Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922), launched by Mahatma Gandhi, was a pivotal moment in the Indian National Movement, marking a significant shift towards mass participation and non-violent resistance against British rule. It aimed to achieve Swaraj (self-rule) through a systematic withdrawal of cooperation from the colonial administration. However, the movement was abruptly suspended by Gandhi in February 1922 following the Chauri Chaura incident. The question of whether this suspension was a “national calamity” is a complex one, demanding a careful assessment of its immediate and long-term consequences on the freedom struggle.
Context of the Non-Cooperation Movement
The NCM arose in the aftermath of World War I and the perceived betrayal of promises made to India in exchange for its support during the war. The Rowlatt Act (1919), which allowed for detention without trial, and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919) fueled widespread discontent. Gandhi’s leadership provided a unifying force, advocating for Satyagraha – a philosophy of non-violent resistance. The movement encompassed boycotts of foreign goods, schools, and courts, as well as promotion of Khadi and Swadeshi.
The Chauri Chaura Incident and Suspension of the Movement
On February 5, 1922, at Chauri Chaura in Uttar Pradesh, a peaceful protest turned violent when police fired upon a crowd. Enraged, the protestors retaliated, setting fire to the police station, resulting in the death of 22 policemen. Gandhi, deeply committed to non-violence, was horrified by this incident. He viewed it as a violation of the core principles of Satyagraha and immediately suspended the NCM on February 17, 1922. This decision was met with shock and disappointment by many Congress leaders and activists.
Arguments for Considering the Suspension a "National Calamity"
- Loss of Momentum: The suspension abruptly halted a movement that had galvanized the Indian population and posed a significant challenge to British authority. The momentum built over two years was lost, and the British government was given a respite to consolidate its control.
- Disillusionment and Fragmentation: Many activists felt betrayed by Gandhi’s decision, leading to disillusionment and fragmentation within the Congress. Leaders like Chittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru broke away to form the Swaraj Party, advocating for participation in the legislative councils.
- Delayed Progress Towards Swaraj: The suspension arguably delayed the achievement of Swaraj. While the movement had not immediately overthrown British rule, it had created a political awakening and a strong anti-colonial sentiment. The interruption slowed down this process.
- Rise of Revolutionary Activities: The suspension created a vacuum that was filled, in part, by more radical and revolutionary groups who believed in violent methods to achieve independence.
Arguments Against Considering the Suspension a "National Calamity"
- Preservation of Non-Violence: Gandhi’s primary concern was the preservation of non-violence as the core principle of the freedom struggle. He believed that a violent movement would ultimately be counterproductive and undermine its moral authority.
- Organizational Rebuilding: The suspension provided an opportunity for the Congress to reorganize and consolidate its strength. Gandhi used the period to focus on constructive programs like promoting Khadi, removing untouchability, and establishing communal harmony.
- Long-Term Impact: The NCM, despite its suspension, had a lasting impact on Indian society. It politicized a large section of the population, particularly peasants and workers, and laid the foundation for future mass movements.
- Strategic Retreat: Some historians argue that the suspension was a strategic retreat by Gandhi, allowing him to reassess the situation and prepare for a more effective struggle in the future.
Long-Term Consequences and Re-emergence of the Movement
The period following the suspension saw the emergence of the Swaraj Party, which adopted a ‘pro-change’ strategy within the legislative councils. Gandhi’s focus on constructive programs helped to strengthen the Congress’s grassroots organization. The political climate continued to evolve, eventually leading to the launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930, which built upon the foundations laid by the NCM.
| Movement | Year | Key Features | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Cooperation Movement | 1920-1922 | Boycott of foreign goods, schools, courts; promotion of Khadi & Swadeshi | Political awakening, mass participation, but suspended due to Chauri Chaura |
| Civil Disobedience Movement | 1930-1934 | Salt Satyagraha, defiance of unjust laws | Increased political pressure on British, Gandhi-Irwin Pact |
Conclusion
While the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement undoubtedly caused setbacks and disillusionment in the short term, labeling it a “national calamity” would be an overstatement. Gandhi’s decision, though controversial, was rooted in his unwavering commitment to non-violence. The movement’s legacy extended far beyond its abrupt end, laying the groundwork for future struggles and ultimately contributing to India’s independence. The suspension, therefore, was a temporary pause, a strategic recalibration, rather than a fatal blow to the freedom movement.
Answer Length
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