Indian National Movement

Explanation :

Context: On 4th February, 2021, 100th year of Chauri Chaura — event that led to Gandhi calling off Non-Cooperation Movement was commemorated.

• The Non - Cooperation Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi on August 1,1920 was the first mass movement organized nationwide during India's struggle for freedom.

Causes of Non-Cooperation Movement

• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and Resultant Punjab Disturbances
• Dissatisfaction with Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
• Rowlatt Act
• Khilafat Agitation

Features of the Non-Cooperation Movement

• The movement was essentially a peaceful and non-violent protest against the British government in India.
• Indians were asked to relinquish their titles and resign from nominated seats in the local bodies as a mark of protest.
• People were asked to resign from their government jobs.
• People were asked to withdraw their children from government-controlled or aided schools and colleges.
• People were asked to boycott foreign goods and use only Indian-made goods.
• People were asked to boycott the elections to the legislative councils.
• People were asked not to serve in the British army.
• It was also planned that if the above steps did not bring results, people would refuse to pay their taxes.
• The INC also demanded Swarajya or self-government.
• Only completely non-violent means would be employed to get the demands fulfilled.

Why was the Non-Cooperation Movement suspended?

• Gandhiji called off the movement in February 1922 in the wake of the Chauri Chaura incident.
• In Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh, a violent mob set fire to a police station killing 22 policemen during a clash between the police and protesters of the movement.
• Gandhiji called off the movement saying people were not ready for revolt against the government through ahimsa.
• Several leaders like Motilal Nehru and C R Das were against the suspension of the movement only due to sporadic incidents of violence.