08-11-2024
07:33 AM
Prelims: History of India & Indian National Movement.
Mains: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
The Chauri Chaura incident, which took place on February 4, 1922, in Uttar Pradesh, marked a significant turning point in India's freedom struggle. A violent clash erupted between protesting Indian villagers and the British police, resulting in the death of 22 policemen when a police station was set ablaze. This incident led Mahatma Gandhi to halt the Non-Cooperation Movement, fearing it would lead to more violence despite its growing momentum.
The Chauri Chaura Incident occurred on 4th February 1922 in the small town of Chauri Chaura in the Gorakhpur district of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh), India. This incident marked a pivotal moment in the Indian independence movement and highlighted the complexities and challenges faced by the leaders and participants involved in the struggle for freedom.
The Chauri Chaura Incident occurred during Mahatma Gandhi's 1920 launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement. The movement aimed to achieve self-rule for India by withdrawing cooperation from the British government. Gandhi envisioned a nonviolent struggle in which Indians would boycott British goods, institutions, and services, demonstrating their discontent with colonial rule.
On the day of the Chauri Chaura incident, a group of around 2,000 to 3,000 protesters gathered to picket a liquor shop as part of the Non-Cooperation Movement. The protest escalated into a confrontation with the local police, who attempted to disperse the crowd by firing warning shots.
Understanding the causes of the Chauri Chaura Incident requires examining the socio-political environment of the time and the factors that contributed to the growing unrest among the Indian populace.
The Chauri Chaura incident significantly impacted the non-cooperation movement. On February 12, 1922, Mahatma Gandhi, shocked by the violence, called for its suspension, believing people needed more preparation for disciplined satyagraha. This decision divided the Indian National Congress, leaving leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru astonished as the civil resistance had solidified their position. In response, Motilal Nehru and CR Das expressed their dismay and formed the Swaraj Party.
Following are the reasons why Gandhiji withdrew the non-cooperation after the Chauri Chaura Incident.
The Chauri Chaura Incident and the subsequent suspension of the non-cooperation movement had a profound impact on India's freedom struggle, shaping its future course and influencing the strategies of leaders and participants.
The Chauri Chaura incident is significant for highlighting the challenges of maintaining nonviolence in mass movements. It marked a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle, temporarily halting civil disobedience and prompting a rethinking of strategies. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of the independence movement and the critical importance of discipline and nonviolence in achieving political goals.
Question 1: Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (UPSC Mains 2021)
Q1. What happened at the Chauri Chaura incident?
Ans. The Chauri Chaura incident involved a clash between a large group of protesters participating in the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) and the police, leading to the death of 22 police officers.
Q2. How many policemen died in the Chauri Chaura fire?
Ans. The Chauri Chaura incident led to the deaths of three civilians and 22 policemen.
Q3. Why was Chauri Chaura called off?
Ans. Mahatma Gandhi called off the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) indefinitely after the Chauri Chaura incident on February 4, 1922. Gandhi, who was against violence, decided to call off the movement in response.
Q4. What is the Chauri Chaura famous for?
Ans. Chauri Chaura, in Uttar Pradesh, is famous for the incident on February 4, 1922, when a violent clash occurred between British Indian police and political activists during the struggle for Indian independence.
Q5. Who was the viceroy during the Chauri Chaura incident?
Ans. Lord Reading was the viceroy during the Chauri Chaura incident. He served as viceroy of India from 1921 to 1926.
© 2024 Vajiram & Ravi. All rights reserved