The Non-Cooperation Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920, marked the first mass movement under his leadership in India’s freedom struggle. It was launched in response to oppressive acts like the Rowlatt Act (1919) and Jallianwala Bagh massacre, it aimed to resist British rule through non-violent means — boycotting government offices, courts, schools, and foreign goods and and promoting swadeshi (use of Indian-made goods), especially khadi.

It was endorsed by the Nagpur Session (1920). Leaders like C.R. Das, Ali Brothers, and Motilal Nehru played major roles. However, after the violent Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, where protestors killed policemen, Gandhi called off the movement to preserve non-violence.

The outcome of movement was mixed — it didn’t secure Swaraj, but it politicized the masses, unified diverse sections, and laid the foundation for future movements like the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930).

5 Major reasons for Non Cooperation movement

1. The Rowlatt Act of 1919, allowing arrest and detention without trial, angered Indians and nationalists.

2. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where peaceful protesters were killed by British troops, shocked and enraged the nation.

3. Economic exploitation, including high taxation and forced cultivations, led to widespread distress among peasants and common people.

4 The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (Government of India Act, 1919) were seen as inadequate, disappointing Indian aspirations for self-rule.

5. The Khilafat Movement, protesting British actions against the Ottoman Caliphate, united Hindus and Muslims in their anti-British stance.

PYQs asked in UPSC & UPPSC on the Non-Cooperation Movement

1. (UPSC Prelims 2018)
   The Non-Cooperation Movement was withdrawn because of: Chauri Chaura incident
   
2. UPSC Prelims 2013)
   The main reason for starting the Non-Cooperation Movement was: Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Khilafat issue
3. (UPSC Prelims 2011)
   Who among the following was NOT associated with the Non-Cooperation Movement? : M.N. Roy.
4. (UPSC Prelims 2010)
   In which year did the Non-Cooperation Movement start? : 1920
5. (UPSC Prelims 2008)
   The main form of protest in the Non-Cooperation Movement was: Non-violent non-cooperation
6. (UPPSC Prelims 2019)
   Which event led to Gandhi calling off the Non-Cooperation Movement? : Chauri Chaura incident (1922).
7. (UPPSC Prelims 2021)
   The slogan “Swaraj in one year” was associated with: Non-Cooperation Movement.
8. (UPSC Prelims 2015)
   Which of the following was NOT part of the Non-Cooperation programme? :Armed rebellion

Summary:

The Non-Cooperation Movement was the first major pan-India mass struggle under Gandhi’s leadership that awakened national consciousness and redefined the strategy of the Indian freedom struggle.