Which one among the following was not a part of the action programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement?
Taking control of the law and order machinery of the State by the Congress Working Committee
The Non-Cooperation Movement, launched under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, was a significant phase in India's struggle for independence. It was based on the principle of non-violent resistance, aiming to pressure the British government by withdrawing support and cooperation.
The action programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement included several key elements designed to undermine British authority and build alternative institutions. Let's examine each of the given options in the context of this movement:
Understanding the Non-Cooperation Movement Programme
The Non-Cooperation Movement aimed at non-violent non-cooperation with the British government. Its core idea was to refuse to assist the British administration, thereby making it impossible for them to rule. The programme had two main aspects: the 'boycott' or 'non-cooperation' part and the 'constructive' part.
Analyzing the Options
- Option 1: The Congress organisation was to reach down to the village and the Mohalla level
This was indeed a crucial part of the Non-Cooperation Movement's strategy. To make the movement a truly mass movement, it was essential to expand the reach of the Indian National Congress organization to every corner of the country, including villages and urban mohallas. This helped in mobilizing people, spreading awareness about the movement's goals, and collecting funds (like the Tilak Swaraj Fund).
- Option 2: Boycott of government affiliated schools and colleges
This was a major plank of the non-cooperation programme. Students, teachers, and parents were urged to withdraw from government-controlled educational institutions. As an alternative, national schools and colleges like the Kashi Vidyapeeth, Gujarat Vidyapeeth, and Jamia Millia Islamia were established to provide education based on national lines. This action was intended to cripple the British administration's hold on education and promote nationalist learning.
- Option 3: Taking control of the law and order machinery of the State by the Congress Working Committee
This was not a part of the Non-Cooperation Movement's action programme. The movement was explicitly non-violent and aimed at withdrawing cooperation, not at seizing control of state machinery through force or direct takeover. While the movement encouraged boycotting British courts and setting up alternative dispute resolution mechanisms (like Panchayats or arbitration courts), it did not advocate for the Congress Working Committee or any Congress body to physically take control of the police or other law and order institutions of the British state. Such an action would be against the principles of non-violent non-cooperation and would constitute a direct challenge to state authority through means other than passive resistance.
- Option 4: Surrender of titles and honours given by the government
This was one of the initial steps and a significant symbolic act in the Non-Cooperation Movement. Many prominent Indians, including Gandhi himself (who returned his Kaiser-i-Hind medal), Rabindranath Tagore (who renounced his knighthood after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which preceded and fueled the movement), and others, surrendered their titles and honorary positions bestowed by the British government. This was a way of showing public disapproval of British rule and withdrawing recognition from the government.
Based on the analysis, taking control of the law and order machinery was not part of the Non-Cooperation Movement's action programme.
| Action | Part of Non-Cooperation Movement? |
|---|---|
| Congress organisation reaching village/Mohalla level | Yes (Strengthening mass base) |
| Boycott of government affiliated schools and colleges | Yes (Non-cooperation & constructive programme) |
| Taking control of state law and order machinery | No (Contradicts non-violent non-cooperation) |
| Surrender of titles and honours | Yes (Symbolic non-cooperation) |
Therefore, the action that was not a part of the action programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement was taking control of the law and order machinery of the State by the Congress Working Committee.
Revision Table: Key Aspects of Non-Cooperation Movement
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Nature | Non-violent resistance (Ahimsa) and non-cooperation. |
| Goal | To attain Swaraj (self-rule) by peaceful means, redress Khilafat wrong, and Punjab grievances. |
| Programme (Boycott/Non-cooperation) | Surrender of titles, boycott of schools/colleges, courts, foreign goods, government jobs, elections. |
| Programme (Constructive) | Establishment of national schools/colleges, arbitration courts (Panchayats), promotion of Swadeshi/Khadi, Hindu-Muslim unity, removal of untouchability. |
| Organization | Congress expanded its reach to villages and mohallas; formation of Congress committees at various levels. |
Additional Information: Significance of Non-Cooperation Movement
The Non-Cooperation Movement marked a shift in the Indian nationalist movement from being a movement of the elite and middle class to a mass movement involving millions of Indians from all walks of life. It demonstrated the power of non-violent resistance on a large scale and significantly boosted the morale and confidence of the Indian people in their fight against British rule. Although the movement was ultimately withdrawn by Gandhi after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, where violence erupted, it laid the groundwork for future campaigns and solidified Gandhi's position as the leader of the Indian freedom struggle. The emphasis on Swadeshi and Khadi also played a role in promoting economic self-reliance.
Similar Questions
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List-I (Act/ Event)
List-II (Year)
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Chauri Chaura incident occurred in which year ______.
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in Rajnandgaoniii. 17 March 1920 d. Meeting of leaders of Dhamtari
in Kandel Villageiv. 20 March 1920
