Table of Contents
Whats is the Rowlatt Act
- The Rowlatt Act was a law passed by the British government in 1919. It was introduced because the British wanted to control and stop all political activities they thought were dangerous.
- Key features of the Rowlatt Act included:
- Detention without trial: People could be put in jail without being given a chance to show they were innocent.
- In-camera trials: Trials were held privately without any public or jury.
- Press censorship: The government had more control over what newspapers could publish.
- Arrests without a warrant: The police could arrest anyone without needing a court order.
Gandhi’s Response and the Concept of Satyagraha
- Mahatma Gandhi was a leader who believed in fighting without violence which he called Satyagraha.
- Gandhi was not happy with the Rowlatt Act. He thought it was unfair and hurt people’s freedom. So he asked everyone in India to join him in a peaceful way to protest against this act.
- He called for a hartal where people would not go to work and instead join in peaceful demonstrations to show that they did not support the law.
The Satyagraha Movement
- Nationwide Hartal: Mahatma Gandhi asked people all over India to stop working and join in a hartal on April 6, 1919. This was to protest against the Rowlatt Act.
- Mass Participation: People from different parts of India including men, women, and children from various communities, joined the hartal. They did not go to work and gathered for peaceful protests.
- Non-Violent Protests: The protests were peaceful. People gathered chanted slogans, and showed their unity without using violence.
- British Government’s Response: The British government did not like these protests. They tried to stop them by arresting leaders including Gandhi and by using force against the protestors.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
- Events Leading to the Massacre: The protests were going strong, and many people gathered in Jallianwala Bagh Amritsar on April 13 1919 for a peaceful meeting.
- The Massacre: General Dyer a British officer ordered his troops to fire at the unarmed crowd without any warning. Many people were killed or injured in this tragic event.
- Impact of the Massacre: The massacre shocked everyone in India and around the world. It made many more people in India decide that they wanted freedom from British rule. It also showed how cruel the British could be, strengthening the Indian freedom struggle.
Impact and Significance of the Rowlatt Satyagraha
- Uniting Indian Society: The Rowlatt Satyagraha brought together people from all parts of India. Everyone regardless of their background or religion, joined hands to stand against the unfair Rowlatt Act. This unity was a powerful demonstration of Indians standing together for a common cause.
- Foundation for Future Movements: This movement was very important because it prepared the ground for future protests like the Non-Cooperation Movement. It showed that non-violent protests could really make a difference and challenge the British authorities.
Also Check – The Khilafat Movement- Agitation for Ottoman Caliphate’s preservation
Also Check – The Non-Cooperation Movement – Civil disobedience to end British rule
Key Figures in the Rowlatt Satyagraha
Mahatma Gandhi
- Role: He was the main leader of the Rowlatt Satyagraha.
- Contribution: Gandhi advocated for non-violent resistance to oppose the harsh Rowlatt Act. He believed in fighting without violence and inspired millions to follow this path.
Madan Mohan Malviya
- Role: A respected leader in the Indian National Congress.
- Contribution: Malviya was a strong opponent of the Rowlatt Act. He supported Gandhi’s call for Satyagraha and played a vital role in spreading the movement across India.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
- Role: He was a member of the Imperial Legislative Council at the time.
- Contribution: Jinnah showed his disapproval of the Rowlatt Act by resigning from the council marking a significant protest against the British policies.
Mazhar Ul Haq
- Role: Also a member of the Imperial Legislative Council.
- Contribution: Like Jinnah, Haq resigned from his position to protest against the Rowlatt Act showing his strong disagreement with the oppressive law.
Annie Besant
- Role: A prominent figure in the Indian independence movement.
- Contribution: Although Besant was not directly involved in the Satyagraha, she supported the protests and was vocal against the Rowlatt Act, using her influence to draw attention to its injustices.
Lala Bhagat Ram
- Role: Leader of protests in Ludhiana.
- Contribution: Bhagat Ram led the agitation in Ludhiana organising protests and mobilising local support against the Rowlatt Act.
Mian Abdul Haye
- Role: Another key leader in Ludhiana.
Contribution: Alongside Lala Bhagat Ram, Mian Abdul Haye played a crucial role in the protests helping to coordinate actions and engage the community.
