Answer:

Introduction

The Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM) and the Quit India Movement (QIM) led by Gandhiji were pivotal milestones in the quest for Indian independence. The NCM launched in the early 1920s, called for the boycott of British institutions, goods, and services. The Quit India Movement launched in 1942 marked a more assertive and intense phase of the freedom struggle.

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Parallels between the Non-Cooperation Movement and Quit India Movement:

• Objective of Independence: Both movements aimed to secure independence from British colonial rule and establish self-rule in India.
• Mass Participation: Both movements witnessed massive popular participation, involving people from all sections of society, including students, peasants, workers, and professionals.
• Civil Disobedience and Mass Protests: Both movements employed civil disobedience and mass protests as means to challenge British authority and assert Indian demands.
• Symbolic Actions: During the NCM, Indians boycotted British institutions and surrendered titles and honours. Similarly, during the QIM, there were widespread protests, strikes, and civil disobedience, demonstrating the rejection of British authority.
• Repressive Measures: In response to both movements, the British colonial administration resorted to repressive measures, including mass arrests, violence, and censorship. Example- Mass detention.
• Leadership of Gandhiji- Both Non-cooperation and Quit India movements started under the leadership of Gandhiji. During the Quit India Movement, he was arrested in the initial days of the movement.

Polarising elements between the Non-Cooperation Movement and Quit India Movement:

• Violence: The NCM is characterized by nonviolent resistance, emphasizing non-cooperation. In contrast, the QIM, saw a more confrontational approach, with violent clashes.
• Stated Objectives: The NCM aimed to achieve dominion status for India within the British Empire, while the QIM demanded the immediate and complete withdrawal of the British from India.
• Leadership: The NCM was led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress. In contrast, the QIM was initiated by Gandhi but witnessed the active involvement of a broader spectrum of leaders, including socialist and communist groups.
• Timing and Context: The NCM (1920-1922) focusing on anti-British sentiment after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Khilafat Movement. The QIM (1942-1944) as a response to British reluctance to grant immediate independence.
  
• Means of Resistance: The NCM advocated for nonviolent resistance, in contrast, the QIM witnessed mass protests, strikes, and even sabotage to disrupt British administration.
• Support from the Muslim Community: The NCM enjoyed significant support from the Muslim community, as it aligned with the Khilafat Movement’s sentiments. However, during the QIM, there was a notable split in Muslim support.
• Parallel Governments- During QIM, places like Balia in Uttar Pradesh witnessed the establishment of a parallel government. however no such parallel government came into existence during NCM.

Conclusion

While both the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Quit India Movement shared the objective of independence, they differed in terms of leadership, timing, means of resistance, support from communities, reaction from the British, and international context.

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