Question

In 1919 Gandhiji plunged into India’s struggle for freedom. He guided the affairs of the Indian National Congress with new techniques. Through various national movements he got the public support to win freedom for India. In this context explain, the reasons leading to the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Answer 1

The Reasons leading to Non-cooperation Movement: The Non-cooperation Movement (1920-22) was launched under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Following are the main reasons leading to the launching of this movement.

1. Local movement of Champaran, Kheda and Ahmedabad: The Champaran movement of 1917 was launched for the rights of indigo planeters in Bihar. Gandhiji fought for the rights of peasants in Kheda agitation in Gujarat in 1918. In the same year Gandhiji supported the cause of Ahmedabad mill workers in Gujarat. These Movements, launched by Gandhiji brought him closer to people and prepared him for National Movement.
2. Reaction to the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms: Against the expectations of the Indian leaders and masses, these reforms could not promise, self-government to India. Indian people supported British during the World War I in the hope that they would grant self-government to them. Therefore, people felt dejected and cheated by these reforms.
3. The Rowlatt Act, 1919: This act known as ‘Black Bill’ gave sample powers to the police to search a place and arrest any person without warrant. The Act was described as a measure of ‘No Dalil’, No ‘Wakil’ and ‘No appeal’. The act was vehemently opposed by Indians.
4. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: One the day of Baisakhi festival 13 April, 1919, the people organised a peaceful meeting at Jallianwala Bagh to protest the arrest of Dr. Satpal and Dr. Kitchlew, arrested by the police. However, British forced led by General Dyer, without warning massacred nearly 400 people, attending this meeting, thousands were wounded. This incident hardened the feeling of bitterness among Indian people.
5. Khilafat Movement: This movement was launched in 1919 to oppose the abolition of post of Caliph in Turkey by British Government after the World War I. Gandhiji supported Khilafat Movement, which brought the unity of Hindus and Muslims against the British rule.