Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 324

In which year did Mahatma Gandhi launched Non-Cooperation Movement?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the timeline of major Indian independence movements.

Correct Answer: C) 1920

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Non-Cooperation Movement was a pivotal phase in the Indian struggle for independence, initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. This movement was a response to the Rowlatt Act, which allowed the British government to imprison individuals suspected of sedition without trial, and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, where British troops fired upon a peaceful gathering of unarmed civilians in Amritsar, resulting in hundreds of deaths.

The Non-Cooperation Movement was characterized by a series of non-violent actions aimed at resisting British rule. These actions included the boycott of British educational institutions, law courts, and legislative councils. Additionally, the movement encouraged the use of khadi (hand-spun cloth) and the promotion of swadeshi (indigenous) goods to reduce dependence on British products. The movement also involved the renunciation of titles and honors conferred by the British government.

The movement gained significant momentum and support across India, with millions of people participating in various forms of non-cooperation. However, the movement faced a setback when a group of protesters in Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh, clashed with police, resulting in the deaths of 22 policemen. In response to this incident, Gandhi called off the Non-Cooperation Movement in February 1922, fearing that the movement was turning violent.

Despite its premature end, the Non-Cooperation Movement had a profound impact on the Indian independence movement. It marked a significant shift towards mass participation in the struggle for independence and laid the groundwork for future movements, such as the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930.

Understanding the timeline of the Non-Cooperation Movement is crucial for comprehending the broader context of the Indian independence struggle. It is important to distinguish the Non-Cooperation Movement from other significant events and movements, such as the Swadeshi Movement (1905) and the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930), which occurred in different years and had distinct objectives and outcomes.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. The year 1905 is associated with the Swadeshi Movement, not the Non-Cooperation Movement. The Swadeshi Movement was a response to the partition of Bengal by the British.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The year 1919 is significant for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, which occurred on April 13, 1919, and was a catalyst for the Non-Cooperation Movement, but the movement itself was launched in 1920.
  • Option C: This option is correct. The Non-Cooperation Movement was officially launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 as a response to the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. It involved a boycott of British educational institutions, law courts, and legislative councils.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The year 1930 is associated with the Civil Disobedience Movement, which was launched by Gandhi in response to the Salt Laws. The Non-Cooperation Movement preceded this by a decade.

Mnemonic: N-C-M-20: Non-Cooperation Movement - 1920

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