Q. The non-cooperation movement started in
(a) 1870
(b) 1921
(c) 1920
(d) 1942.
Ans: (c) 1920
Explanation: The non-cooperation movement started in (c) 1920.
The non-cooperation movement was a significant phase of the Indian freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress. It aimed to mobilize the Indian masses and achieve independence from British colonial rule through nonviolent means.
The movement was launched in 1920 as a response to the Rowlatt Act of 1919, which severely curtailed civil liberties in India. The Act empowered the British government to detain individuals without trial and suppress political dissent. This oppressive legislation sparked widespread outrage and led to the call for non-cooperation with British authorities.
Under the non-cooperation movement, Indians were urged to boycott British goods, institutions, and services. This included boycotting British-run educational institutions, courts, and government offices. The movement aimed to weaken British control by refusing to cooperate with colonial authorities and fostering a sense of Indian self-reliance.
The non-cooperation movement gained significant traction and saw widespread participation across India. However, it was suspended in 1922 following the Chauri Chaura incident, where a violent clash occurred between protesters and the police, resulting in the death of police officers. Gandhi called off the movement, emphasizing the importance of nonviolence as a core principle of the struggle for independence.