Question 20 from UPSC CSE 2025 - Modern History

Question

Consider the following statements in respect of the Non-Cooperation Movement:
I. The Congress declared the attainment of 'Swaraj' by all legitimate and peaceful means to be its objective.
II. It was to be implemented in stages with civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes for the next stage only if 'Swaraj' did not come within a year and the Government resorted to repression.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Both I and II

Strategy: Identify the Congress's objectives in the Non-Cooperation Movement—Swaraj through legitimate and peaceful means was the central declaration. Also, recall that civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes were to be launched only as a subsequent step if Swaraj was not achieved in a year or if repression occurred. Both statements accurately capture the phased nature and conditional escalation outlined by Congress at Nagpur, confirming their correctness.

Key Info: The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) was a major phase of India's freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress against British colonial rule. At the Nagpur session of Congress in December 1920, the official resolution for Non-Cooperation was adopted, declaring 'Swaraj' (self-government) as its explicit goal by all legitimate and peaceful means. The strategy involved multiple stages: initially, non-cooperation through boycotting government institutions, renunciation of titles, schools, and law courts; escalation to civil disobedience and non-payment of taxes was conditional—these next steps would be taken only if Swaraj was not attained within a year or if British authorities responded with repression. Other demands included the repeal of the Rowlatt Act, better treatment for Turkish Caliphate, and conciliatory policies towards Indian Muslims. The movement was marked by mass mobilization, significant Hindu-Muslim unity, popularization of khadi, involvement of students and professionals who left government institutions, and new roles for women suchs as picketing liquor shops. It was finally called off after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922.

Answer

Option A: I only

Answer

Option B: II only

Answer

Option D: Neither I nor II