Question

Who started the Non-Cooperation movement?
A) Jawaharlal Nehru
B) Motilal Nehru
C) Mahatma Gandhi
D) Subhas Chandra Bose

Answer 1

Hint:The movement was mostly a nonviolent and peaceful protest against British rule in India. As a protest, Indians were urged to forfeit their titles and resign from their seats in local bodies.

Complete answer:
Non-Cooperation movement – The Indian National Congress (INC) under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi initiated the non-cooperation movement on September 5, 1920. The party introduced the Non-Cooperation programme in September 1920 at a Congress session in Calcutta. It marked the beginning of a new era in the Indian liberation struggle.

Now let us look into the given options:
Option A) Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru's contribution to the Non-Cooperation Movement –
- Kisan Sabhas were encouraged to be formed.
- Was opposed to Gandhi's decision to end the agitation.
But he wasn’t the one who started the Non-Cooperation Movement. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option B) Motilal Nehru
Motilal was one of the founding members of the Swaraj Party (1923–27), whose strategy was to win election to the Central Legislative Assembly and then impede its operations from within.
Motilal Nehru’s Contribution to the Non-Cooperation Movement –
- He gave up his legal practice.
- But he wasn’t the one who started the Non-Cooperation Movement. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option C) Mahatma Gandhi
The non-cooperation campaign was spearheaded by Mahatma Gandhi. In March 1920, he published a manifesto outlining the nonviolent non-cooperation movement's beliefs.
Through this manifesto, Gandhi wished for everyone to:
- Adopt swadeshi values.
- Adopt Swadeshi customs such as hand spinning and weaving.
- Contribute to the abolition of untouchability in society.
- In 1921, Gandhi toured the country, presenting the movement's principles. Hence, this option is correct.

Option D) Subhas Chandra Bose
Subhas Chandra Bose was an Indian freedom warrior who was a driving force behind the country's independence. Netaji was his name.
Subhas Chandra Bose’s contribution to the Non-Cooperation Movement –
- Resigned from my position as a civil servant.
- Appointed as the Principal of Calcutta's National College.
- But he wasn’t the one who started the Non-Cooperation Movement. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Therefore, Option (C) Mahatma Gandhi is the correct answer. Since he started the Non-cooperation Movement.

Note: Gandhi's words continue to encourage us to change the world by changing ourselves. Some of his most famous quotes are as follows: “live as if you were going to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever". People were aware of their political rights as a result of the Non-Cooperation movement. They had no fear of the authorities.