Non-Cooperation Movement MCQs Quiz | Class 10

Understanding the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)

The Non-Cooperation Movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi from 1920 to 1922, was a pivotal phase in India’s struggle for independence. It aimed to resist British rule in India through non-violent means, urging Indians to withdraw their cooperation from the British administration. This movement brought together various sections of Indian society under a common nationalistic banner.

Key Aspects and Causes:

• Post-World War I disillusionment: Indians expected greater political concessions after contributing to the British war effort, but were met with repressive measures like the Rowlatt Act.
• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919): The brutal killings in Amritsar deeply outraged the nation, exposing the oppressive nature of British rule.
• Khilafat Issue: The defeat of Ottoman Turkey in World War I led to concerns among Indian Muslims about the fate of the Ottoman Caliph (Khalifa), who was considered the spiritual head of Islam. The Khilafat Movement, led by Ali Brothers (Muhammad Ali and Shaukat Ali), was launched to defend the Caliph’s powers. Mahatma Gandhi saw this as an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims for a common national cause.
• Demand for Swaraj: While the immediate causes were the Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh, and the Khilafat issue, the overarching goal was Swaraj (self-rule or independence).

Mahatma Gandhi’s Role:

Gandhi, who had successfully experimented with Satyagraha in South Africa and then in Champaran, Kheda, and Ahmedabad, became the undisputed leader of the movement. He advocated non-violent resistance (Ahimsa) and Swadeshi (self-reliance). His vision galvanized millions, from peasants to urban professionals, into active political participation.

Program of the Movement (The Boycott Strategy):

The Non-Cooperation Movement adopted a two-pronged approach:

1. Boycott:
   • Boycott of foreign goods and promotion of Swadeshi (indigenous) goods.
   • Boycott of British government-controlled educational institutions, courts, and legislative councils.
   • Resignation from government posts and titles.
   • Picketing of liquor shops and foreign cloth shops.
2. Constructive Program:
   • Promotion of Khadi (hand-spun cloth).
   • Establishment of national schools and colleges.
   • Promotion of Hindu-Muslim unity.
   • Eradication of untouchability.

Impact and Withdrawal:

The movement witnessed massive participation across India. Students left government schools, lawyers boycotted courts, and foreign cloth imports dropped drastically. However, the movement was abruptly called off by Mahatma Gandhi in February 1922 following the Chauri Chaura incident in Uttar Pradesh, where an angry mob attacked a police station, setting it on fire and killing several policemen. Gandhi believed that the movement was turning violent and participants needed more training in non-violent methods.

Key Events at a Glance:

Quick Revision Points:

• Aim: Swaraj (self-rule).
• Leadership: Mahatma Gandhi.
• Methods: Non-violent non-cooperation, boycott of British institutions and goods.
• Key alliances: Khilafat Movement for Hindu-Muslim unity.
• Withdrawal: Chauri Chaura incident (1922).
• Impact: Mobilized masses, spread nationalistic sentiment, showcased Gandhi’s leadership.

Practice Questions for Further Study:

1. What was the main demand of the peasants in Awadh during the Non-Cooperation Movement?
2. Name two prominent leaders who advocated for council entry after the Non-Cooperation Movement, leading to the formation of the Swaraj Party.
3. How did the tribal peasants of the Gudem Hills interpret Gandhiji’s message of Swaraj?
4. What does the term ‘picket’ mean in the context of the Non-Cooperation Movement, especially concerning liquor and foreign cloth shops?
5. Explain the economic impact of the boycott of foreign goods during the Non-Cooperation Movement on the British economy and Indian industries.