From the cities, the Non-Coperation Movement spread to the countryside. It drew into its fold the struggles of peasants and tribals which were developing in different parts in the years after the war. (i)The movement was primarily against talukdars and landlords who demanded from the peasants exorbitantly high rents.

Non-Cooperation Movement in the Countryside

The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 as a peaceful protest against the British rule in India. This movement soon spread to the countryside and drew into its fold struggles of peasants and tribal communities. Let's discuss in detail how this happened.

Peasant Struggles

1. Impact of the Rowlatt Act: The Rowlatt Act was passed by the British in 1919, which gave the government the power to arrest anyone without a warrant and detain them without trial. This act had a severe impact on the peasants who were already suffering under the British rule.

2. Increase in Land Revenue: The British increased the land revenue, which led to an increase in the burden of the peasants. This led to widespread discontent among the peasants.

3. Support from National Leaders: National leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru supported the peasants and urged them to join the Non-Cooperation Movement. This gave the movement a boost in the countryside.

4. Boycott of British Goods: The boycott of British goods by the peasants hit the British economy hard, which led to a further increase in the popularity of the movement.

Tribal Communities

1. Forest Laws: The British had imposed forest laws, which restricted the access of the tribal communities to the forests. This led to a loss of livelihood for the tribal communities.

2. Support from National Leaders: National leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru supported the tribal communities and urged them to join the Non-Cooperation Movement. This gave the movement a boost among the tribal communities.

3. Boycott of British Goods: The tribal communities also boycotted British goods, which hit the British economy hard. This led to a further increase in the popularity of the movement among the tribal communities.

Conclusion

The Non-Cooperation Movement spread to the countryside and drew into its fold struggles of peasants and tribal communities due to the impact of the Rowlatt Act, increase in land revenue, support from national leaders, and boycott of British goods. The movement gave a voice to the oppressed and marginalized sections of society and paved the way for India's independence.