The Non Cooperation Movement launched in 1920 played a pivotal role in galvanizing Indian masses. Acting as a precursor to the Civil Disobedience Movement, it cemented Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance as a potent force for social and political change.

Role of the Non-Cooperation Movement in Advancing Mass Nationalism and Promoting Civil Disobedience

1. Awakening National Consciousness: NCM ignited a sense of national consciousness and unity among Indians from diverse backgrounds. By boycotting British goods and institutions, Indians demonstrated their solidarity in resisting British colonial rule and asserting their rights to self-governance.

2. Strategic Preparation: NCM equipped Indians with organizational skills, mobilization techniques, and a deeper understanding of the power of nonviolent protest as a means of challenging British authority.

3. Expansion of Mass Participation: NCM expanded the base of participation in nationalist movements. It encouraged people from all walks of life—students, farmers, workers, and intellectuals—to join the struggle for independence, thus broadening the support base for Civil Disobedience.

4. Inspiration for Continued Resistance: The widespread participation and success of NCM set a precedent for more assertive campaigns of civil disobedience, such as the Salt Satyagraha and Quit India Movement, which further intensified the pressure on the British government and hastened India’s path to freedom.

5. Development of Alternative Institutions: In response to the boycott of British institutions during NCM, Indians began establishing their own parallel institutions, such as schools, newspapers, and local governing bodies. The educational institutions like Jamia Milia Islamia, Kashi Vidyapeeth , Hindu Mahasabha National College,etc laid the foundation for self-reliance and governance independent of British control, which was crucial in sustaining CDM.

6.   Expansion of Leadership: NCM provided a platform for emerging leaders within the Indian National Congress (INC) and other nationalist organizations. It showcased the leadership abilities of figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, and others who would later play pivotal roles in leading the Civil Disobedience Movement and the broader independence struggle.

Gandhian Principles Guiding the Movement and their influence on the outcome

1. Nonviolence (Ahimsa): Gandhi’s cornerstone principle of nonviolence advocated peaceful resistance as a means to challenge injustice. NCM embraced nonviolent protests, strikes, and boycotts to peacefully undermine British authority and demonstrate moral strength.

2. Non-Cooperation: NCM called for Indians to withdraw cooperation from British institutions, including boycotting British goods, resigning from government positions, and abstaining from British-run educational institutions. This strategy aimed to economically and administratively paralyze colonial rule.

3. Civil Disobedience: Gandhi’s principle of Civil disobedience involved peacefully breaking unjust laws to highlight their injustice, as seen later in actions like the Salt Satyagraha.

4. Self-Reliance (Swadeshi): Central to NCM was the promotion of Swadeshi, or self-reliance, encouraging Indians to use locally produced goods like khadi. This not only aimed to boycott British imports but also fostered economic independence and empowerment of rural communities.

5. Unity and Equality: Gandhi emphasized unity across diverse communities and castes. NCM aimed to unite Indians under a common nationalist cause, promoting equality and solidarity in the struggle against colonial exploitation and discrimination.

6. Satyagraha (Truth Force): Through  Gandhi’s Satyagraha, NCM sought to confront injustice with unwavering truthfulness and inspire change through moral persuasion rather than confrontation.

7. Democratic Decentralization: Gandhi encouraged local self-governance and the establishment of indigenous institutions, promoting democratic principles and autonomy from British rule.

8. Economic Justice: NCM and CDM under Gandhi promoted equitable distribution of resources, fair wages for laborers, and support for cottage industries to uplift marginalized communities economically.

9. Spiritual and Moral Regeneration: Gandhi emphasized the importance of personal ethics, self-discipline, and spiritual growth among participants, fostering a sense of moral clarity and purpose in the nationalist movement.                          

10. Women’s Empowerment: Gandhi emphasized the role of women in India’s struggle for independence. NCM encouraged women to participate actively in protests, engage in civil disobedience, and take leadership roles within the movement, advocating for gender equality and empowerment.    

11. International Solidarity: Gandhi believed in forging alliances with international movements for justice and freedom. NCM garnered support from global advocates of self-determination and anti-colonialism, highlighting India’s struggle on the world stage and fostering international solidarity.

To sum up in words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The Non-Cooperation Movement was a sign of the collective yearning of our people for freedom”. Nonviolent resistance, unity among diverse communities, self reliance, women empowerment, pursuit of truth and justice were essential elements in both NCM and CDM. 

The Swaraj Party was formed in 1923 aiming to use the legislative platforms to press for reforms and promote the cause of self-governance (Swaraj) within the constitutional framework provided by British authorities.

Evolution of the Swaraj Party:

The Swaraj Party was formed in 1923 by leaders of the Indian National Congress who disagreed with Mahatma Gandhi’s decision to suspend the Non-Cooperation Movement after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922. The incident involved violence against police by protesters, leading Gandhi to call off the movement due to concerns over maintaining nonviolence. Dissatisfied with this decision and seeking a more active political role within the legislative framework, leaders such as Motilal Nehru and Chittaranjan Das formed the Swaraj Party.

The party aimed to contest elections to the provincial legislative councils established under the Government of India Act of 1919 (also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms). The Swaraj Party sought to use these councils as platforms to press for reforms and advocate for greater self-governance (swaraj) within the constitutional framework.

Achievements of the Swaraj Party:

1. Election Success: The Swaraj Party participated in elections to the provincial legislatures and achieved considerable success. In the 1923 elections, they won a significant number of seats, demonstrating their popularity and influence among voters disillusioned with British policies and seeking greater Indian autonomy.
2. Legislative Advocacy: Within the legislative councils, Swaraj Party members actively advocated for reforms that promoted Indian interests. They focused on issues such as civil liberties, economic policies favoring Indian industries, reduction of taxes on peasants, and administrative decentralization.
3. Opposition to Simon Commission: The Swaraj Party vehemently opposed the Simon Commission (1927), which was appointed by the British government to review the functioning of the Government of India Act and recommend reforms. Their protests highlighted the demand for Indian representation and led to widespread support from across the political spectrum.
4. Constitutional Reforms: Through their participation in the legislative councils and advocacy efforts, the Swaraj Party contributed to discussions on constitutional reforms. Their proposals influenced subsequent reforms culminating in the Government of India Act of 1935, which expanded provincial autonomy and laid the groundwork for future constitutional developments.

Shortcomings of the Swaraj Party:

1. Limited Mass Base: The Swaraj Party’s electoral success was concentrated primarily in urban areas and among educated elites. They struggled to mobilize support from rural and marginalized communities, limiting their ability to represent broader sections of Indian society.
2. Internal Divisions: The party faced internal divisions over strategy and tactics, particularly concerning cooperation with the British government. Some leaders advocated for more radical approaches, while others favored a more cautious, reformist approach within the existing constitutional framework.
3. Impact of Repression: British authorities often resorted to repressive measures to curb nationalist activities, including arrests, censorship, and legislative maneuvers to undermine the Swaraj Party’s influence. These challenges undermined their effectiveness and limited their ability to achieve broader nationalist goals.
4. Transition to Congress: Over time, many Swaraj Party leaders reunited with the Indian National Congress under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership. This transition diminished the Swaraj Party’s distinct identity and political influence, as Congress became the dominant force in the nationalist movement.

“We propose to capture the legislatures and to make the administration work for the people in as much as we can do so consistently with the spirit of non-cooperation.” – Motilal Nehru, 1923.  In summary, While it achieved notable successes in electoral politics, its limitations in mobilizing mass support and internal divisions impacted its long-term effectiveness as a separate political entity within India’s nationalist movement.