The Rowlatt Act (1919)
Emboldened by his early successes, Gandhiji in 1919 decided to launch a nationwide satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act (1919). The Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the united opposition of the Indian members. It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities and allowed the detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.
Mahatma Gandhi wanted non-violent civil disobedience against such unjust laws, starting with a hartal on 6 April. Rallies were organised, workers went on strike, and shops closed. Alarmed, the British administration decided to clamp down: local leaders were picked up in Amritsar, and Gandhi was barred from entering Delhi. On 10 April, the police in Amritsar fired on a peaceful procession, provoking attacks on banks, post offices and railway stations. Martial law was imposed and General Dyer took command.
The Jallianwalla Bagh Massacre
On 13 April 1919, the infamous Jallianwalla Bagh incident took place. A large crowd gathered in the enclosed ground — some to protest the repressive measures, others to attend the annual Baisakhi fair. Many villagers were unaware of the martial law. General Dyer entered, blocked the exit points, and opened fire, killing hundreds. His declared object was to 'produce a moral effect' — to create terror and awe in the minds of satyagrahis.
As the news spread, crowds took to the streets in many north Indian towns, with strikes and clashes. The government responded with brutal repression: satyagrahis were forced to rub their noses on the ground, crawl on the streets, and salute the sahibs; people were flogged and villages bombed. Seeing violence spread, Mahatma Gandhi called off the movement.
Questions and Answers
Q1. Why were Indians outraged by the Rowlatt Act? Ans. The Rowlatt Act was passed despite the united opposition of the Indian members of the Council. It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities and allowed the detention of political prisoners without trial for two years — a deeply unjust and repressive law.
Q2. What happened at Jallianwalla Bagh on 13 April 1919? Ans. A large crowd gathered in the enclosed ground of Jallianwalla Bagh, many unaware of the martial law. General Dyer blocked the exits and opened fire, killing hundreds. His object was to 'produce a moral effect' — to create terror among the people.
Questions and Answers (continued)
Q3. Why did General Dyer open fire at Jallianwalla Bagh, in his own words? Ans. Dyer declared that his object was to 'produce a moral effect' — to create in the minds of the satyagrahis a feeling of terror and awe.
Q4. Why did Mahatma Gandhi call off the Rowlatt satyagraha? Ans. As the news of Jallianwalla Bagh spread, the movement began to turn violent — with strikes, clashes and attacks on government buildings, met by brutal repression. Seeing violence spread, Mahatma Gandhi called off the movement.