Non-Cooperation Movement and Non-Cooperation Programmes
Previous Year Questions: This question has been asked in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2025 – Prelims – General Studies Paper I, held on Sunday, 25 May 2025.
Question: Consider the following subjects with regard to Non-Cooperation Movement:
I. Boycott of law-courts and foreign cloth
II. Observance of strict non-violence
III. Retention of titles and honours without using them in public
IV. Establishment of Panchayats for settling disputes
How many of the above were parts of Non-Cooperation Programme?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All the four
प्रश्न: असहयोग कार्यक्रम के बारे में, निम्नलिखित विषयों पर विचार कीजिये:
I. न्यायालयों और विदेशी वस्त्र का बहिष्कार
II. अहिंसा का कठोर अनुपालन
III. उपाधियों और सम्मानों का, उनका सार्वजनिक उपयोग न करते हुए, प्रतिधारण
IV. विवादों के निपटारे के लिए पंचायतों की स्थापना
उपर्युक्त में से कितने असहयोग कार्यक्रम के अवयव हैं ?
(a) केवल एक
(b) केवल दो
(c) केवल तीन
(d) सभी चार
Topic: Indian National Movement
Explanation:
The Non-Cooperation Movement involved various activities aimed at weakening the British government’s control in India. Key aspects included boycotting British goods, schools, courts, and government jobs; resigning from government service; and eventually refusing to pay taxes. The movement also promoted Swadeshi (using Indian-made goods) and emphasized Hindu-Muslim unity.
Here’s a more detailed look at the activities:
1. Boycott and Renunciation:
Boycotting British institutions: People were encouraged to boycott British-run schools, colleges, courts, and government offices.
Renouncing titles and honorary positions: Individuals were asked to give up titles and honors bestowed by the British government, as a show of defiance.
Boycotting foreign goods: A significant part of the movement involved boycotting British goods and promoting the use of locally produced, Swadeshi goods.
2. Non-Cooperation with Government:
Resignation from government service: People were encouraged to resign from their government jobs as a form of protest.
Refusal to serve in the British army: The movement discouraged participation in the British military.
Non-payment of taxes: As a final step, people were prepared to refuse to pay taxes if other measures were not successful.
3. Promotion of Swadeshi and National Institutions:
Promoting Swadeshi: The movement emphasized the use of Indian-made goods, particularly hand-spun and woven cloth (Khadi).
Establishing national institutions: National schools, colleges, and private courts were established to replace British-run institutions.
Encouraging Hindu-Muslim unity: The movement fostered unity between Hindus and Muslims, a significant aspect of the freedom struggle.
4. Other Activities:
Boycott of liquor and toddy shops: A campaign to abstain from using liquor and toddy shops was launched.
Establishing panchayats: The movement promoted the creation of local panchayats (village councils) to settle disputes and provide alternative institutions to British-controlled systems.
Source(s): ” Comprehensive Modern Indian History : From 1707 to The Modern Times“ written by Brijesh Singh, published by S Chand.
