Non-Cooperation Movement: Causes and Consequences
The non-cooperation movement was launched under the leadership of Gandhi in 1920 as a non-violence protest against the British rule in India, making it pivotal movement in India's struggle for independence. This movement was India's response to Rawllet Act, Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Khilafat issue and the act of 1919 that led to widespread dissatisfaction with the British government. Gandhi proposed non-cooperation as a method of achieving Swaraj within a year if it was executed perfectly. The strategy was to withdraw Indian participation from British schools, courts and businesses and boycott the British made goods. Gandhi believed that if the Indians refused to cooperate with the British made goods. Gandhi believed that if the Indians refused to cooperate with the British, the colonial administration would be force to reorganize India's demand due to economic impact and the undermining of it's authority. The movement was also a reflection of Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha which advocated non-violence resistance as a means to bring social and political changes. Gandhi argued that true independence would come only through Satyagraha. The significance of the non-cooperation movement lies not just in political mobilization it achieved but also in the profound impact it have upon the socio-economic condition of time. During the non-cooperation movement nationalist educational institution like Jania Milla Islamia, Kashi Vidyapeeth, Gujrat Vidyapeeth and Bihar Vidyapeeth were established to promote self reliance and education free from the British control. One of the most significant impact of movement was its mass appeal, it manage to unite diverse section of Indian society under common cause. For the first time a strong Hindu-Muslim unity was witness in the nationalist struggle. This unity highlighted the potential of the pan Indian nationalist struggle and the collective power of the Indian masses against the British Raj. The movement also had a significant economic implication emphasis of Swadeshi and boycott of the British goods boosted the Indian industries and handicrafts fostering economic self reliance and reducing dependency on imported goods. This period witness the revival of indigenous crafts, textile and other traditional industries laid the foundation for economic nationalism.