Write a note on the Non-Cooperation movement.
TOWARDS NON-COOPERATION: CALCUTTA TO NAGPUR
Introduction
Mahatma Gandhi's quest to rally the Indian National Congress behind his strategy of non-cooperation and boycott was met with challenges and opposition from various quarters. This period marked a critical juncture in India's struggle for independence, as Gandhi sought to unify the diverse factions within the Congress and channel their energies into a concerted movement.
Gandhi's Endeavor and Initial Challenges
Gandhi's efforts to convince prominent leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai of the efficacy of non-cooperation and an alliance with the Muslim community over the Khilafat issue were met with skepticism and resistance. Tilak doubted the political utility of satyagraha and was against aligning with Muslim leaders on religious grounds. He believed that the basis for Hindu-Muslim cooperation should be secular, as exemplified by the Lucknow Pact of 1916. Unfortunately, Tilak's passing in August 1920 left a void in the leadership landscape.
Lala Lajpat Rai, C.R. Das, and the Congress' Reaction
Lala Lajpat Rai and C.R. Das vociferously opposed Gandhi's proposal to boycott council elections, while Jawaharlal Nehru noted that the majority of the old guard within the Congress were against Gandhi's resolution of non-cooperation.
Provincial Congress Committees' Opinions
The proposal for non-cooperation and boycott was presented to Provincial Congress Committees (PCCs) for their input. The United Provinces PCC endorsed non-cooperation in principle, with reservations about boycotting legislative councils. The Bombay PCC approved of non-cooperation but only recommended boycotting British goods initially. The Bengal PCC agreed with the principle but opposed council boycott. The Madras PCC approved the policies but rejected Gandhi's programme.
Regional Responses: Divergent Attitudes
While traditional political bases displayed varying attitudes toward Gandhi's programme, non-traditional areas such as Gujarat and Bihar fervently supported it. Andhra and Punjab PCCs endorsed non-cooperation but deferred decisions to the special Congress session. The hesitation among provincial Congress leaders stemmed from uncertainties about Gandhi's movement and reluctance to boycott council elections.
Calcutta Congress and Nagpur Session
A significant event took place at the special session of the All India Congress Committee held in Calcutta in September 1920, with Lala Lajpat Rai as its president. Despite expectations of strong opposition, Gandhi secured majority approval for his proposals by a 1,000-vote margin. This success was partly attributed to support from business groups and Muslims.
The Calcutta Congress endorsed a programme encompassing surrender of titles, boycott of schools, courts, foreign goods, and councils, while promoting national schools, arbitration courts, and Khadi. The Congress aligned with Gandhi's plan for non-cooperation until Punjab and Khilafat issues were resolved and Swaraj was achieved. The final decision was deferred to the Nagpur session in December 1920.
Contentions and Ambiguities
The nature of Swaraj that Gandhi aimed for remained ambiguous. While he claimed it was "Parliamentary Swaraj in accordance with the wishes of the people of India," Jawaharlal Nehru conceded that it was a "vague Swaraj with no clear ideology behind it."
Spread and Phases of the Movement
The Non-Cooperation Movement unfolded in several distinct phases. The campaign ignited in early 1921 with an emphasis on boycotting schools, colleges, law courts, and promoting the use of the Charkha. Subsequent phases focused on collecting funds, enrolling Congress members, and advancing the boycott of foreign cloth, as well as targeting the visit of the Prince of Wales and encouraging Charkha and Khadi. The last phase exhibited a shift toward radicalism, prompting mass civil disobedience and confrontations with authorities.
Peoples' Response and Local Variations
Various segments of society responded differently to the Non-Cooperation Movement. While urban elites in areas like Calcutta and Bombay showed limited enthusiasm, Indian business groups supported economic boycott due to textile industry benefits. Students and women actively participated, with thousands abandoning government institutions and engaging in protests. Peasants and workers played a crucial role, expressing longstanding grievances against both British and Indian authorities. Communal unity emerged in Punjab's Akali movement, while different regions experienced diverse reactions and adaptations to the movement according to local conditions.
Repression and Gandhi's Decision
The British Government employed repression, declaring Congress and Khilafat volunteer organizations unlawful, banning public gatherings, and resorting to police force. Despite repression, the movement gained momentum, prompting negotiations between Congress leaders and the viceroy. Gandhi's ultimatum regarding the release of political prisoners and discontinuation of repressive measures led to his decision to launch mass civil disobedience.
Conclusion
The Non-Cooperation Movement, a pivotal episode in India's struggle for independence, witnessed both successes and challenges. Despite its suspension following violent incidents, the movement brought unity, activism, and political awakening across diverse segments of society. Gandhi's innovative methods and his ability to navigate regional variations laid the foundation for future endeavors in India's quest for self-rule.
