Question

(i) Why did the following join the Non-cooperation movement ?
(ii) What were their ideals ?
(iii) What did Swaraj mean to them ?

1. rich peasants
2. poor peasants
3. buissness class
4. industrial class
5. women ​

Answer 1

1. The rich peasants were hard hit by the falling prices and trade depression , hence they wanted lower revenue rates . When the British was unwilling to negotiate , They joined the NCM . To them swaraj meant reduction in the revenue , They organised themselves , and also forced the unwilling farmers to join the movement

2. As the cash incomes of poor peasants dwindled , they found it hard to pay the rent to the landlords , They didnt just want a reduction in the revenue but they wanted the unpaid rent to be remitted from their account . To them swaraj meant no rent and no rent campaigns were organised which were supported by the communists and not by the congress

3. The business class wanted the govt to impose import duties on foreign goods and also a rupee sterling exchange ratio that was unfavourable to the imports . They financed NCM and to them swaraj meant a time where there would be no colonial restrictions on trade and business would flourish .

4. The industrial class except in the Nagpur region didnt widely participate , When they did participate it was for better working conditions , higher wages and safer conditions . Their efforts werent supported by the congress

5. Women believed it was their sacred duty to protect the nation and responded to gandhiji’s call , came out of their homes , protested and some even went to jail , Gandhiji and the congress wasnt however very supportive of women in NCM