Question.
Discuss the role of Uttar Pradesh during the non-cooperation movement.
(UPPSC Mains General Studies-V/GS-5 2023 Solutions)
Answer.
The non-cooperation movement was launched in 1920 as a response to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 and the oppressive Rowlatt Act.
This movement was led by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress ( INC).
The primary objective of the Non-Cooperation Movement was to get Swaraj (Self-rule). The major activities of this movement were to boycott British Institutions, promote Indian-made goods, use Khadi, and peacefully resist British rule through nonviolent protests, strikes, and civil disobedience.
Uttar Pradesh actively participated in this movement.
About Uttar Pradesh in British Rule:
In 1902, Britisher combined the Agra and Oudh provinces into one province called the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh.
In 1935, the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh renamed it to "United Provinces".
On 24 January 1950: United Provinces renamed to Uttar Pradesh. That is why 24 January has been celebrated as the foundation day of Uttar Pradesh since 2018.
Role of Uttar Pradesh during the non-cooperation movement ( 1920-1922):
Mass Mobilization:
Million people from Uttar Pradesh including farmers, workers, students, and women participated in the Non-cooperation movement and boycotted British Institutions, products, and services.
Emergence of Local Leaders:
In the Non-cooperation movement, some prominent leaders of Uttar Pradesh like Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Chittaranjan Das, Madan Mohan Malaviya, and Gobind Ballabh Pant mobilized support, raised awareness, and boosted public opinion in favor of the movement.
Boycott of British Institution:
Uttar Pradesh witnessed the boycott of British institutions including British Schools, colleges, courts, and legislative councils.
Chauri Chaura (1922) incident:
Satygrahi of the Non-Cooperation movement burned the Chauri Chaura police station in Gorakhpur, in which twenty-two policemen died in this incident. After this incident, Gandhi Ji called off the non-cooperation movement.
Uttar Pradesh played a pivotal role in the Non-cooperation Movement, contributing to the growth of nationalist sentiment, the mobilization of the masses, and intensified India's struggle for independence.
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