Question

Write a short note on Rowlatt satyagraha.

Answer 1

Instruction: Talk about the following:

1. The background in which Rowlatt Act was passed.
2. Features of Rowlatt Act.
3. Aftermath of the Rowlatt Act.

Solution: After the First World War, people expected liberal political reforms from the British. But The Government of India Act 1919 was a huge disappointment. Besides, the government began to enforce the permanent extension of war time restrictions. The Rowlatt Act was enacted which provided for excessive police powers, arrest without
warrant and detention without trial.

Gandhi called it a ‘Black Act’ and in protest called for a nation-wide satyagraha on 6 April 1919. It was to be a non-violent struggle with fasting and prayer, and it was the earliest anti-olonial struggle spread across the country. It was was intense in Punjab, especially in Amritsar and Lahore. Gandhi was arrested and prevented from visiting Punjab.