Q. In what ways the Non-cooperation movement was different from the civil disobedience movement. Discuss.

20 May, 2021 GS Paper 1 History

Approach

  • Start the answer by briefly the philosophy behind both the movements.
  • Discuss major differences between the two.
  • Conclude Suitably.

Introduction

Non-Cooperation movement (NCM) and Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) were main events of the Indian freedom struggle that were based on Gandhian ideologies. However, they had major differences.

Body

Differences Between NCM and CDM
  • Aim
  • Non-cooperation movement was launched to unify Hindu and Muslims and to attain Swaraj.
  • Civil disobedience movement was launched to attain ‘Purna Swaraj’ or complete independence.
  • Methodology
  • Non Cooperation movement aimed at the refusal to cooperate with the government.
  • Main agenda of the Movement were surrender of titles and the boycott of government controlled schools, offices and courts.
  • The Civil Disobedience Movement was aimed at breaking certain laws like the Salt Laws.
  • People also refused to pay taxes at some places.
  • Mass Participation
  • There was large scale participation of Muslim working class in the Non-Cooperation movement.
  • In the Non-Cooperation Movement, women did not participate on a large scale.
  • The growing proximity of the Congress party & Hindu Mahasabha and british policy of divide and rule prevented the Muslims from participating in the Civil Disobedience Movement.
  • But large scale participation of women is one of the most significant features of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
  • Geographical Spread
  • It remained geographically confined to certain parts of India.
  • The civil disobedience movement saw widespread geographical coverage and mass participation in comparison to the non-cooperation movement.
  • Withdrawal of the Movement
  • Due to the Chauri-Chaura incident the movement was called off in 1922.
  • The movement was withdrawn after the signing of the Gandhi-Irwin pact in 1931.

Conclusion

    Though both the Non-cooperation movement and civil disobedience movement had many differences, they helped break the myth of benevolent despotism of british raj and unifying masses for future movement for independence.