Differing Strands within the Movement
The Non-Cooperation-Khilafat Movement, which began in January 1921, saw various social groups in India participate, each with distinct aspirations tied to the concept of Swaraj, or self-rule.
1. The Movement in the Towns
The movement was largely initiated by the urban middle class, including students who left government schools and lawyers who boycotted British courts. The economic impact was significant, with boycotts against foreign goods leading to a drastic drop in imports and a boost in local production.
However, challenges soon arose, with many unable to afford khadi cloth and alternative institutions slow to develop, leading some participants to gradually return to their former roles.
2. Rebellion in the Countryside
In rural areas, the movement merged with ongoing struggles against local oppressive landlords. Peasant leaders like Baba Ramchandra mobilized farmers in Awadh against exploitative practices, calling for reductions in rents and the abolition of forced labor (begar). Jawaharlal Nehru played a crucial role in integrating peasant grievances into the national movement but faced challenges as some interpretations of Gandhiji’s philosophy resulted in unrest and violence.
Tribal peasants in regions like the Gudem Hills also interpreted the call for Swaraj in militant ways, leading to armed resistances under leaders like Alluri Sitaram Raju, who advocated for armed insurrection rather than peaceful participation.
3. Swaraj in the Plantations
For plantation workers, freedom meant the right to leave oppressive working conditions, and many joined the movement, envisioning that Gandhi would provide land in their home villages. Their mass exodus often led to confrontations with authorities.
Conclusion
Each group expressed its understanding of Swaraj through varied lenses—urban middle-class aspirations focused on political rights, while rural populations demanded economic relief from colonial and local landlords. The movement was characterized by its diversity, with each group’s hopes for freedom reflecting their unique social contexts, ultimately enriching the broader Indian freedom struggle.