Question

The 'Chauri Chaura' incident, which led to the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement, took place in which modern-day Indian state?

• A. Bihar
• B. Uttar Pradesh
• C. West Bengal
• D. Punjab

Hint:

Remember: Chauri Chaura Incident \(\rightarrow\) 4 February 1922 Location \(\rightarrow\) Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh Consequence \(\rightarrow\) Suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement by Mahatma Gandhi.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920--1922) was one of the most important mass movements launched by Mahatma Gandhi against British rule. It aimed to achieve Swaraj through peaceful and non-violent methods. Millions of Indians participated by boycotting British institutions, courts, schools, and foreign goods. However, a violent incident at Chauri Chaura forced Gandhi to suspend the movement, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the principle of non-violence.

Step 1: Understanding the Non-Cooperation Movement. The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched in 1920 by Mahatma Gandhi. The major objectives were:

• Protest against British colonial rule.

• Oppose the Rowlatt Act.

• Express solidarity with the Khilafat Movement.

• Achieve self-government through peaceful means.
The movement rapidly spread throughout India and became a nationwide campaign.

Step 2: Understanding the Chauri Chaura Incident. On 4 February 1922, a group of protesters participating in the Non-Cooperation Movement assembled at Chauri Chaura. Chauri Chaura was located in: \[ \boxed{\text{Gorakhpur District, Uttar Pradesh}} \] During the protest:

• Demonstrators clashed with the police.

• The police opened fire on the crowd.

• Several protesters were killed and injured.

• The angry crowd retaliated by attacking the police station.

• The police station was set on fire.

• Twenty-two policemen lost their lives in the incident.
This transformed a non-violent movement into a violent confrontation.

Step 3: Gandhi's reaction to the incident. Mahatma Gandhi strongly believed that: \[ \boxed{\text{Non-violence (Ahimsa) was essential for the freedom struggle}} \] When he learned about the violence at Chauri Chaura, he concluded that the country was not yet prepared for a completely non-violent mass movement. As a result:

• Gandhi condemned the violence.

• He undertook a fast for self-purification.

• He persuaded the Congress leadership to suspend the movement.

• The Non-Cooperation Movement was officially withdrawn in February 1922.
Thus, the Chauri Chaura incident directly led to the suspension of the movement.

Step 4: Analyzing the other options.

Bihar (Option A): Bihar was associated with the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 but was not the location of the Chauri Chaura incident. Therefore, Option (A) is incorrect.

West Bengal (Option C): West Bengal played an important role in the Swadeshi Movement and revolutionary nationalism, but Chauri Chaura was not located there. Therefore, Option (C) is incorrect.

Punjab (Option D): Punjab is associated with the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919, which influenced Gandhi's later movements. However, Chauri Chaura did not occur in Punjab. Therefore, Option (D) is incorrect.

Step 5: Final conclusion. The Chauri Chaura incident took place in the Gorakhpur region of: \[ \boxed{\text{Uttar Pradesh}} \] Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(B) Uttar Pradesh}} \]