Non Cooperation MovementNon Cooperation Movement

The convergence of multiple socio-economic and political grievances created fertile ground for mass agitation.

• Rowlatt Act (Black Act): Passed in March 1919, it allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years, provoking widespread 'No Dalil, No Vakil, No Appeal'.
• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: On April 13, 1919, General Reginald Dyer ordered indiscriminate firing on a peaceful unarmed crowd in Amritsar, killing hundreds.
• Khilafat Grievances: Indian Muslims were agitated over the harsh terms imposed on the Ottoman Caliph after World War I, leading to the Khilafat-Non-Cooperation alliance.
• Economic Distress: Post-war inflation, high taxation, scarcity of essential goods, and widespread unemployment alienated workers, peasants, and the middle class.

The movement encompassed twin strategies of constructive programs and active boycotts across British institutions.

• Boycott of Institutions: Boycott of legislative councils, law courts by lawyers, government educational institutions, and foreign goods.
• Surrender of Titles: Leaders and citizens surrendered honorary titles and civil awards conferred by the British government (e.g., Gandhi surrendered Kaiser-i-Hind medal).
• Constructive Programmes: Promotion of Swadeshi, widespread adoption of Khadi and spinning wheels (Charkha), removal of untouchability, and Hindu-Muslim unity.
• Participation Dynamics: Unprecedented participation of middle class, peasants in Awadh and Kheda, students, and women, though capitalists remained cautious.

Uttar Pradesh served as a primary nerve center for peasant struggles and nationalist mobilization during 1920-22.

• Awadh Kisan Sabha: Formed in October 1920 under Baba Ramchandra, Jawaharlal Nehru, and others, aligning peasant grievances closely with the Non-Cooperation movement.
• Eka Movement: Peasant movement in Hardoi, Bahraich, and Sitapur led by Madari Pasi in late 1921 against oppressive high rents and rent-collecting practices.
• Allahabad Leadership: Motilal Nehru and Jawaharlal Nehru played pivotal roles in organizing strikes, picketing foreign liquor shops, and guiding the Provincial Congress Committee.

Violent escalation at Gorakhpur led to Mahatma Gandhi's abrupt suspension of the nationwide mass movement.

• The Incident Date: On February 5, 1922, at Chauri Chaura in Gorakhpur district (UP), a peaceful protest turned violent after police opened fire on demonstrators.
• Police Station Arson: An angry mob attacked and set fire to the police station, resulting in the death of 22 or 23 policemen.
• Bardoli Resolution: Deeply distressed by mass violence, Gandhi called a meeting of the Congress Working Committee in Bardoli on February 12, 1922, and withdrew the movement.
• National Reaction: Prominent leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, Motilal Nehru, and C.R. Das expressed deep anguish and shock at the sudden suspension.