The Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre were pivotal moments in the history of the Indian struggle for independence. These events not only intensified the Indian resistance to British rule but also exposed the cruelty and oppressive nature of the colonial administration. Understanding these moments is crucial for grasping the trajectory of India's fight for freedom, making them essential topics for UPSC aspirants preparing for modern Indian history.
About the Rowlatt Act
The Rowlatt Act, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, was enacted by the British government to tighten its grip on power and suppress growing nationalist activities in India. Passed in March 1919 by the Imperial Legislative Council, the act gave the colonial authorities sweeping powers to arrest and detain any individual suspected of revolutionary activities, without the need for a trial. This act was met with widespread outrage across the country, with protests and calls for civil disobedience growing louder.
Key Features of the Rowlatt Act:
- Arbitrary Arrests and Detentions: The act authorized the government to arrest individuals suspected of terrorism or revolutionary activities and detain them for up to two years without a trial.
- Search Without Warrants: It empowered the police to conduct searches of premises without requiring a search warrant.
- Censorship: The act imposed severe restrictions on the freedom of the press, further curtailing civil liberties.
- Unpopular Legislation: The Rowlatt Act was passed despite strong opposition from Indian leaders, with all Indian members of the Imperial Legislative Council voting against it. In protest, prominent leaders such as Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Madan Mohan Malviya, and Mazhar Ul Haq resigned from the Council.
- Public Outcry and Rowlatt Satyagraha: In response to the passing of the act, Mahatma Gandhi called for a nationwide hartal (strike) on 6th April 1919, marking the beginning of the Rowlatt Satyagraha. This peaceful civil disobedience movement aimed to demonstrate the Indian public's opposition to the draconian law. However, the protest was marred by violence in some provinces, particularly in Punjab, where tensions escalated significantly.
The Rowlatt Act was viewed as an attempt by the British government to suppress the growing nationalist movement. It was feared that the act would further inflame revolutionary activities, particularly in Punjab, which had a strong base of the Ghadar movement, and other regions known for nationalist fervor.
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar Massacre, stands as one of the darkest chapters in the history of British rule in India. On 13th April 1919, thousands of people gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden in Amritsar, Punjab, to celebrate the festival of Baisakhi. Many had also come to protest the recent arrest of two popular leaders, Dr. Satyapal and Saifuddin Kitchlew, under the provisions of the Rowlatt Act.
Events Leading to the Massacre:
- Protests Against the Rowlatt Act: The arrest of prominent leaders like Satyapal and Kitchlew led to widespread unrest in Punjab, where martial law was imposed. The gathering at Jallianwala Bagh, though initially for the Baisakhi celebrations, quickly turned into a peaceful protest against the oppressive measures.
- General Dyer's Orders: Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer, upon hearing of the gathering, arrived at the site with fifty soldiers. Without any warning to the crowd, Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on the unarmed civilians. The narrow entrances to the garden were blocked, leaving no means of escape for the panicked crowd.
- Indiscriminate Firing: The soldiers fired continuously for about 10 minutes, until they had exhausted their ammunition, releasing a total of 1650 rounds. The massacre left at least 1,000 people dead and over 1,500 wounded, although the actual number of casualties was believed to be much higher.
The massacre shocked the conscience of the Indian public and the world at large. It shattered any remaining illusions Indians had about the British government's fairness and justice. The brutal repression demonstrated through the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre became a rallying point for the Indian independence movement.
Aftermath and Reactions
Condemnation by Indian Leaders:
- The massacre was widely condemned by Indian leaders. Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood in protest, and Mahatma Gandhi gave up his title of "Kaiser-i-Hind," which had been awarded to him by the British for his work during the Boer War in South Africa.
- Leaders from across the political spectrum, including moderates and radicals, voiced their outrage. Gandhi, who had previously advocated for cooperation with the British, began to lean toward more radical approaches, realizing that the colonial rulers were unwilling to consider Indian aspirations for self-governance.
British Response and Hunter Commission:
- In response to public outrage, the British government set up the Hunter Commission to investigate the massacre. Although the commission condemned Dyer's actions as excessive, it did not impose any significant punishment on him. Dyer was relieved of his duties but returned to Britain without facing trial or substantial consequences.
- Despite the official condemnation, many in Britain, including sections of the British press and public, hailed Dyer as a hero. Notable figures such as Winston Churchill and former Prime Minister H.H. Asquith, however, criticized the massacre, calling it a barbaric act.
Long-Term Impact on Indian Politics:
- The massacre galvanized the Indian independence movement, shifting public sentiment decisively against the British. The event highlighted the stark contrast between the Indian demand for justice and the colonial administration's reliance on brute force.
- The Indian National Congress, under Gandhi's leadership, gained widespread support from all sections of Indian society. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre marked the beginning of a more determined push for complete independence rather than just reforms within the colonial system.
- In Punjab, revolutionary fervor grew stronger. Udham Singh, a revolutionary from Punjab, avenged the massacre by assassinating Michael O’Dwyer, the Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab at the time of the massacre, in London in 1940. O'Dwyer had supported Dyer’s actions and was seen as equally culpable.
Legacy of the Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Both the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre left indelible marks on the Indian psyche and contributed significantly to the rising demand for independence. The oppressive nature of the Rowlatt Act and the horrific violence of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre demonstrated the lengths to which the British government was willing to go to maintain its control over India. These events not only fueled anger and resentment against British rule but also unified different sections of Indian society in their struggle for freedom.
Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants:
- Rowlatt Act: This act was a blatant example of colonial oppression, where civil liberties were suspended, and individuals could be detained without trial, highlighting the growing authoritarianism of the British administration.
- Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: This tragic event serves as a reminder of the cruelty of the colonial regime, marking a turning point in India’s freedom struggle and intensifying the demand for complete independence.
