Explanation
The
Non-Cooperation Movement was formally launched on
1 August 1920, following the
Jallianwala Bagh massacre and grievances arising from the
Khilafat issue. It represented a historic shift in India’s freedom struggle — from moderate petitioning to
mass-based peaceful resistance.
Statement I is correct. At the
Nagpur Session of the Indian National Congress (December 1920), the Congress formally adopted the objective of attaining
‘Swaraj’ by all legitimate and peaceful means. This marked a decisive strategic shift under the leadership of
Mahatma Gandhi, moving the Congress from constitutional methods to active mass mobilization.
Statement II is correct. The movement was carefully designed as a
phased programme. The
first phase included the surrender of titles and honours, boycott of
government schools, law courts, legislative councils, and foreign goods. The
next phase — involving
civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes — was to be launched only if two conditions were met:
Swaraj was not achieved within a year and the
British Government resorted to repression. The discretion to launch the next stage rested with
Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress leadership. This phased approach ensured discipline and avoided premature confrontation.
The movement witnessed
unprecedented participation from students, peasants, and women across India. However, it was
suspended in February 1922 following the
Chauri Chaura incident, where a mob killed policemen — violating Gandhi’s fundamental principle of
non-violence. Despite its suspension, the Non-Cooperation Movement marked the
first true mass awakening in India’s freedom struggle and laid the foundation for future
Civil Disobedience campaigns.