Explanation: The Indian National Congress, a pivotal organization in the Indian independence movement, held two significant sessions between 1917 and 1920. These sessions were held in Calcutta and Nagpur, and they played crucial roles in shaping the political landscape of India during the early 20th century.
The Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress was held in December 1920. This session was particularly significant as it marked the beginning of the Non-Cooperation Movement, a strategy proposed by Mahatma Gandhi to protest against the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. The Non-Cooperation Movement aimed to achieve self-governance (Swaraj) through non-violent means, including the boycott of British institutions, goods, and titles. The Calcutta session was a turning point in the Indian independence movement, as it brought together various factions of the Congress under a unified strategy.
The Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress was held in December 1920 as well. This session was important for several reasons. It was during this session that the Congress was reorganized into a more democratic and decentralized structure. The session also saw the adoption of the Swaraj flag, which became a symbol of the Indian independence movement. The Nagpur session further solidified the Non-Cooperation Movement and set the stage for future political actions.
It is important to note that while other cities like Bombay were significant in the Indian independence movement, they did not host the Indian National Congress sessions during the period from 1917 to 1920. The sessions in Calcutta and Nagpur were crucial in defining the strategies and symbols of the independence movement, making them key events in Indian political history.
Understanding the significance of these sessions helps in comprehending the evolution of the Indian National Congress and the strategies employed during the struggle for independence. The sessions in Calcutta and Nagpur were not just political gatherings but also pivotal moments that shaped the future course of the independence movement.