Dive into the comprehensive timeline of the Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movements from 1920 to 1922. Highlights include the Treaty of Sevres, the launch of the non-cooperation movement, the Congress endorsement, the spread of the movement, the Chauri Chaura incident, and Gandhi's arrest.

The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) marked a significant phase in India’s struggle for independence. Initiated under Gandhi’s leadership, it aimed at uniting Hindus and Muslims, promoting khadi, boycotting foreign goods, and challenging British authority. Understanding the February 1920 deputation, August 1920 campaigns, and February 1922 Chauri Chaura incident is crucial for students preparing for competitive exams in Indian history.

Non-Cooperation Movement in India (1920-22)

• Major developments and phases of the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) led by Gandhi
  • (i) Initiated to unite Hindus and Muslims and oppose British rule through non-violent mass struggle.
  • (ii) Included boycotts of schools, law courts, foreign goods, and government honors.
  • (iii) Influenced the spread of national education, civil disobedience, and local movements across India.

• February 1920: Hindu-Muslim Deputation to Viceroy

  A joint Hindu-Muslim deputation sought redress on the Khilafat issue but failed, highlighting rising communal and nationalist concerns.

  • Gandhi’s Stand

    • (i) Announced that Punjab wrongs and constitutional issues were overshadowed by Khilafat question.
    • (ii) Indicated readiness to lead a Non-Cooperation Movement if Indian Muslims’ grievances were unmet.

• May 1920: Treaty of Sevres

  The signing of the Treaty of Sevres led to Turkey’s dismemberment and indirectly influenced Indian Muslims’ support for the movement.

• June 1920: Allahabad Conference

  An all-party conference approved boycotts of schools, colleges, and law courts, requesting Gandhi to lead the initiative.

• August 31, 1920: Khilafat Committee Campaign

  The Khilafat Committee launched a campaign of non-cooperation following the death of Tilak on August 1, 1920.

• September 1920: Congress Approves Non-Cooperation Program

  The Congress approved a program emphasizing unity, boycotts, khadi promotion, and potential civil disobedience while remaining non-violent.

  • Key Measures of the Program

    • (i) Boycott of government schools and colleges
    • (ii) Boycott of law courts and establishment of panchayats
    • (iii) Boycott of legislative councils
    • (iv) Boycott of foreign cloth, promotion of khadi and hand-spinning
    • (v) Renunciation of government honors and titles
    • (vi) Potential future civil disobedience including resignation from government service and tax refusal

  • Social Goals

    • (i) Hindu-Muslim unity
    • (ii) Removal of untouchability
    • (iii) Emphasis on non-violence

• December 1920: Nagpur Session of Congress

  The Indian National Congress formally endorsed the non-cooperation program, reorganized its structure, and aimed for swaraj through peaceful yet mass-based action.

  • Organizational Changes

    • (i) Formation of 15-member Congress Working Committee (CWC)
    • (ii) Creation of provincial committees and reduced entry fees
    • (iii) Revolutionary groups pledged support
    • (iv) Some leaders left; others formed the Indian National Liberal Federation

  • Impact on 1921-22 Movement

    • (i) Nationwide tour by Gandhi and Ali brothers; establishment of 800+ national schools and colleges
    • (ii) Participation of leaders like Acharya Narendra Dev, C.R. Das, Lala Lajpat Rai, Zakir Hussain, Subhash Bose
    • (iii) Lawyers including Motilal Nehru and Jawaharlal Nehru gave up practices
    • (iv) Public burning of foreign cloth reduced imports by half
    • (v) Tilak Swaraj Fund oversubscribed; collected one crore rupees
    • (vi) Volunteer corps acted as parallel police
    • (vii) Calls for civil disobedience: no-tax campaigns, strikes, local uprisings (Awadh Kisan, Mappila Revolt)

• February 1922: Chauri Chaura Incident

  A violent clash in Chauri-Chaura led to the deaths of 22 policemen, prompting Gandhi to withdraw the movement and shift focus to constructive work.

  • Events of Chauri Chaura

    • (i) Police fired on protesters; crowd torched police station
    • (ii) 22 policemen killed, including those trying to flee
    • (iii) Withdrawal of non-cooperation movement by Gandhi
    • (iv) Congress Working Committee at Bardoli focused on constructive programs: khadi, national schools, Hindu-Muslim unity, temperance, anti-untouchability
    • (v) Criticism from leaders like C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru, Lala Lajpat Rai
    • (vi) Arrest of Gandhi in March 1922; sentenced to six years imprisonment

• Summary: Non-Cooperation Movement 1920-22

  The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) under Gandhi unified Hindus and Muslims, promoted khadi, and opposed British rule through mass civil disobedience. Key events like February 1920 deputation, Nagpur session 1920, and Chauri Chaura incident 1922 are essential for students studying Indian nationalist movements and preparing for exams.