 1857.
- With the Non-Cooperation Movement, nationalist sentiments reached every nook and corner of the country and politicised every stratum of the population—the artisans, peasants, students, urban poor, women, traders, etc.
- This politicisation of men and women imparted a revolutionary character to the national movement.
- The myth that British rule was invincible was challenged by satyagraha through mass struggle.
- It gave a push to indigenous products thereby helping Indian producers and damaging Britain’s economic and commercial interests.
- Cementing Hindu-Muslim unity against the British.
Failures of Non-Cooperative Movement:
- People from the middle classes led the movement at the beginning but later they showed a lot of reservations about Gandhi’s programme.
- In places like Calcutta, Bombay and Madras, which were centres of elite politicians, the response to Gandhi’s call was very limited.
- The response to the call for resignation from the government service, surrendering of titles, etc., was not taken seriously.
- Limited aims of NCM and government seemed to be in no mood for negotiation.
- A section of the big business remained sceptical towards the movement. They seemed to be afraid of labour unrest in their factories.
- People had not learnt or fully understood the method of non-violence. A violent incident in Chauri-Chaura in February 1922 marred the spirit of the movement. Gandhi responded by withdrawing from the Non-Cooperation movement arguing masses have not yet learned to practice non-violence.
Even though the Non-Cooperation movement did not achieve its stated aims but the strategic and leadership role of Mahatma Gandhi gave India’s freedom struggle new dimensions. The biggest gain of the movement was that it gave new confidence to the common people and taught them to be fearless in their political pursuit and made Swarajya an important goal.
