Why this matters now
This is the first Gandhian mass movement — examined for its causes (Rowlatt/Jallianwala, Khilafat), its programme, and the controversial withdrawal after Chauri Chaura, which divided opinion then and is debated now.
Causes
Three grievances converged: the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919); the Khilafat issue — Indian Muslims’ anger at the harsh post-WWI treatment of the Ottoman Caliph by the Allies; and broader discontent with British rule. Gandhi united the Congress and the Khilafat leaders (the Ali brothers) for a joint non-cooperation campaign, promising “Swaraj in one year.”
The programme
Adopted at the Nagpur session (1920), non-cooperation meant withdrawing cooperation from the colonial state:
- Boycott of government schools, courts, councils and foreign goods;
- Surrender of titles and honours; resignation from government service;
- Promotion of swadeshi, khadi (charkha) and national schools;
- Hindu-Muslim unity and the removal of untouchability as constructive goals.
Chauri Chaura and withdrawal
The movement spread rapidly. But in February 1922, at Chauri Chaura (UP), an angry mob set fire to a police station, killing policemen. Committed to non-violence, Gandhi called off the entire movement. The decision was criticised by many leaders who felt the momentum was wasted, but Gandhi insisted that a violent struggle would be self-defeating. Gandhi was soon arrested and jailed.
UPSC angle
Link the causes (Rowlatt/Jallianwala + Khilafat), the non-cooperation programme (boycott + swadeshi/khadi), and the withdrawal after Chauri Chaura (Feb 1922) — and the debate it caused.
Frequently asked questions
What were the causes of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
The Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the Khilafat grievance of Indian Muslims, and broader anger at British rule.
What did non-cooperation involve?
Boycotting government schools, courts, councils, foreign goods and titles; resigning from service; and promoting swadeshi, khadi and national schools.
Why was the movement withdrawn?
After the Chauri Chaura incident (February 1922), where a mob killed policemen, Gandhi called it off because it had turned violent.
What was the Khilafat movement?
A movement by Indian Muslims protesting the harsh post-WWI treatment of the Ottoman Caliph, which Gandhi joined with Non-Cooperation to forge Hindu-Muslim unity.