India’s Fight for Freedom: Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India Movements

Posted on May 5, 2024 in History

Non-Cooperation Movement and Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was the driving force behind the Non-Cooperation Movement. In March 1920, he released a manifesto outlining the principles of non-violent non-cooperation. Gandhi’s vision for the movement included:

  • Embracing Swadeshi principles and practices, such as hand spinning and weaving
  • Working towards the eradication of untouchability

Throughout 1921, Gandhi travelled across India, explaining the core tenets of the movement.

Features of the Non-Cooperation Movement

  • The movement was a peaceful and non-violent protest against British rule in India.
  • Indians were encouraged to relinquish titles and resign from nominated positions in local bodies.
  • Resignations from government jobs were advocated.
  • Withdrawal of children from government-controlled or aided schools and colleges was promoted.
  • Boycotting foreign goods and using only Indian-made products was emphasized.
  • Boycotting elections to legislative councils was encouraged.
  • Refusal to serve in the British army was advocated.
  • Non-payment of taxes was considered as a last resort.
  • The Indian National Congress (INC) demanded Swarajya, or self-government.
  • Only non-violent methods were to be used to achieve these demands.
  • The Non-Cooperation Movement marked a significant shift as the INC was prepared to move beyond constitutional means to achieve self-rule.
  • Gandhi believed that Swaraj could be achieved within a year if the movement was fully implemented.

Causes of Non-Cooperation Movement

  • Post-war Resentment: Indians felt betrayed by the British government’s lack of autonomy despite their support during World War I. The Government of India Act 1919 and the Rowlatt Act further fueled resentment.
  • Home Rule Movement: The movement led by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak united the INC and fostered solidarity with the Muslim League, setting the stage for non-cooperation.
  • Economic Hardships: World War I caused economic difficulties for Indians, with rising prices and stagnant agricultural product prices leading to discontent against the government.
  • Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: These events shattered faith in the British justice system and united the nation behind leaders advocating for a stronger stance against the government.
  • Khilafat Movement: This movement, aimed at protecting the Ottoman caliphate, aligned with Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, leading to a joint protest against the British.

Suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement

  • Gandhi called off the movement in February 1922 following the Chauri Chaura incident, where a violent mob killed 22 policemen.
  • Gandhi believed that the people were not ready for a non-violent revolt against the government.

Significance of Non-Cooperation Movement

  • While Swaraj was not achieved within a year, the movement mobilized millions of Indians in peaceful protest against British rule.
  • It shook the British government and demonstrated the INC’s popularity and the power of communal harmony.
  • The movement raised political consciousness and instilled courage among the people.
  • It boosted Indian businesses and promoted Khadi, while reducing reliance on British imports.
  • Gandhi emerged as a mass leader, solidifying his role in the Indian independence movement.

The Salt Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience

In 1930, Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Civil Disobedience Movement, defying British regulations. The Salt March, a pivotal event, saw Gandhi and his followers marching to Dandi to produce salt from seawater, directly challenging the British salt monopoly.

Essential Aspects of the Salt Satyagraha

  • The Salt March, a 24-day non-violent protest, began on March 12, 1930, and ended on April 6, 1930.
  • It marked the start of a widespread resistance against British oppression and the salt tax.
  • Gandhi’s act of making illegal salt inspired millions of Indians to defy salt laws.
  • The march grew from 80 to 50,000 participants, gaining national and international recognition for its non-violent nature.

Limitations of the Salt Satyagraha

  • Limited Dalit Participation: Dalit involvement was restricted, particularly in regions with strong organizational presence, due to their perceived lack of importance.
  • Dominance of High Caste Hindus: The influence of the Hindu Mahasabha, allied with the Congress, suppressed Dalit participation.
  • Divergent Aspirations: The movement lacked unified goals, with varying demands from different social and economic groups.
  • Leadership Clashes: Conflicts arose between leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Gandhi over separate electorates for Dalits.
  • Limited Muslim Participation: Some Muslim organizations showed limited support due to perceived lack of cooperation during the Khilafat movement.

Conclusion

The Civil Disobedience Movement, particularly the Salt Satyagraha, had a profound impact. It sowed seeds of dissent against British rule, laid the foundation for the independence movement, and popularized new forms of protest. The movement’s success led to the abolishment of the salt tax and highlighted the growing unity and determination of the Indian people.

The Quit India Movement

On August 8, 1942, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement, demanding an immediate end to British rule. His powerful call of “Do or Die” at the Gowalia Tank Maidan (August Kranti Maidan) ignited a nationwide struggle for independence.

Causes of the Quit India Movement

  • Failure of Cripps Mission: The mission’s offer of Dominion Status and potential partition was deemed unacceptable by the INC.
  • Unilateral Involvement in World War II: The British assumption of India’s support in the war without consultation angered the INC.
  • Anti-British Sentiment: The demand for complete independence gained momentum among the Indian masses.
  • Convergence of Smaller Movements: Two decades of radical movements under the Congress and affiliated bodies had prepared the ground for a larger uprising.
  • Economic Hardships: World War II led to a shortage of essential commodities and economic instability.

Demands of the Movement

  • Immediate end to British rule in India.
  • Formation of a provisional government after British withdrawal.

Phases of the Movement

  • First Phase: Urban revolts with strikes, boycotts, and picketing were swiftly suppressed by the British.
  • Second Phase: The movement shifted to rural areas, witnessing peasant rebellions and attacks on symbols of colonial authority.
  • Third Phase: Isolated pockets saw the formation of parallel governments, demonstrating the people’s desire for self-rule.

Successes and Failures of the Movement

  • Successes:
    • Emergence of future leaders like Ram Manohar Lohia, J.P. Narayan, and Aruna Asaf Ali.
    • Active participation of women, including Usha Mehta’s role in setting up an underground radio station.
    • Strengthened national unity and a sense of brotherhood.
    • Paved the way for India’s independence by demonstrating the unsustainability of British rule.
  • Failures:
    • Brutal repression by the British, with violence, arrests, and destruction of property.
    • Lack of support from the Muslim League, Communist Party of India, and Hindu Mahasabha.

The Quit India Movement, despite its challenges, played a crucial role in India’s journey towards independence. It showcased the unwavering determination of the Indian people and ultimately forced the British to recognize the inevitability of India’s freedom.