Assertion (A): Gandhi stopped the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922 Reason (R): Violence at Chauri-Chaura led him to stop the movement.
EXPLANATION
Correct Option
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are factually correct, and Reason (R) provides the accurate explanation for Assertion (A).
Assertion (A): Mahatma Gandhi indeed suspended the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922. The movement, launched in 1920, aimed at achieving Swaraj through non-violent means and involved a nationwide boycott of British institutions, goods, and services.
Reason (R): The primary catalyst for the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement was the Chauri-Chaura incident. On February 5, 1922, in Chauri-Chaura (Gorakhpur district, Uttar Pradesh), a large group of protesters clashed with the police, leading to the burning of a police station and the death of 22 policemen.
Explanation: Deeply disturbed by this act of violence, which he perceived as a significant deviation from the core principle of non-violence (ahimsa) fundamental to the movement's philosophy, Gandhi decided to halt the movement on February 12, 1922. He concluded that the masses were not yet adequately prepared or disciplined for a completely non-violent struggle and feared that further violence could undermine the movement's moral standing and objectives. Therefore, the violence at Chauri-Chaura directly led to the cessation of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
Incorrect Options
Option 2: This option is incorrect because Reason (R) directly explains the cause for Assertion (A). The Chauri-Chaura incident was the immediate and decisive factor in Gandhi's decision to suspend the movement.
Option 3: This option is incorrect as both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are historically accurate statements.
Option 4: This option is incorrect as both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are historically accurate statements.
SOURCEIndia's Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra, Chapter 15: Non-Cooperation and Khilafat Movements