Question

Explain the events that led to the Jallianwala Baug Massacre incident.

Answer 1

Instructions:
The answer to this question can be broken into three main parts:

1. Explain why the Rowlatt act was introduced.
2. Describe the steps taken against the Rowlatt act.
3. Describe how the movement against the Rowlatt Act became intense in Punjab and led to the Jallianwala Baug Incident.

Solution:

• The British promised the Indians self-governance in exchange for cooperation during the First World War. The British did not keep their promise, leading to discontent among the Indians.
• Sir Sydney Rowlatt introduced the Rowlatt Act as a measure against the discontent among the Indians. Under this act, the British government was allowed to arrest and imprison a person without any warrant or trial.
• Gandhi led protests against this act and the movement spread throughout India.
• The movement became intense in the Punjab province, especially Amritsar, in response to which the government arrested leaders like Dr Satyapal and Dr Kitchelu.
• The people opposed this and assembled at Jallianwala Baug on 13 April 1919 to display their protest.
• General Dyer closed the main gate and ordered his soldiers to open fire which led to the death of about 400 people. This incident came to be known as the Jallianwala Baug Massacre.