The Non-Cooperation Movement
A nationwide protest led by Mahatma Gandhi to resist British rule through non-violent means.
A Nationwide Call to Action
The Non-Cooperation Movement was a pivotal phase of the Indian freedom struggle, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. It was a response to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the Rowlatt Act. The movement’s core principle was to withdraw Indian cooperation from the British administration, including boycotting government offices, schools, courts, and foreign goods, as a non-violent form of protest to demand self-governance.
1920-1922
The Years of the
Movement
Gandhi
The Visionary
Leader
A Timeline of Resistance
1920: Launch of the Movement
At a special session in Calcutta, the Indian National Congress adopted the resolution for the Non-Cooperation Movement, calling for a boycott of British goods and institutions.
Boycott and Mass Mobilization
Thousands of students left government schools and colleges, lawyers gave up their practices, and people resigned from their government posts. The boycott of foreign cloth was particularly successful.
Swadeshi and Khadi
The movement promoted the use of ‘swadeshi’ (home-grown) products, with Khadi becoming a powerful symbol of self-reliance and national unity.
1922: Chauri Chaura Incident
A violent clash between police and protesters at Chauri Chaura led to the death of several policemen. Disappointed by the violence, Mahatma Gandhi immediately called off the movement.