Formation of Swaraj Party (1923) is part of Modern History of India. Below are notes on 6 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers.

Emergence of the "Pro-Changers" vs. "No-Changers" debate within Congress

  • Context: Following the withdrawal of NonCooperation Movement (1922) and arrest of Mahatma Gandhi, a debate arose within Congress regarding the future course of action.
  • Two Factions:
    • Pro-Changers (Swarajists):
      • Stance: Advocated for 'council entry' to fight the British government from within the legislative councils, expose the limitations of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919 Act), and use councils as a platform for political struggle.
      • Key Leaders: C.R. Das (President), Motilal Nehru (Secretary), Vithalbhai Patel, S. Satyamurti, B.S. Munje, Hakim Ajmal Khan (initially), S. Srinivasa Iyengar.
    • No-Changers:
      • Stance: Opposed council entry. Advocated for continuation of Gandhi's constructive program: boycott of councils, government schools, and courts; promotion of Khadi, Hindu-Muslim unity, and removal of untouchability.
      • Key Leaders: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, C. Rajagopalachari, M.A. Ansari, K. Ranga Iyengar. struggle, fearing the movement was turning violent. The withdrawal caused significant disagree6. ment and a split within the Congress, leading to the formation of the Swaraj Party by leaders like C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru. Despite its withdrawal, the NCM transformed 7. the Indian National Congress into a truly mass-based people's movement. The NCM also firmly established Mahatma 8. Gandhi as the supreme and undisputed leader of the Indian National Congress.
  • Formation of Swaraj Party: The disagreement led to the formation of the Congress-Khilafat Swarajya Party (or Swaraj Party) in December 1922/January 1923 by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru after the Gaya session of Congress where their proposal for council entry was defeated.

Foundation of the Congress Khilafat Swaraj Party (January 1923)

  • Formed in January 1923.
  • Founded by C.R. Das (President) and Motilal Nehru (Secretary).
  • Official name: Congress Khilafat Swaraj Party, commonly known as Swaraj Party.
  • Formation followed the Gaya Session of the Indian National Congress in December 1922.
  • Key objective was to end the boycott of legislative councils and contest elections (Council Entry programme) to obstruct the British government from within.

Key leaders behind the Swaraj Party: C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru

  • Formation: The Swaraj Party (or CongressKhilafat Swarajya Party) was founded in January 1923, following its proposal in December 1922 after the Gaya session of the Indian National Congress.
  • Founders: C. R. Das (Chittaranjan Das) and Motilal Nehru.
  • Key Roles: C. R. Das served as the President, and Motilal Nehru as the Secretary of the Swaraj Party.
  • C. R. Das (Chittaranjan Das):
    • Known as 'Deshbandhu' (Friend of the Nation).
    • Also referred to as the "uncrowned king of Bengal".
    • Enunciated the formula that 'Swaraj' must be for the 'masses' and not for the 'classes' alone.
  • Motilal Nehru: Co-founder, served as Secretary. Also involved in the formation of the 'Independent Party' (an early name/precursor) on December 16, 1922.
  • Core Ideology: Advocated for 'Council-entry' (entering legislative councils) to obstruct government from within, contrasting with the 'No-Changers' who favored constructive work outside the councils.
  • Associated Leaders (besides founders): N.C. Kelkar was a key member.
  • Leaders NOT associated (No-Changers): Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Mahatma Gandhi, C. Rajagopalachari, M.A. Ansari.
  • Provincial Swaraj Party Leaders:
    • Bihar (1923): Shri Krishna Singh established the Swaraj Dal.
    • Assam: Tarun Ram Phukan was the President of the Swaraj Party.

Objectives of the Swaraj Party: "Obstruction from within" the legislative councils

  • Primary Objective: 'Obstruction from within' the legislative councils.
  • Aim: To wreck the scheme of the Government of India Act 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms) from within.
  • Method: Adopt a policy of uniform, continuous, and consistent obstruction to government business.
  • Purpose: To expose the hollowness and defects of the reforms and demonstrate that the existing councils were not truly representative or effective.
  • Goal: To make governance difficult for the British, thereby forcing their hand towards greater constitutional reforms.

Swarajist achievements and role within the legislative councils

  • Swarajists entered legislative councils (1923 elections) to disrupt the government from within, aiming to "end or mend" the system.
  • Successfully outvoted government proposals, including budgets, especially in provinces like Bengal and the Central Provinces.
  • Exposed the limitations and defects of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919 Act).
  • Forced the government to appoint the Muddiman Committee (1924) to inquire into the working of dyarchy.
  • Secured passage of a resolution demanding a Round Table Conference to frame a new constitution for India.
  • Contributed to the defeat of the Public Safety Bill in 1928, aimed at curbing civil liberties.
  • Associated with pushing for the Indianization of the army through the Skeen Committee (1925).
  • Differences emerged post-1925, leading to the rise of "responsive cooperators" (e.g., M.R. Jayakar, B.S. Moonje, Lajpat Rai) who advocated accepting ministerial positions for national interest.
  • S. B. Tambe, a prominent Swarajist leader, accepted a ministerial position in the Central Provinces in October 1925, marking a significant step towards "responsive cooperation" and a deviation from the party's original obstructionist stance.

Swarajist participation in the 1923 Central Legislative Assembly elections

  • Swaraj Party formed January 1923 by C.R. Das (President) and Motilal Nehru (Secretary).
  • Objective: 'wreck the reforms from within' by entering legislative councils and obstructing government.
  • Participated in the 1923 Central Legislative Assembly elections.
  • Secured 42 out of 101 elected seats in the Central Legislative Assembly, becoming the largest single party.
  • Formed alliances in the Central Legislative Assembly, notably with M.A. Jinnah's Independent Party, to present a united front against the government.

30. Simon Commission (1927)

Practice MCQs: Formation of Swaraj Party (1923)

Emergence of the "Pro-Changers" vs. "No-Changers" debate within Congress

  1. Who among the following did not belong to the group of ‘No-Changers’?

    Asked in: UPSC CDS 1 2022 · School Lecturer 2015

    1. M.A. Ansari
    2. Vithalbhai Patel
    3. Chakravarti Rajagopalachari
    4. Kasturi Ranga Iyengar
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Vithalbhai Patel

    B. This movement made Gandhiji the supreme leader of the Congress. C. Withdrawal of this movement led to a split in the Congress. D. This movement was withdrawn after the incidence of Chauri-Chaura. Ans: A The Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922) was a significant mass movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. It aimed to achieve Swaraj through non- violent means. It was characterized by people's participation, Gandhiji's leadership, a split in Congress after its withdrawal, and its abrupt end due to the Chauri-Chaura incident.

  2. Which incident led to withdraw of Non- cooperation Movement?

    Asked in: Field Investigator 2020

    1. Alipore Bomb Case
    2. Meerut Conspiracy Case
    3. Poona Pact
    4. None of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: D. None of the above

    The Chauri Chaura incident led to the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement. - Following the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Indian National Congress split into two factions: 'Pro-Changers' and 'No-Changers'. - Pro-Changers, led by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru, advocated for entering the legislative councils to obstruct the government from within. Vithalbhai Patel was a prominent leader and later President of the Central Legislative Assembly from the Swaraj Party. - No-Changers, led by Mahatma Gandhi (though he initially withdrew from active politics), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, C. Rajagopalachari, Rajendra Prasad, M.A. Ansari, Kasturi Ranga Iyengar, and others, advocated for continuing Gandhi's constructive program of spinning, removal of untouchability, Hindu-Muslim unity, and village upliftment outside the councils.

  3. Which one among the following groups was known as ‘no-changers’ opposing Congress Party’s entry into Legislative Council following the withdrawal of Non-Cooperation Movement?

    Asked in: UPSC Geoscientist 2020

    1. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Dr. M.A. Ansari
    2. C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru and S.C. Mitra
    3. Anil Baran Roy, Subhash Bose and S. Satyamurti
    4. Srinivas Iyenghar and B.S. Munje
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Dr. M.A. Ansari

    - Following the withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922, a significant debate arose within the Indian National Congress regarding the future course of action. - Two main factions emerged: the 'Pro-changers' (Swarajists) led by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru, who advocated for entry into the legislative councils to obstruct government functioning from within; and the 'No-changers', who opposed council entry and emphasized constructive work among the masses outside the councils (like promoting Khadi, Hindu-Muslim unity, anti-untouchability campaigns, etc.). - Prominent 'No-changers' included Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad, C. Rajagopalachari, and M.A. Ansari.

Foundation of the Congress Khilafat Swaraj Party (January 1923)

  1. Consider the following events and select their correct chronological order from the codes given below: (i) Formation of Naujawan Bharat Sabha (ii) Formation of Swarajist Party (iii) The Dandi March (iv) The Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy

    Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 2013

    1. (ii), (i), (iv), (iii)
    2. (ii), (iv), (iii), (i)
    3. (iv), (ii), (i), (iii)
    4. (iv), (iii), (ii), (i)
    Show answer

    Answer: C. (iv), (ii), (i), (iii)

    The chronological order of the events is: (iv) The Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy: April 13, 1919 (ii) Formation of Swarajist Party: January 1, 1923 (i) Formation of Naujawan Bharat Sabha: March 1926 (iii) The Dandi March: March 12, 1930 Arranging them chronologically gives (iv) -> (ii) -> (i) -> (iii).

  2. Choose the correct chronological order of the following events : (i) Lucknow Pact (ii) Formation of Swaraj Party (iii) Jallianwala Massacre (iv) Death of Bal Gangadhar Tilak Select the answer from the following code :

    Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 2018

    1. (i), (iv), (iii) & (ii)
    2. (iv), (iii), (i) & (ii)
    3. (i), (iii), (iv) & (ii)
    4. (i), (ii), (iii) & (iv)
    Show answer

    Answer: C. (i), (iii), (iv) & (ii)

    The events occurred in the following order: (i) Lucknow Pact: December 1916 (iii) Jallianwala Massacre: April 13, 1919 (iv) Death of Bal Gangadhar Tilak: August 1, 1920 (ii) Formation of Swaraj Party: January 1923

  3. What was the name of the party formed by Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das in 1923 A.D?

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2016

    1. Independence Party
    2. Ghadar Party
    3. Swaraj Party
    4. Indian National Party
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Swaraj Party

    - The party was formed after the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement, as a group within the Congress advocating for council entry. - Leaders like C.R. Das (President) and Motilal Nehru (Secretary) wanted to contest the legislative council elections and use the councils as a platform to oppose British policies and disrupt the government from within. - They were known as 'Pro-Changers' within the Congress, contrasting with the 'No- Changers' who preferred to continue boycotting the councils and focus on constructive work.

  4. Khilafat Swaraj Party was formed by:

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 1994

    1. Rajendra Prasad
    2. Subhash Chandra Bose
    3. C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru
    4. B.R. Ambedkar
    Show answer

    Answer: C. C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru

    C.R. Das served as the President and Motilal Nehru as the Secretary of the Swaraj Party. They advocated for 'council entry' to obstruct government functioning from within the legislatures.

  5. After the Gaya Session of the I.N.C. in December 1892 a new party was formed by Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das. Its name was

    Asked in: WBCS Main Paper 3 2019

    1. National Liberal Party
    2. The Congress Khilafat Swarajya Party
    3. Swarajya Party
    4. Swarajya Congress Party
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Swarajya Party

    The Swarajya Party was formed by leaders who advocated for entering the legislative councils established by the Government of India Act 1919, in contrast to the 'No-Changers' within the Congress who preferred constructive work outside the councils.

  6. When was the Swaraj Party formed?

    Asked in: School Lecturer (School Edu.) 2018 3 2018

    1. December, 1922
    2. January, 1923
    3. March, 1923
    4. December, 1923
    Show answer

    Answer: B. January, 1923

    The formation of the Swaraj Party marked a significant shift in the political strategy of the Indian independence movement, with a focus on contesting elections and entering legislative councils to disrupt British rule from within.

Key leaders behind the Swaraj Party: C.R. Das, Motilal Nehru

  1. Who established Swaraj Party in 1923?

    Asked in: BPSC Prelims Exam 66th

    1. Mahatma Gandhi
    2. Vallabhbhai Patel
    3. C. R. Das and Motilal Nehru
    4. B. R. Ambedkar
    Show answer

    Answer: C. C. R. Das and Motilal Nehru

    The Swaraj Party was formed by "Pro-Changers" within the Congress who advocated for contesting elections and entering the legislative councils to obstruct the government from within, in contrast to the "No-Changers" led by Gandhi who preferred constructive work outside the councils.

  2. Read the following statement and find out the correct one. 1. C.R. Das was known as Deenbandhu 2. He was the uncrowned king of Bengal

    Asked in: TNPSC CS Prelims 2019

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 2 only

    Chittaranjan Das (C.R. Das) was a prominent lawyer, poet, and freedom fighter. He played a crucial role in the Non-Cooperation Movement and founded the Swaraj Party along with Motilal Nehru. His leadership and popularity in Bengal were unparalleled, earning him the affectionate title 'Deshbandhu' (Friend of the Country).

  3. The main leaders of the Swaraj Party were

    Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2019

    1. Vitthalbai J. Patel and Dr. Ansari
    2. M. N. Roy and Muzaffar Ahmed
    3. Motilal Nehru and C. R. Das
    4. B. R. Ambedkar and P. C. Joshi
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Motilal Nehru and C. R. Das

    The Swaraj Party (officially the Congress-Khilafat Swarajya Party) was formed on 1 January 1923, after the suspension of the Non-Cooperation Movement. The main leaders who advocated for 'Council Entry' and founded the party were Chittaranjan Das (C. R. Das) as President and Motilal Nehru as Secretary.

  4. Who enunciated his famous formula that 'Swaraj' must be for the 'masses' and not for the 'classes' alone?

    Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2022

    1. Motilal Nehru
    2. Gandhiji
    3. Subhas Chandra Bose
    4. C. R. Das
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Gandhiji

    Gandhi's vision of Swaraj went beyond mere political independence. He emphasized that true Swaraj meant freedom and upliftment for the common people, particularly the poor and marginalized, and involved social and economic aspects.

  5. Who of the following is known as ‘Deshbandhu’?

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2006

    1. Chandra Shekhar
    2. Chitranjan Das
    3. A.O. Hume
    4. Annie Besant
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Chitranjan Das

    Chittaranjan Das was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, political activist, and lawyer. He founded the Swaraj Party with Motilal Nehru.

  6. Who among the following decided to launch the Independent Party on 16 December, 1922 ? Select the correct answer from the codes given below: Lala Har Dayal Madan Mohan Malviya Mohammed Ali Jinnah Moti Lai Nehru

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2005

    1. I and 2
    2. 2 and 3
    3. 3 and 4
    4. 2 and 4
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 2 and 4

    While Motilal Nehru, along with C.R. Das, formally announced the formation of the Swarajya Party in January 1923, discussions and decisions regarding forming a party for council entry, sometimes referred to or acting as an 'Independent Party' initially, took place around the time of the Gaya Congress session in December 1922. Madan Mohan Malaviya also favoured council entry and was associated with these discussions and later formed his own independent nationalist groups.

  7. Who one of the following was not associated with Swaraj Party?

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2014

    1. Motilal Nehru
    2. C.R. Das
    3. N.C. Kelkar
    4. Rajendra Prasad
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Rajendra Prasad

    The Swaraj Party was formed in 1923 by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru after the withdrawal of the Non- Cooperation Movement, advocating for council entry. N.C. Kelkar was also a prominent member and supporter of the Swaraj Party. Rajendra Prasad belonged to the group within the Congress known as "No-Changers," who opposed council entry and focused on constructive work outside the legislatures.

  8. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I List II I. Abhinav Bharat Soci‐ A) Sri Aurobindo ety Ghosh II. Anushilan Samiti B) Lala Hardayal III. Ghadar Party C) C. R. Das VI. Swaraj Party D) V. D. Savarkar

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 1996

    1. I - D, II - A, III - C, IV - B
    2. I - A, II - D, III - C, IV - B
    3. I - A, II - D, III - B, IV - C
    4. I - D, II - A, III - B, IV – C
    Show answer

    Answer: D. I - D, II - A, III - B, IV – C

    The matches are as follows: I. Abhinav Bharat Society was founded by V. D. Savarkar. II. Anushilan Samiti was a revolutionary group primarily in Bengal, associated with figures like Sri Aurobindo Ghosh in its early phases through his brother Barindra Kumar Ghosh. III. Ghadar Party, founded by Indian revolutionaries abroad, had Lala Hardayal as a prominent leader. IV. Swaraj Party was formed by C. R. Das and Motilal Nehru.

  9. The Swaraj Party was founded by

    Asked in: WBCS Main Paper 3 2023

    1. Motilal Nehru and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
    2. C. R. Das and Motilal Nehru.
    3. C. R. Das and Subhash Chandra Bose.
    4. Motilal Nehru and Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel.
    Show answer

    Answer: B. C. R. Das and Motilal Nehru.

    The party was formed by Congress leaders who advocated for entry into the legislative councils established by the Government of India Act 1919 to obstruct the British government from within, as opposed to the 'No-changers' who favoured continuing the non-cooperation strategy outside the councils.

  10. Who founded Swaraj Party?

    Asked in: APPSCCE 2020 Prelims 2020

    1. Motilal Nehru and C. R. Das
    2. Motilal Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose
    3. C. R. Das and Subhash Chandra Bose
    4. M. K. Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Motilal Nehru and C. R. Das

    Motilal Nehru and C. R. Das founded the Swaraj Party.

  11. Who established the ‘Swaraj Dal’ in Bihar in 1923?

    Asked in: mineral dev officier 2025

    1. Rajendra Prasad
    2. Jayaprakash Narayan
    3. Anugrah Narayan Sinha
    4. Shri Krishna Singh
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Anugrah Narayan Sinha

    Anugrah Narayan Sinha was instrumental in establishing the Swaraj Dal in Bihar in 1923.

  12. Who was the President of 'Swaraj Party' in Assam during the Indian National Movement?

    Asked in: GKAMT TDO 05 2024 2110 2024

    1. Bishnuram Medhi
    2. Tarun Ram Phukan
    3. Mahendra Mohan Choudhury
    4. Gopinath Bordoloi
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Tarun Ram Phukan

    The Swaraj Party was formed within the Indian National Congress in 1923 by leaders like C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru to contest elections and enter legislative councils. Regional branches of the party were active in various parts of India, including Assam.

Objectives of the Swaraj Party: "Obstruction from within" the legislative councils

  1. Which among the following was the primary aim of the Swarajya Party ?

    Asked in: UPSC CAPF 2010

    1. To cooperate with the government in imple‐ menting the reforms of 1919
    2. To gain experience of the functioning of representative government
    3. To wreck the scheme of the reform of 1919 by a policy of uniform, continuous and consistent obstruction
    4. To exhibit displeasure over the failure of non- cooperation movement
    Show answer

    Answer: C. To wreck the scheme of the reform of 1919 by a policy of uniform, continuous and consistent obstruction

    The Swarajists contested elections and achieved significant success in some provinces. Inside the councils, they attempted to move resolutions, vote down government proposals, and expose the flaws of the 1919 Act, fulfilling their aim of obstruction.

Swarajist achievements and role within the legislative councils

  1. Who among the following was the first to accept a ministerial position in the Central Provinces in October 1925?

    Asked in: UPSC CDS 2 2020

    1. B. S. Moonje
    2. M. R. Jayakar
    3. S. B. Tambe
    4. B. N. Sasmal
    Show answer

    Answer: C. S. B. Tambe

    S. B. Tambe's acceptance of an Executive Council position led to significant debate within the Swaraj Party and the Congress, particularly criticizing the leadership of C. R. Das (though Das had passed

Swarajist participation in the 1923 Central Legislative Assembly elections

  1. Who among the following supported the Swaraj Party in Central Legislative Assembly in pre-independent India ?

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2017

    1. M.A. Jinnah
    2. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
    3. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
    4. Jawaharlal Nehru
    Show answer

    Answer: A. M.A. Jinnah

    In the Central Legislative Assembly during the pre- independence period, the Swaraj Party (formed by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru) aimed to obstruct the government from within. While the Swarajists formed the main opposition, they often collaborated with other nationalist and independent groups on various issues. M.A. Jinnah led the Independent Party and frequently voted with the Swaraj Party against government measures, supporting their efforts to challenge the British administration in the legislature.

  2. ‘Swaraj Party’ took part in the election in

    Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2016

    1. 1923, 1926
    2. 1919, 1923
    3. 1920, 1926
    4. 1919, 1920
    Show answer

    Answer: A. 1923, 1926

    The Swaraj Party was formed by C. R. Das and Motilal Nehru following the withdrawal of the Non- Cooperation Movement.