Introduction
The Non-cooperation Movement protestors stormed the Chauri Chaura market on February 2, 1922, to express their unhappiness with the exorbitant and strange prices of food. However, local police officers dispersed their demonstration and detained the leaders afterward. Using force against them, they injured a number of demonstrators. The demonstrators were motivated by this, and they returned on February 5. On that fateful day, a crowd of 2,000 to 2,500 protesters marched towards Chauri Chaura market and made the decision to picket a liquor store as part of their demonstration.
Course of Action of Police
In Gorakhpur’s Chauri-Chaura district, police used force to stop a parade of Congress and Khilafat supporters, prompting some activists to assault the police. In response, the police opened fire on the crowd, and the whole procession assaulted the officers. When the cops proceeded inside the police station, the building was set on fire, killing 22 officers.
Chauri – Chaura Incident & Mahatama Gandhi
- Congress Working Committee (12th Feb 1922): It condemned the Chauri-Chaura incident and withdrew the Bardoli resolution civil disobedience movement.
- Arrest of Gandhi: On 10 March 1922, Gandhi was arrested and sentenced to 6 years in prison in Yerawada Prison (Poona).
Impact of the Chauri – Chaura Incident
- Withdrawal of Non-Cooperation Movement: The event horrified Gandhi, who withdrew the Non-cooperation campaign and ceased civil disobedience in Bardoli. The movement was dubbed the “Himalayan Blunder” by him.
- Abolition of Khalifat: In November 1922, Mustafa Kamal Pasha declared Turkey to be secular, and the Caliphate was abolished in 1924. As a result, the Khilafat movement came to an end.
Support For Non-Cooperation Movement In Various Parts In Country
Region
Support for Non-Cooperation Movement
Forms of Protest/Boycott
British Response
Result/Impact
North India
Tremendous support, especially in UP, Punjab, and Delhi
Boycott of British goods, courts, schools, and colleges; refusal to pay taxes
Repression and violence
Deaths of several people in the region
South India
Limited support
Protests and boycotts of British goods
Limited impact
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East India
Significant momentum, particularly in Bengal, Assam, and Orissa
Boycott of British goods, courts, and schools; protests against British salt tax
Development of a more radical form of resistance, the Swaraj Party, which aimed to establish self-rule in India
Inspiration for many people to join the Indian independence struggle
West India
Strong support, particularly in Gujarat and Maharashtra
Boycott of British goods, courts, and schools; protests against British salt tax
Inspiration for many people to join the Indian independence struggle
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#PWonlyIAS Edge
Leaders’ Reaction to NCM Withdrawal
