Q. Consider the following subjects with regard to Non-Cooperation Programme:
I. Boycott of law-courts and foreign cloth
II. Observance of strict non-violence
III. Retention of titles and honours without using them in public
IV. Establishment of Panchayats for settling disputes
How many of the above were parts of Non-Cooperation Programme?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All the four
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Answer & Explanation:
✅Correct Answer: (c) Only three
Explanation:
The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 as a form of peaceful resistance against British rule, especially in the wake of events like the Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, and the Khilafat issue. The movement aimed to bring about Swaraj (self-rule) by withdrawing Indian support from British institutions.
Let us examine each statement in this context:
I. Boycott of law-courts and foreign cloth – ✅ Correct
This was one of the core objectives of the movement. Gandhi urged people to boycott British courts, foreign clothes, and government schools/colleges. The emphasis was on promoting Swadeshi goods, khadi, and Indian institutions as alternatives.
II. Observance of strict non-violence – ✅ Correct
Gandhi was a staunch believer in Ahimsa (non-violence). While the movement encouraged mass participation, non-violence was non-negotiable. It was one of the fundamental principles of the movement, and any deviation from non-violence was strongly condemned by Gandhi.
III. Retention of titles and honours without using them in public – ❌ Incorrect
This goes against the very spirit of the movement. One of the key instructions was to surrender British-conferred titles and honours (e.g., “Sir,” “Rai Bahadur”). People were encouraged to reject and return these titles as a form of protest. Retaining them, even without using them publicly, was not aligned with the objectives of the programme.
IV. Establishment of Panchayats for settling disputes – ✅ Correct
Yes, this was part of the movement’s effort to create indigenous alternatives to British institutions. Gandhi advocated for the revival of village-level Panchayats to settle local disputes without going to colonial courts.
Conclusion:
Statements I, II, and IV were parts of the Non-Cooperation Programme.
Statement III was not.
✅ Correct Option: (c) Only three