In the chronology of the Indian national movement, during which period did the Non-Cooperation Movement under Mahatma Gandhi reach its peak and gain maximum momentum?

Introduction / Context:
This question refers to one of the major mass movements in the Indian struggle for independence, the Non-Cooperation Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. Launched after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Khilafat issue, it marked the first large-scale nationwide participation of students, peasants, workers and the middle class. To place the movement correctly in time, it is important to know when it gathered the greatest strength and momentum.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The movement under discussion is the Non-Cooperation Movement.
- The question asks during which period it gained maximum momentum.
- The options list several year ranges: 1910–1912, 1915–1917, 1921–1922, 1930–1932 and 1942–1944.
- We assume basic knowledge that the movement was announced around 1920 and withdrawn in early 1922 after the Chauri Chaura incident.

Concept / Approach:
The Non-Cooperation Movement formally began in 1920, but its peak phase of mass participation and intensity was during 1921 and early 1922. During this period, students left government schools, lawyers boycotted courts, foreign cloth was burned and many Indians surrendered titles and honours. The movement was called off in February 1922 after the violent incident at Chauri Chaura, which means that its most energetic phase was roughly 1921–1922. The other year ranges in the options correspond to different phases of the freedom struggle, such as the Civil Disobedience Movement or the Quit India Movement, not the height of Non-Cooperation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Gandhi gave the call for Non-Cooperation in 1920, and the Congress adopted it as a programme against British rule. Step 2: Note that the movement quickly gathered strength and reached its peak in the following year, 1921, continuing into early 1922. Step 3: Remember that the Chauri Chaura incident in February 1922, in which a violent clash led to the burning of a police station, caused Gandhi to suspend the movement. Step 4: Recognise that 1930–1932 is associated with the Civil Disobedience Movement and Dandi March, not with Non-Cooperation. Step 5: Identify 1921–1922 as the period during which the Non-Cooperation Movement gained maximum momentum and select this option.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think of the standard timeline of Gandhian movements: Non-Cooperation (1920–22), Civil Disobedience (1930–34) and Quit India (1942). Within the 1920–22 span, 1921–22 is always described as the peak period of Non-Cooperation when boycott and hartals were most intense. History texts specifically mention that the movement was at its height when it was suddenly withdrawn in early 1922. This confirms that 1921–1922 is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1910–1912: This is before Gandhi took a central role in the all-India movement, and Non-Cooperation had not yet begun.
1915–1917: Gandhi had just returned to India in 1915 and was involved in local struggles like Champaran and Kheda, not yet in a nationwide Non-Cooperation Movement.
1930–1932: This period corresponds to the Civil Disobedience Movement, including the Salt March, not Non-Cooperation.
1942–1944: These years are associated with the Quit India Movement and World War II, long after Non-Cooperation ended.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse different Gandhian movements because they all involved non-violent resistance and mass participation. As a result, they may select 1930–1932 or 1942–1944, thinking of general agitation against British rule. A simple memory aid is to fix three key dates: Non-Cooperation peaks around 1921–22, Civil Disobedience around 1930–31 and Quit India in 1942. Keeping this sequence clear in your mind helps avoid mixing the movements and leads you to the correct option.

Final Answer:
The Non-Cooperation Movement gained its maximum momentum during 1921–1922.