Nationalist Movement | Class 12 History Notes

THE MAKING AND UNMAKING OF NON-COOPERATION

Between 1917 and 1919, Gandhi engaged in several localized struggles that marked his emergence as a nationalist leader with deep empathy for the poor. In 1917, he worked in Champaran, Bihar, advocating for peasants' rights against exploitative indigo planters, seeking security of tenure and freedom to cultivate crops of their choice. In 1918, he intervened in a labor dispute in Ahmedabad, demanding better conditions for textile mill workers, and supported peasants in Kheda, Gujarat, in their demand for tax relief after crop failure.

These early struggles were localized but demonstrated Gandhi's commitment to the poor and marginalized. The political landscape changed dramatically in 1919 with the enactment of the Rowlatt Act, which extended wartime repressive measures such as press censorship and detention without trial. Gandhi called for a nationwide protest against this act, which led to widespread shutdowns of shops and schools, particularly in Punjab.

The protests culminated tragically in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in April 1919, where British troops fired on a peaceful nationalist gathering, killing over 400 people. This event galvanized Indian nationalism and propelled Gandhi into national prominence.

Following this, Gandhi launched the Non-Cooperation Movement, urging Indians to boycott British institutions, including schools, courts, and tax payments. He also allied with the Khilafat Movement, a Muslim campaign to restore the Ottoman Caliphate, aiming to unite Hindus and Muslims against colonial rule. The movement saw unprecedented mass participation, including students, workers, peasants, and tribal groups, each interpreting non-cooperation in ways that suited their local interests.

However, the movement faced a setback in 1922 when violence erupted in Chauri Chaura, where protesters killed policemen. Gandhi, committed to non-violence, immediately called off the movement, emphasizing that violence could not be justified. He was arrested and sentenced to six years in prison, but the judge acknowledged Gandhi's unique stature as a leader and patriot.

By 1922, Gandhi had transformed Indian nationalism from an elite-driven movement to a mass-based struggle involving peasants, workers, and artisans. His simple lifestyle, use of symbols like the charkha (spinning wheel), and identification with the poor enhanced his appeal. Gandhi's leadership was supported by a talented group of associates from diverse regions and religions, who helped spread the nationalist message across India.

📊 Diagram: Figure 11.4 shows the burning of foreign cloth during the Non-Cooperation Movement in July 1922, symbolizing the boycott of British goods. Figure 11.5 depicts Gandhi with the charkha, symbolizing self-reliance and identification with the poor.

🧪 Activity: Students are prompted to discuss the nature of non-cooperation and the diverse ways different social groups participated in the movement.

🔗 Connection: This section leads into Gandhi's mass appeal and symbolic leadership, setting the stage for the Salt Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience Movement.