Understanding the Chauri-Chaura Incident and Non-Cooperation Movement

The question asks about a significant event in India's struggle for independence and the person who reacted to it by halting a major protest movement. This involves understanding the Chauri-Chaura incident and the Non-Cooperation Movement led by a key figure.

What was the Non-Cooperation Movement?

The Non-Cooperation Movement was a mass protest movement launched by the Indian National Congress under the leadership of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. It began in 1920 and aimed to resist British rule in India through non-violent means (ahimsa). People were encouraged to withdraw from British institutions like schools, colleges, government offices, and courts, and to boycott British goods.

The Chauri-Chaura Incident Explained

The Chauri-Chaura incident took place on February 4, 1922, in the Gorakhpur district of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh). During a protest rally by the Non-Cooperation Movement volunteers, the police fired upon the demonstrators. In retaliation, the protestors attacked and set fire to a police station, leading to the death of several policemen.

This act of violence was a direct contradiction to the principle of non-violence that was the cornerstone of the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Reaction to the Chauri-Chaura Violence

The violence at Chauri-Chaura deeply shocked Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He believed that the Indian people were not yet fully ready for a non-violent struggle and that the movement was turning violent. He feared that such incidents could lead to widespread violence and repression by the British government.

Withdrawal of the Movement

As a direct consequence of the Chauri-Chaura incident, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement. According to the question, this withdrawal happened on February 5th, 1922. Gandhi felt that it was better to suspend the movement and train the people further in the principles of non-violence before resuming any mass struggle.

Identifying the Leader

Based on historical accounts and the leadership of the Non-Cooperation Movement, the person who was shocked by the Chauri-Chaura incident and withdrew the movement was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

• Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi: He was the architect and leader of the Non-Cooperation Movement. His commitment to non-violence led him to withdraw the movement after the Chauri-Chaura incident.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: A significant leader in the freedom struggle, but not the primary leader responsible for initiating or withdrawing the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Motilal Nehru: Another prominent leader, involved in the movement, but the decision to withdraw rested with Gandhi.
• Lala Lajpat Rai: A nationalist leader, part of the Extremist faction, but not the leader who withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Therefore, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is the correct answer as he was the one who withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement on February 5th, 1922, following the violence at Chauri-Chaura.

Revision Table: Indian Freedom Struggle Events

Additional Information: Impact of Chauri-Chaura

The withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement after Chauri-Chaura was a controversial decision at the time. Many leaders, including Motilal Nehru and Lala Lajpat Rai, who were in jail, disagreed with Gandhi's decision, feeling that the movement was at its peak and should not be stopped.

However, Gandhi remained firm in his belief that any movement that involved violence would be detrimental to the long-term goal of achieving independence through non-violent means. The incident highlighted the challenges of maintaining strict non-violence in a large-scale mass movement and led to a temporary halt in mass civil disobedience, shifting focus to constructive programs like Khadi promotion and Hindu-Muslim unity for a period.