Points to Remember:
- The Non-Cooperation Movement was a significant event in India’s struggle for independence.
- Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership was crucial to the movement’s success and its eventual suspension.
- Understanding the reasons behind the withdrawal is key to understanding the movement’s trajectory.
- The correct answer involves a specific incident that led to Gandhi’s decision.
Introduction:
The Non-Cooperation Movement, launched in 1920 by Mahatma Gandhi, aimed to achieve Swaraj (self-rule) through non-violent means. It involved mass civil disobedience, boycotts of British goods and institutions, and the promotion of Swadeshi (self-reliance). While initially successful in mobilizing vast sections of the Indian population, the movement faced challenges and ultimately came to an abrupt end. The question focuses on identifying the specific incident that prompted Gandhi to call off this momentous campaign.
Body:
The Chauri Chaura Incident:
The correct answer is (C) Chauri Chaura incident. This incident, which occurred on February 5, 1922, in the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh, involved a violent clash between protestors participating in the Non-Cooperation Movement and the police. A peaceful demonstration turned violent, resulting in the death of several policemen. In response to this incident, a mob set fire to the police station, killing 22 policemen inside.
Gandhi’s Response and the Withdrawal:
Gandhi was deeply disturbed by the violence at Chauri Chaura. He believed that the movement’s success depended on strict adherence to non-violence (Ahimsa), a core tenet of his philosophy. The Chauri Chaura incident, a stark violation of this principle, shook his faith in the movement’s ability to remain peaceful and non-violent on a mass scale. He felt that the movement had deviated from its intended path and that continuing it risked further escalation of violence. Therefore, on February 12, 1922, Gandhi publicly announced the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Other Options:
(A) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: While the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919) was a horrific event that fueled anti-British sentiment and contributed to the rise of the Non-Cooperation Movement, it did not directly cause its withdrawal.
(B) Death of Lokmanya Tilak: The death of Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1920 was a significant loss for the Indian nationalist movement, but it did not lead to the immediate suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
(D) Earthquake in Bihar: A natural disaster like an earthquake, while tragic, was not the reason for the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Conclusion:
The Chauri Chaura incident served as a turning point in the Non-Cooperation Movement. Gandhi’s decision to withdraw the movement, though controversial at the time, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to non-violence. While the movement’s suspension was a setback, it highlighted the importance of maintaining discipline and adherence to ethical principles in mass movements. This incident underscores the complexities of leading a large-scale movement and the difficult choices leaders face when confronted with violence. The legacy of the Non-Cooperation Movement, despite its premature end, remains significant in shaping India’s struggle for independence and its emphasis on non-violent resistance. The incident serves as a valuable lesson in the importance of strategic planning and maintaining non-violent principles even in the face of provocation.
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