Published on 07 Oct 2025
Gandhi's unexpected withdrawal of movements following events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Chauri Chaura incident can be examined from both justifications and their impact on the morale of freedom fighters.
Justification of Withdrawals
Principle of Nonviolence:
Justification: Gandhi's unwavering commitment to nonviolence led him to call off the Non-Cooperation Movement after the Chauri Chaura incident, where a mob killed 22 policemen, undermining the movement's nonviolent principles.
Impact: This decision highlighted Gandhi's unwavering adherence to nonviolence, reinforcing his belief that true freedom could only be achieved through peaceful means.
Moral Responsibility:
Justification: Gandhi felt morally responsible for any violence that occurred during the movements he led. By withdrawing the movements, he aimed to prevent further violence and bloodshed, maintaining the ethical integrity of the struggle.
Impact: It emphasized the ethical and moral dimensions of the freedom struggle, distinguishing it from other violent liberation movements around the world.
Strategic Pause:
Justification: Gandhi believed in the strategic value of retreating to regroup and reassess. After the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, he recognized the need to build a stronger, more disciplined base of supporters committed to nonviolence.
Impact: This allowed for a period of reflection and reorganization, ultimately strengthening the movement in the long run.
Impact on Morale of Freedom Fighters
Disappointment and Frustration: Many freedom fighters, especially the youth, were deeply disappointed and frustrated by the sudden withdrawals, feeling their efforts were in vain. The abrupt halt of the Non-Cooperation Movement left many disillusioned.
Example: Bhagat Singh to become disillusioned with Gandhi’s nonviolent approach and turn towards revolutionary methods.
Loss of Momentum: The withdrawal of movements caused a temporary loss of momentum in the independence struggle. Activists had to pause their efforts, slowing down the overall progress of the movement.
Example: Many local leaders and volunteers who were mobilized for the movement found themselves without direction, leading to a temporary lull in activities.
Strengthening Nonviolent Commitment: For some, the withdrawals reinforced their commitment to Gandhi's principles of nonviolence and truth, highlighting the importance of maintaining moral discipline and patience amid setbacks.
Example: Despite the setbacks, leaders like Vinoba Bhave remained committed to nonviolence, inspired by Gandhi’s emphasis on moral discipline.
Diverse Strategic Approaches: The withdrawals led to different strategic approaches within the independence movement. Some leaders adhered to Gandhi's nonviolent path, while others explored more radical or militant methods to achieve their goals.
Example: leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru continued to follow Gandhi's nonviolent approach, others, such as Subhas Chandra Bose, adopted more radical methods.
Renewed Focus on Social Issues: The pauses allowed Gandhi to focus on social reforms like fighting untouchability, promoting khadi, and rural development, integral to his vision of swaraj, broadening the movement's scope to socio-economic dimensions.
History & Culture
Justification and Impact of Gandhi’s unexpected withdrawal from movements
Jallianwala Bagh massacre
Chauri Chaura
Principle of Nonviolence
Gandhi
Non Cooperation Movement
regroup and reassess
Impact on Morale of Freedom Fighters
Disappointment and Frustration of freedom fighters
Bhagat Singh
Vinoba Bhave
Subhas Chandra Bose
Nehru
National movement
independence movement
freedom struggle
General Studies Paper 1
Freedom Struggle
Related Articles