Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
2. Gandhi’s decision to withdraw the Non-cooperation movement in response to the violence at Chauri Chaura raised a controversy, created confusion and questioned Gandhian leadership. Critically examine the decision to withdraw the movement at its peak. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Chapter 15 – India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 as mentioned in Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To examine the reasoning behind calling off the non-cooperation movement at its peak.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning the violence in Chauri-Chaura, which was against the ideas of ahimsa and satyagraha that lead to the suspension of NCM.
Body:
Write about Gandhi’s response to the violent incidents and recall of most widespread mass struggle, Non-Cooperation movement.
Write about how people questioned the motives of Gandhi. The confusion regarding its withdrawal as to why such a huge movement be suspended for a small incident and doubts that were expressed in Gandhi’s ability to lead the freedom struggle.
Next, mention as to why the withdrawal was the strategic retreat by Gandhi and save the satyagrahis from severe repression of the government.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning Gandhi’s strict adherence to the principles of non-violence even at the cost of doubts among his followers or taking a step back in the arena of the Indian national freedom struggle.
