Modern Indian History
Non-Cooperation Movement 1920: Causes, Programme, Events and Withdrawal
Short and exam-oriented notes covering the launch, major developments, important programmes, Chauri Chaura incident and withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
1
Launch and Approval
Launched: 1920 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
- The Non-Cooperation Movement was approved at a special session of the Indian National Congress at Calcutta in 1920.
- It was later endorsed at the annual Congress session at Nagpur in 1920.
- The Nagpur session led to the formation of a 15-member Congress Working Committee.
- The Congress committed itself to an extra-constitutional mass struggle.
- Jinnah, Annie Besant and B. C. Pal left the Congress because of ideological differences.
2
Gandhi and the Khilafat Movement
Important: Gandhi merged the Khilafat Movement with the Non-Cooperation Movement to strengthen Hindu-Muslim unity.
The combination of the two movements helped create a wider mass base for the anti-colonial struggle.
3
Major Developments During the Movement
Tilak Swaraj Fund
1921
Started in memory of B. G. Tilak, who died on 1 August 1920. Target: Rs. 1 crore.
Started in memory of B. G. Tilak, who died on 1 August 1920. Target: Rs. 1 crore.
Eka Movement
1921
Peasant movement in Uttar Pradesh led by Madari Pasi.
Peasant movement in Uttar Pradesh led by Madari Pasi.
Mappila Revolt
1921
Also called the Malabar or Moplah Revolt; occurred in the Malabar region of Kerala.
Also called the Malabar or Moplah Revolt; occurred in the Malabar region of Kerala.
Awadh Kisan Movement
1920
Awadh Kisan Sabha was organised by Baba Ramchandra.
Awadh Kisan Sabha was organised by Baba Ramchandra.
EXAM NOTE
Awadh Kisan Sabha was organised by Baba Ramchandra in 1920.
4
Steps Taken to Support the Movement
- Educational institutions were established as part of the boycott of British-run educational institutions.
- Institutions mentioned in the source include Jamia Millia Islamia, Kashi Vidyapith and Bihar Vidyapith.
Fundraising for the Movement
Rs. 1 crore was raised for the movement.
- Promoting national education.
- Organising protests and strikes.
- Supporting the boycott movement.
5
Chauri Chaura Incident, 1922
Date: 4 February 1922
- A crowd associated with the Non-Cooperation Movement set fire to a police station at Chauri Chaura.
- Chauri Chaura was a village in the Gorakhpur region of Uttar Pradesh.
- 22 policemen died in the incident.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
The incident led Mahatma Gandhi to call off the Non-Cooperation Movement because the movement had turned violent.
6
Withdrawal of the Movement
- After the Chauri Chaura incident, Gandhi called off the Non-Cooperation Movement because of the outbreak of violence.
- Gandhi was later jailed in March 1922.
Key Link: Chauri Chaura Incident, 4 February 1922 → Violence → Gandhi withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement.
7
Quick Revision Table
| Important Point | Answer |
|---|---|
| Movement launched | 1920 |
| Special Congress session that approved it | Calcutta, 1920 |
| Congress session that endorsed it | Nagpur, 1920 |
| Congress Working Committee formed | 15 members |
| Movement merged with | Khilafat Movement |
| Tilak Swaraj Fund | 1921; target Rs. 1 crore |
| Eka Movement | 1921; Madari Pasi; Uttar Pradesh |
| Awadh Kisan Sabha | 1920; organised by Baba Ramchandra |
| Chauri Chaura Incident | 4 February 1922 |
| Policemen killed at Chauri Chaura | 22 |
| Reason for withdrawal | Violence at Chauri Chaura |
| Gandhi jailed | March 1922 |
10-SECOND MEMORY REVISION
1920 → Non-Cooperation Movement | Calcutta → Approved | Nagpur → Endorsed
1921 → Tilak Swaraj Fund + Eka Movement + Mappila Revolt
4 February 1922 → Chauri Chaura | Violence → Movement withdrawn | March 1922 → Gandhi jailed
MUST REMEMBER FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS
- Non-Cooperation Movement → launched in 1920.
- Calcutta Special Session, 1920 → approved the movement.
- Nagpur Session, 1920 → endorsed the movement.
- Gandhi → linked the Khilafat Movement with Non-Cooperation to promote Hindu-Muslim unity.
- Tilak Swaraj Fund → 1921 → target Rs. 1 crore.
- Eka Movement → 1921 → Madari Pasi.
- Awadh Kisan Sabha → 1920 → Baba Ramchandra.
- Chauri Chaura → 4 February 1922 → 22 policemen died.
- Movement withdrawn → because of violence at Chauri Chaura.
- Gandhi jailed → March 1922.