The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) was a significant chapter in India’s struggle for independence, initiated under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. It called for a boycott of British institutions and promoted the use of indigenous goods and self-reliance. Uttar Pradesh, then known as the United Provinces, played a pivotal role in the movement due to its strategic importance, political awareness, and vibrant participation.
Background of the Non-Cooperation Movement
The movement was launched in response to three main events:
- The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, which deeply scarred the national psyche.
- The Rowlatt Act of 1919, which curbed civil liberties.
- The betrayal of the Khilafat cause, which hurt Muslim sentiments.
Mahatma Gandhi’s call for non-cooperation with the British government resonated widely across India, including Uttar Pradesh, where socio-political conditions were ripe for mobilization.
The Socio-Political Climate in Uttar Pradesh
Political Awakening
Uttar Pradesh had a history of active participation in the freedom struggle. The region had seen revolts during the 1857 uprising and later became a hub for Congress activities. By the early 20th century, the state was home to a politically aware populace, thanks to local leaders and reformist movements.
Economic Exploitation
Farmers in Uttar Pradesh were subjected to exploitative revenue systems under British rule. The indigo cultivation and oppressive tax regime further alienated the rural masses. This economic discontent made the Non-Cooperation Movement particularly appealing to peasants.
Religious and Cultural Unity
The Khilafat issue unified Hindus and Muslims in the state. Leaders from both communities worked together, creating a unique solidarity that strengthened the movement.
Key Aspects of Uttar Pradesh’s Role in the Movement
Leadership in Uttar Pradesh
Several prominent leaders from Uttar Pradesh took up the mantle of the Non-Cooperation Movement:
- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru: Nehru, a native of Allahabad (now Prayagraj), was instrumental in mobilizing youth and spreading the message of non-cooperation across the state.
- Motilal Nehru: A senior Congress leader, he not only supported the movement but also led by example by renouncing his legal practice.
- Maulana Mohammad Ali and Maulana Shaukat Ali: These Khilafat leaders had significant influence in Uttar Pradesh, galvanizing Muslim support for the movement.
Boycott of British Institutions
The call to boycott government institutions found enthusiastic support in Uttar Pradesh. Schools, colleges, and courts saw widespread non-cooperation:
- Educational Institutions: Students left government-aided schools and colleges, leading to the establishment of alternative institutions like the Kashi Vidyapeeth in Varanasi.
- Legal Profession: Lawyers across the state, inspired by leaders like Motilal Nehru, abandoned their practices to protest British rule.
Swadeshi Movement
The promotion of indigenous goods was an essential aspect of the movement. In Uttar Pradesh, people actively boycotted British textiles and other imported goods. Local artisans and weavers found support, leading to a revival of traditional industries.
Peasant Movements
The Non-Cooperation Movement in Uttar Pradesh merged with agrarian unrest, particularly in regions like Awadh. The following aspects marked the involvement of peasants:
- Agitations Against Landlords: Exploited tenants and sharecroppers joined the movement to protest exorbitant rents and oppressive practices by landlords.
- Role of Baba Ramchandra: A prominent peasant leader in Awadh, Baba Ramchandra mobilized rural masses, aligning their struggles with the broader objectives of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Hindu-Muslim Unity
Uttar Pradesh witnessed remarkable Hindu-Muslim unity during the Non-Cooperation Movement, facilitated by the shared commitment to the Khilafat cause and the fight against colonial rule. This unity was evident in joint rallies, public meetings, and protests.
Major Events and Impact
Demonstrations and Strikes
The cities of Allahabad, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi became centers of intense activity. Strikes, protests, and public meetings were common as people expressed their dissatisfaction with British policies.
Cultural Renaissance
The movement also inspired a cultural awakening in Uttar Pradesh. Writers, poets, and artists contributed to the nationalistic fervor. Prominent figures like Premchand highlighted social and political issues through their works, strengthening the movement’s ideological base.
Women’s Participation
Women in Uttar Pradesh played an active role in the movement, breaking traditional barriers to participate in protests and picketing. This marked the beginning of greater female involvement in the freedom struggle.
Challenges and Setbacks
Despite its successes, the Non-Cooperation Movement faced several challenges in Uttar Pradesh:
- Repression by British Authorities: The colonial government used force to suppress the movement, leading to arrests, lathi charges, and even firings.
- Communal Tensions: While Hindu-Muslim unity was a hallmark of the movement, sporadic communal tensions posed challenges.
- Chauri Chaura Incident (1922): The infamous Chauri Chaura episode in Gorakhpur, where a violent mob set a police station on fire, killing 22 policemen, led Gandhi to call off the movement. This decision disappointed many in Uttar Pradesh, where the movement had gained significant momentum.
Legacy of the Non-Cooperation Movement in Uttar Pradesh
The movement left a lasting impact on the political and social landscape of Uttar Pradesh:
- Political Awakening: It deepened political awareness among the masses, preparing them for future struggles.
- Emergence of Leaders: Several leaders who later played crucial roles in the freedom struggle emerged during this period.
- Strengthening of the Congress: The Indian National Congress gained a strong foothold in Uttar Pradesh, becoming a mass-based organization.
- Foundation for Future Movements: The movement set the stage for subsequent campaigns like the Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement.
Conclusion
The Non-Cooperation Movement marked a significant phase in Uttar Pradesh’s journey towards independence. The state’s active participation, led by visionary leaders and supported by a politically aware populace, underscored its importance in the broader struggle against British rule. Despite challenges, the movement fostered a spirit of nationalism and unity, leaving an indelible mark on India’s freedom struggle.
