Mahatma Gandhi was awarded the title of ‘Kaiser-e-Hind’ by the British government in 1915 for his humanitarian service in South Africa. However, in 1920, he renounced the title in protest against British atrocities in India, particularly the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the Rowlatt Act. This decision was part of the Non-Cooperation Movement, a mass civil disobedience campaign that played a crucial role in India’s fight for independence.
This article delves into the events that led to the withdrawal of the title, the Non-Cooperation Movement, and its impact on India’s struggle for freedom.
Background: Gandhi and the ‘Kaiser-e-Hind’ Title
Why Was the Title Given to Gandhi?
- The title ‘Kaiser-e-Hind’, meaning ‘Emperor of India’, was a British civilian honor awarded for public service.
- Gandhi received this title in 1915 from the British Viceroy, Lord Hardinge, for his humanitarian work during his stay in South Africa, where he fought for the rights of Indians.
- He led movements like the Natal Indian Congress and protested against racial discrimination under British rule.
- The title was seen as a recognition of his contributions to the Indian community in South Africa.
Shift in Gandhi’s Ideology
- Initially, Gandhi believed in cooperating with the British if they governed justly.
- However, his views changed drastically after witnessing British repression in India.
- The passing of the Rowlatt Act (1919) and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (April 13, 1919) were major turning points.
- These events convinced him that non-violent resistance was the only way to achieve independence.
The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)
The Non-Cooperation Movement was Gandhi’s first major nationwide protest against British rule. It aimed to completely boycott British institutions and was non-violent in nature.
Reasons for the Movement
- Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919)
- The brutal killing of over 1,000 peaceful protesters by British forces under General Dyer outraged the nation.
- Gandhi saw this as a betrayal of Indian trust and decided to sever ties with the British.
- The brutal killing of over 1,000 peaceful protesters by British forces under General Dyer outraged the nation.
- Rowlatt Act (1919)
- Allowed the British to imprison Indians without trial for up to two years.
- This Act violated civil liberties and was seen as an extension of British wartime oppression.
- Allowed the British to imprison Indians without trial for up to two years.
- Khilafat Movement (1920)
- A movement led by Indian Muslims to protect the Ottoman Caliphate, which was under threat from the British after World War I.
- Gandhi saw this as an opportunity to unite Hindus and Muslims in the fight against British rule.
- A movement led by Indian Muslims to protect the Ottoman Caliphate, which was under threat from the British after World War I.
- Unfair Treatment of Indians
- The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) failed to grant real self-governance to Indians.
- British policies continued to favor colonial rulers over Indian interests.
- The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) failed to grant real self-governance to Indians.
Objectives of the Non-Cooperation Movement
- Boycott British institutions – schools, colleges, courts, and administrative offices.
- Resign from government jobs to weaken the British administration.
- Boycott British goods and promote Indian-made products.
- Refuse to pay taxes and follow British laws.
- Promote Khadi (hand-spun cloth) to revive Indian cottage industries.
- Encourage Hindu-Muslim unity in the freedom struggle.
Gandhi’s Renunciation of the ‘Kaiser-e-Hind’ Title
As a part of the Non-Cooperation Movement, Gandhi returned the ‘Kaiser-e-Hind’ medal in August 1920.
Reasons for Returning the Title
- Protest Against Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
- Gandhi saw the massacre as an act of extreme brutality and a sign that the British had lost their moral authority to rule India.
- Gandhi saw the massacre as an act of extreme brutality and a sign that the British had lost their moral authority to rule India.
- Rejection of British Rule
- By renouncing the title, Gandhi symbolically rejected British recognition and asserted Indian self-respect.
- By renouncing the title, Gandhi symbolically rejected British recognition and asserted Indian self-respect.
- Call for Self-Governance (Swaraj)
- Returning the medal sent a strong message that Indians would no longer accept British dominance.
- Returning the medal sent a strong message that Indians would no longer accept British dominance.
- Solidarity with the Indian People
- It inspired many others to resign from British institutions and return British honors.
Impact of Gandhi’s Decision
1. Strengthened the Non-Cooperation Movement
- Inspired millions of Indians to boycott British institutions and products.
- Encouraged leaders like C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru, and Sardar Patel to resign from government positions.
2. Increased Public Awareness
- Made Indians more aware of British injustices and their right to self-rule.
- Popularized the idea of non-violent resistance (Satyagraha).
3. British Government’s Reaction
- The British were shocked by Gandhi’s decision and saw it as a major political statement.
- They began to repress the movement more harshly.
4. Rise of Nationalist Sentiments
- People started boycotting British schools, colleges, and law courts.
- Many lawyers, including C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru, gave up their legal practices.
- The Congress adopted complete Swaraj (self-rule) as its ultimate goal.
End of the Non-Cooperation Movement (1922)
The movement ended suddenly in 1922 after the Chauri Chaura Incident.
Chauri Chaura Incident (February 5, 1922)
- In Chauri Chaura, Uttar Pradesh, a group of protesters clashed with police, and in the violence, a police station was set on fire, killing 22 policemen.
- Gandhi, who believed in strict non-violence, was deeply disturbed by the incident.
- As a result, he called off the Non-Cooperation Movement, disappointing many leaders.
Impact of the Movement’s End
- Though the movement was short-lived (1920-1922), it was one of the first mass uprisings against British rule.
- It prepared the Indian public for larger movements like the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930) and Quit India Movement (1942).
Conclusion
Mahatma Gandhi’s renunciation of the ‘Kaiser-e-Hind’ title in 1920 was a significant act of political defiance against British rule. It symbolized his rejection of British authority and strengthened the Non-Cooperation Movement, which became a milestone in India’s freedom struggle.
Though the movement ended in 1922, it laid the foundation for future resistance and inspired millions to fight for independence. Gandhi’s decision to return the title remains a powerful example of moral resistance and non-violent protest against colonial oppression.
