National Movement during WWI

● Home Rule Movement (1916)

● Lucknow Pact (1917)
● August Declaration (1917)

Home Rule Movement (1916)

Introduction
It was the response of Indian nationalists to World War I, and was influenced by the Irish Home
Rule Movement.
Factors responsible for the home rule movement

● Outbreak of World War I

o Popular unrest increased due to the rise in the price of essential goods. Coupled
with rationing and heavy taxation, the restless masses were primed for action.
o The government also restricted the civil liberties of Indians through a series of
the draconian legislations such as-
▪ Seditious Meetings Act 1907

▪ Indian Newspapers (incitement to offences) Act 1908

▪ Criminal Law Amendment Act 1908

▪ Indian Press Act 1910

▪ Defence of India Rules 1915

o Several young Indian soldiers had been killed, maimed, imprisoned during the
war. They had to face the added burden of racial discrimination while serving in
the British army.
o Moreover, the hypocrisy of the British was not lost upon Indians.
▪ On the one hand, they were fighting a war for democracy and freedom
and on the other hand, they were trampling India’s democratic rights and
political freedom.
 o Industrialists were also in support of political action as they believed that the
Indian National Congress and other political groups would be able to safeguard
their interest and preserve the gains made during World War I.

● Failure of ICA, 1909

o Indian nationalists, including moderates, were thoroughly disappointed with the
ICA 1909.
o In place of responsible government, it had introduced constitutional autocracy
and irresponsible government.
o British effort to divide and rule India by means of separate electorates was also
resented.

● Role of prominent leaders

o After being released in June 1914 Tilak was ready to resume leadership of the
Indian national movement.
▪ Having learned from previous mistakes, he worked to reunite moderates
and extremists.
▪ Simultaneously, he tried to pacify the government by disavowing radical
methods and pledging loyalty to the government.
▪ Thus, he succeeded in forging unity within the Indian National Congress
and softening British attitude.
o Mrs. Besant acted as a bridge between moderates and extremists, as well as
between the Indian National Congress and the government.

Leaders and their objectives

1914
● Tilak and Besant wanted the support of moderates as well as extremists, for which they
wanted to bring the extremists back in the fold of Indian National Congress, but their
attempts failed at the 1914 congress session.
1915
● Frustrated with the Congress, Besant launched a campaign in early 1915 to demand
self-government for India after World War I, on the lines of white colonies.
○ She campaigned through her newspapers New India and Commonweal.
○ She used public meetings and conferences to mobilise public opinion.
 ● At the 1915 session, the Congress decided to admit extremists next year but Besant
could not convince it to support her Home Rule demand.
● Ultimately Tilak and Besant decided to launch their separate leagues without the
Congress’s support.
1916
● In April 1916, Tilak launched his Home Rule League with its headquarters at Poona.
○ It had six branches covering the region of – Maharashtra except Bombay city,
Central Province, Karnataka, and Berar. Its demands were –
1. Swaraj
2. Linguistic provinces
3. Vernacular education
o Tilak refrained from using cultural or religious symbols to mobilise masses.
o His earlier brand of linguistic chauvinism and caste bias was also missing.
● In September 1916, Besant's Home Rule League was established with its headquarters
at Madras.
o It had 200 branches and was loosely organised as compared to Tilak’s league.
o It covered the rest of India, including Bombay city.
o George Arundale was the organising secretary.
o Other members included WB Wadia and CP Ramaswamy Aiyar.
● It was inspired by the Irish Home Rule League and demanded Swaraj, which she defined
as self-government for India along the lines of white colonies.
Nature and programmes of home rule movement
● The movement was non-violent and constitutionalist since the leaders did not want to
inconvenience the British during World War I.
○ They wanted to convince the British that a self-governed India would be a better
ally in the war.
○ This was to be achieved by creating a favourable public opinion towards Swaraj.
● Thus, the leagues worked to promote political education through discussions, meetings,
libraries and reading rooms.
○ To popularise the idea of home rule, newspapers (Kesari, Mahratta, New India,
Commonweal) were used.
● The extent of mass participation was greater than that in the Swadeshi Movement.
○ Both leagues attracted thousands of volunteers (Tilak - 30,000; Besant -27,000).
○ Further, members of Gokhale’s Servants of India Society also supported the
movement in large numbers.
○ They travelled extensively, and the branches at the office of the league became
grassroots organisations for political work.
 ● Several prominent leaders such as Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhulabhai Desai,
Madan Mohan Malviya, Jinnah, CR Das, Tej Bahadur Sapru and Lala Lajpat Rai, also
joined the movement.
○ They addressed public meetings and even headed local branches of leagues.
Though Mahatma Gandhi did not participate in the movement, he did address a
few meetings.
British Repression
Although the movement was peaceful and its leaders repeatedly pledged support to the war
effort, including Tilak, who appealed to the youth to join the military, the British made every
effort to suppress it –
a) The Indian Press Act 1910 was liberally used to silence opposition
b) The Defence of India Rules were used to preventively detain Indians
c) The violent apparatus of the colonial regime was used to disperse peaceful public
meetings
d) Prominent leaders were targeted.
○ Tilak was charged with sedition and gave the slogan ‘Swaraj is my birthright and
I shall have it’.
○ Annie Besant was also arrested, and released only after nationwide protests.
S. Subramanian Aiyar renounced his knighthood as a symbol of protest.

Significance of movement
The movement marked India’s awakening from a long period of political slumber.
● It revived mass politics and activism for the first time since the Surat split.
○ It popularised the concept of swaraj and revived the lost confidence of Indians,
thus creating a new generation of nationalists.
● The participation of volunteers and lakhs of other Indians prepared the foundation of
mass politics during the Gandhian phase.
○ The political organisation created during the movement acted as the backbone of
mass Gandhian movements, such as the Rowlatt Satyagraha and the Khilafat-Non
Cooperation Movement.
● The August Declaration (1917) and the Montford Reforms (1919) were also influenced
by the Home Rule demand.
 Lucknow Session (1916)
1. Re-entry of extremists into Indian National Congress
At the Lucknow session 1916, the Indian National Congress formally allowed the extremists to
re-join. This was brought about by the following factors-
● Old controversies had become meaningless
● Both groups realised that the Surat Split had retarded progress.
● Tilak and Besant had made rigorous efforts for reconciliation.
● The moderate old guards, such as Pherozshah Mehta, and Gokhale, had died. This
reopened the gates of extremists to enter Indian National Congress as they had led the
opposition against the extremists.
2. Lucknow Pact
Background
● During the course of World War I, Indians faced many hardships such as shortage of
food, price rise and general disruption in normal life. Many young Indian soldiers fighting
for the British cause had been killed or maimed.
○ Thus, discontent among Indians was fuelling mass unrest, which was perceived
by the nationalists as an opportunity to unite Indians.
● The nature of the leadership in Indian National Congress and all India Muslim league
had undergone a sea change.
○ Tilak had given up his policy of cultural nationalism. He wanted to engage the
Muslim masses in the national movement.
○ The young Muslim League leadership under Jinnah and the Ali brothers was
modern, progressive, nationalist and secular.
● The Home Rule Movement had also drawn support from both the Congress and All India
Muslim League leaders.
○ Both felt that common action could bring fruitful results in the future.
The Pact-

a) The Indian National Congress and All India Muslim league agreed to hold their
annual sessions jointly.
b) Both would work jointly towards Swaraj.
c) The Congress would not oppose separate electorates.
d) 1/3 seats in the Central Legislature would be reserved for Muslims
e) If a bill which affected the cultural interests of the minority community is opposed
by the majority of that community, it would not be passed.
f) The leaders would promote communal harmony.
Significance
● The pact brought top Congress an Muslim League leaders onto a common platform to
work jointly towards communal harmony.
○ Thus, communal relations improved remarkably especially in the short term.
○ This unity was also reflected during powerful mass movements such as the
Rowlatt Satyagraha and Khilafat-Non Cooperation Movement.
● The unity between the two communities also pressured the government to introduce
reforms such as the August Declaration (1917), and the Government of India Act (1919).
● However the Congress’s acceptance of separate electorates proved to be disastrous in
the long run.

August Declaration/ Montague’s

Statement/ Montague’s Declaration
(1917)
● In August 1917 the Secretary of State for India, Lord Montague declared in the British
House of Commons, that the ultimate goal of constitutional reforms was to prepare
India for self rule and grant dominant status within the British Empire.
○ The demand for swaraj could thus, no longer be considered seditious.
○ However, the declaration was deliberately vague and contained no concrete plan
or time limit for the grant of self rule.
 National Movement during WWI
QUESTION 1

Q. Annie Besant was [2013]

1. responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement

2. the founder of the Theosophical Society
3. once the President of the Indian National Congress

Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements in context of the impact of First World War on India and
the world:

1. The First World War led to the economic miseries of the people of India.
2. Indian Industry got promoted during the First World War.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q2. Consider the following statements:

1. Annie Besant set up her league in September 1916, in Madras.

2. Mahatma Gandhi served as the honorary president of her league.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q3. In context of the freedom struggle during the Home Rule League Movement, who among
the following renounced his knighthood in protest against the arrest of Annie Besant?

(a) Rabindranath Tagore

(b) Satyendra Prasad Sinha
(c) S. Subramaniya Aiyer
(d) None of the above

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Montague’s August Statement:

1. It was announced to offer conciliations to the Nationalists in the aftermath of the Swadeshi
Movement.
2. The statement proclaimed that British policy would aim at progressive realisation of
responsible government in India, independent of the British Empire.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q5. Consider the following:

1. The Second World War had started and people had begun to feel the burden of wartime
miseries.
2. Bitter repression of the Ghadar Movement had aroused feelings of resentment against British
Rule.

Which of the above became a factor behind the popular support for the Home Rule League?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q6. Arrange the following events in correct chronological order:

1. Lucknow Pact
2. Formation of Tilak’s League
3. Formation of All India Home Rule League by Annie Besant.
4. Montague’s Statement declaring that British policy would aim at gradual development of self-
governing institutions in India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1-3-2-4
(b) 3-2-1-4
(c) 2-3-1-4
(d) 3-2-4-1

Q7. Consider the following statements, where (A) is an assertion and (R) is the reason for the
assertion made:

(A) Annie Besant’s League had 200 branches all over India while Tilak’s League comprised only
6 Branches.
(R) Annie Besant’s League was loosely organised as compared to Tilak’s League.

Using the codes below, select the correct answer:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct reason for (A)
(b) Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true, (R) is false
(d) (R) is true, (A) is false

Q8. In context of freedom struggle during Home Rule Movement, consider the following
statements:

1. Campaign under Bal Gangadhar Tilak had religious undertones to it, which became a reason
for the weakness of the Home Rule Movement.
2. Tilak was criticised for being a social conservative.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q9. In the context of Nationalist Response to World War I, which of the following statements are
true?

1. Congress supported the war efforts of the British.

2. Tilak urged all Indians to support Britain during its hour of crisis in the first World War.
3. Revolutionary extremists wanted to take advantage of Britain’s weakness during the first
World War.

Which of the statements given above is/are true?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
 Mahatma Gandhi
Events in South Africa
Mahatma Gandhi reached South Africa in 1893 to represent Dadabhai Abdulla & Co. in a
business related case.
During a train journey in 1894, he was discriminated against by the railway staff, forcing him to
re-evaluate his position about the English and their behaviour. This gave birth to a ‘new Gandhi’.
He mobilised Indians, who were working mostly as labourers in the mines and plantations or as
traders and were facing racial discrimination.
● Gandhiji’s political movement in South Africa may be divided into two phases-
o Moderate phase (1894-1906)
o Satyagraha phase (1906-1914)

● He established 2 political organisations

o Natal Indian Congress/ Indian Natal Association (1894)
o Passive Resistance Association (1907)

● He edited and published a political journal known as ‘Indian Opinion’

● He also established 2 Ashrams-

o Phoenix Ashram
o Tolstoy Farm

● During the Boer War, he was awarded the Kaiser-i Hind Medal for his wartime medical
relief mission, the ‘Natal Indian Ambulance Corps’

● He was also able to get some discriminatory laws against Indians repealed
o Marriage Law
o Poll Tax
o Asiatic Registration Bill
o Disenfranchisement Bill of Natal
Gandhiji’s Thought

Religious Thought
He was inspired by Bhagwat Gita, Jain philosophy, scriptures of other religions such as
Christianity and Islam, and by his parents, especially his mother.
He believed that-
● Truth and God cannot be separated.
● The spirit/ soul of a religion is more important than its body or form.
● Different religions are different routes for the same destination.

Political Thought

He was influenced by the writings of

● Thoreau,
● Ruskin,
● Tolstoy and
● His own experiments.

Satyagraha

Based on these, he evolved his own political philosophy an strategy known as Satyagraha, which
involves-
● Search for the truth
● Insistence upon the truth
● Making God as witness
● No fear of consequences
● Trying to change the opponents’ heart and mind through self-suffering
Thus, Satyagraha is a kind of passive resistance involving the search for and insistence upon the
truth, making God as witness, and without any fear of consequences, trying to change the heart
and mind of opponents through self-suffering.
The Vows and Virtues of a satyagrahis include-
● Truth
● Non violence
● Control over the palate
● Celibacy (Brahmacharya)
● Physical/ manual labour
● Fearlessness
● Self-reliance and self sufficiency
 ● Fight against untouchability
Sarvodaya and Antyodaya
According to Mahatma Gandhi, human welfare should be the primary objective of all political,
economic and social endeavours.
● Any progress which is experienced by a few, without benefitting the bulk of the society,
is meaningless.
● According to him, nobody should be excluded from the fruits of progress.
● Further, he emphasised on prioritising the interests of the most needy in the society.
● He believed that a righteous action is one which brings benefit for those who are living
on the margins of the society.
Swaraj and Swadeshi
For Gandhiji, Swaraj meant not only political independence but also self-sufficiency and
self-reliance.
● It stood for freedom from the economic, social and philosophical bondage to foreign
rule.
● Swadeshi emerged as a central idea of his movement with the Charkha and Khadi as its
enduring symbols.
Trusteeship
Gandhiji believed in the capacity of different sections to look out for each other's interest.
● Instead of conflict, he believed in fostering cooperation between classes, communities,
linguistic groups, castes and genders.
● According to him it was the duty of the more privileged sections to protect, serve and
maintain the dignity of the underprivileged.
 Early Gandhian movements in India
In 1915- 1916, Gandhiji travelled extensively on the advice of Gokhale, his political mentor, and
continued to do so throughout his life. He met with the people of diverse cultures and
understood the pulse of Indians. Thus, he did not take part in any political movement for a year.
1917 - Champaran Satyagraha - First Civil Disobedience
Issue
● The peasants of Champaran wanted freedom from the Tinkathia System, under
which they were contractually obligated to grow indigo on 3/20th of their land.
○ Not only had indigo cultivation become unprofitable, it was also
degrading the soil.

● However European planters demanded heavy monetary compensation from the

peasants to free them-
○ Shahbarbeshi - Rent Enhancement
○ Tawan - Lump-sum Compensation

Leaders
At the request of Raj Kumar Shukla, a local peasant, Gandhiji visited Champaran, along
with-
● Dr. Rajendra Prasad
● Mazhar ul Haq
● A N Sinha
● Bhulabhai Desai
● Narhari Parekh
● JB Kriplani
They took stock of the situation.

Outcome
● Gandhiji advised the peasants not to grow indigo in order to pressurise the
planters.
● He also appealed to the government to appoint an inquiry commission.
○ Thus, the Indigo Inquiry Commission was finally appointed, in which
Gandhiji was also a member.
● The Commission recommended that peasants could not be forced to grow any
crops against their choice.
Thus, the first satyagraha in India was successful.
1918 - Ahmedabad Mill Strike - First Hunger Strike
Issue
The cotton mill workers of Ahmedabad were demanding the continuation of the Plague
Bonus from the Indian mill owners.
Outcome
● Gandhiji led the workers and advised them to go on strike.
● He himself went on a fast to mobilise workers at a larger scale and to draw
publicity.
● The mill owners finally agreed to refer the matter to a tribunal, which awarded a
25% bonus as against 50% demanded by the workers.
● Gandhiji advised the workers to accept it.
1918 - Kheda Satyagraha - First Non Cooperation
Issue
The peasants of Kheda (Gujarat) demanded exemption from land revenue on account of
crop failure due to a severe drought.
Outcome
● Gandhiji sent Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Indulal Yagnik to meet the peasants.
■ After confirmation, he advised the peasants not to cooperate with the
revenue officials.
● The peasants mobilised themselves, held several meetings and Mahatma Gandhi
addressed a few of these.
● The agitated mood of the presents and the preparedness of leaders for a big
peasant movement compelled the authorities to issue an internal circular, which
stated that tax should only be collected from those peasants who were in the
position to pay.
■ Gandhiji advised the farmers to comply with the order.
 Early Gandhian movements in India
QUESTION 1

Q. What was the first venture by Gandhiji in all India politics? [1999]

(a) Non-Cooperation
(b) Rowaltt Satyagraha
(c) ChamparanMovement
(d) Dandi March

QUESTION 2

Q. Where did Gandhiji launch his first successful Satyagraha after returning from South
Africa? [2000]

(a) Chauri Chaura

(b) Dandi
(c) Champaran
(d) Bardoli

QUESTION 12

Q. At which one of the following places did Mahatma Gandhi first start his satyagraha in
India?

(a) Ahmedabad
(b) Bardoli
(c) Champaran
(d) Kheda

Practice Questions

Q1. Which of the following Journals were NOT established by Gandhiji?

(a) Indian Opinion

(b) New India
(c) Both a and b
(d) None of the above
Q2. In context of Gandhiji’s initial political struggle in India, arrange the following events in
correct chronological sequence:

1. Ahmedabad Mill Strike

2. Kheda Satyagraha
3. Champaran Satyagraha

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 2-3-1
(b) 1-3-2
(c) 3-1-2
(d) 3-2-1

Q3. Which of the following pairs are NOT correctly matched?

Satyagraha Reason for Satyagraha

1. Champaran – 1917 Failure of British authorities to compensate

the farmers for the drought.

2. Ahmedabad – 1918 Discontinuation of plague bonus by mill

owners and reluctance to hike the wages.

3. Kheda – 1918 Forcing peasants to grow Indigo on 3/20 part

of total land.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Q4. Consider the following statements:

1. Champaran Satyagraha was the first act of Civil Disobedience by Gandhiji in India.
2. Champaran Satyagraha was undertaken by Gandhiji against the ‘Tinkathia’ system that
exploited the Indigo Farmers.

Which of the statements given above is/are true?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
 Rising Post War Discontent
● Rowlatt Act and Satyagraha (1919)
● Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and Hunter Inquiry Commission (1919)
● Government of India Act (1919)
● Khilafat Issue

Rowlatt Act and Satyagraha (1919)

Rowlatt Act
On the recommendation of the Sedition Committee/ Rowlatt Committee, the Rowlatt Act was
passed in early 1919, which made the wartime restrictions under the Defence of India Rules
permanent.
● As per this act, any Indian could be arrested on the suspicion of sedition and held
without trial for a period of two years.
Rowlatt Satyagraha
This came as a huge shock to Indian nationalists who had firmly supported the British war
effort. They were expecting liberal reforms but were handed the draconian Rowlatt Act instead.
Thus, nationalists of all political shades condemned the act.
● Elected members of the Imperial Legislative Council resigned in protest
○ Jinnah, Madan Mohan Malviya and Mazhar-ul-Haq.
● Recognising the presence of a revolutionary situation and the disarray within the INC,
Gandhiji condemned the act and
○ Formed the Satyagraha Sabha to mobilise the masses.
■ He also roped in members of the Home Rule Leagues and pan-Islamists.
○ To mobilise the common people, he started the Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabha
(All Religions Prayer Meet).
○ He gave the call for an All-India Strike on 6 April, 1919. The success of the strike
alarmed the government.
● Leaders
○ Delhi - Dr. MA Ansari and Asaf Ali.
○ Punjab - Dr. Satya Pal Malik and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew.
Major programmes of Rowlatt Satyagraha
● National Strike
● Fasting and prayer
● Civil disobedience of certain laws
● Courting arrest

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

The situation in Punjab was already tense due to wartime difficulties such as price rise, diseases,
and forcible conscription.
● It became explosive when martial law was imposed to pacify the Rowlatt Satyagraha.
● On 13 April, 1919, protesters gathered at the Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar to protest the
arrest of Dr. Malik and Dr. Kitchlew. This coincided with Baisakhi celebrations, which
were also taking place in the same garden.
○ The previous day, a government proclamation had banned all meetings,
gatherings, however, the information had not been circulated. As a result, there
were 6000 to 10,000 people present at Jalliawala Bagh, a garden enclosed on
three sides by walls, with only one entrance.
○ General Dyer entered the garden with his troops, blocked the only exit and
without warning the people to disperse, commanded his troops to open fire.
○ As a result, thousands were slaughtered, although the official figure was 379.
Gandhiji was shocked by the overwhelming atmosphere of total violence.
● He admitted that he had committed a ‘Himalayan Blunder’ by offering the weapon of
Satyagraha to people who were insufficiently trained in nonviolent Passive Resistance.
He withdrew the Rowlatt Satyagraha on 18 April, 1919.
○ He also declared that cooperation with the satanic regime was no longer
possible, thus hinting at the mass movement in the near future.
● Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood and Gandhiji returned the Kaiser-i Hind
Medal.
Hunter Inquiry Committee
● A 7 member Disorders Inquiry Committee, consisting of three Indians, was set up under
the chairmanship of William Hunter.
○ It found General Dyer guilty but did not impose any penalty on him.
● Even though he was relieved of command, General Dyer received a hero’s welcome in
England.
○ The British House of Lords praised him for his ‘brave act’, thus endorsing his
actions in Amritsar.
 Rowlatt Act and Satyagraha (1919)
QUESTION 1

Q. Who was the Viceroy of India when the Rowlatt Act was passed? [2008]

(a) Lord Irwin

(b) Lord Reading
(c) Lord Chelmsford
(d) Lord Wavell

QUESTION 2

Q. With reference to Rowlatt Satyagraha, which of the following statements is/ are correct?
[2015]

1. The Rowlatt Act was based on the recommendations of the 'Sedition Committee'.
2. In Rowlatt Satyagraha, Gandhiji tried to utilise the Home Rule League.
3. Demonstrations against the arrival of the Simon Commission coincided with Rowlatt
Satyagraha.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

QUESTION 3

Q. During the Indian Freedom Struggle, why did the Rowlatt Act arouse popular indignation?
[2009]

(a) It curtailed the freedom of religion

(b) It suppressed the Indian traditional education
(c) It authorised the government to imprison people without trial
(d) It curbed the trade union activities
QUESTION 4

Q. The name of the famous person of India who returned the Knighthood conferred on him by
the British Government as a token of protest against the atrocities in Punjab in 1919 was:
[2004]

(a) Tej Bahadur Sapru

(b) Ashutosh Mukherjee
(c) Rabindra Nath Tagore
(d) Syed Ahmed Khan

QUESTION 5

Q. Which one of the following aroused a wave of popular indignation that led to the massacre
by the British at Jallianwala Bagh? [2007]

(a) The Arms Act

(b) The Public Safety Act
(c) The Rowlatt Act
(d) The Vernacular Press Act
Practice Questions

Q1. Consider the following statements in context of Rowlatt Act:

1. It was passed after the Montford reforms were put into effect.
2. It was an extension to the Defence of India Regulation Act.
3. It was based on recommendation of a British commission meant to investigate seditious
conspiracy against British Rule.

Which of the statements given above is/are INCORRECT?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. “Disorders Inquiry Committee” was set up in the aftermath of:

(a) Ghadar Conspiracy

(b) Rowatt Satyagraha
(c) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
(d) Chittagong Armoury Raid

Q3. Consider the following statements about Hunter Commission that was established in the
aftermath of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre:

1. It was an all-white Commission.

2. It upheld the actions of General Dyer in Amritsar on the day of Baisakhi in 1919.

Which of the statements given above is/are INCORRECT?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
 Government of India Act (1919)/
Montague-Chelmsford Reforms/
Montford Reforms
Background
● The August Declaration 1917 had promised constitutional reforms, designed to
introduce responsible government.
○ On the basis of this declaration Montague and Chelmsford prepared the
Montford Report (1918). Its recommendations were codified in the Government
of India Act 1919.
● The Home Rule Movement, re-entry of extremists in the Congress, success of 3 Early
Gandhian Satyagrahas and the fallout of the Rowlatt Satyagraha along with the
additional outrage caused by the Jalliawalah Bagh massacre, had greatly intensified
nationalism. Thus, the government was compelled to introduce the Montford reforms as
a measure to pacify nationalists.

Provisions

1. It introduced bicameral legislature at the centre

● The lower house was known as the Central Legislative Assembly
o 145 members (104 elected, 41 nominated)
o Term - 3 years.
● The upper house known as the Council of States
o 60 members (36 elected, 24 nominated)
o Term - 5 years
2. The state wise allocation of seats in the central legislature was on the basis of
importance.
● For example financial importance for Bombay and military importance for
Punjab.
3. It provided for two legislative lists.
○ Central list and the Provincial list.
○ Residuary powers lay with the Governor General
4. It also introduced executive Dyarchy at the Provincial level -
○ Subjects of provincial administration were further divided into the Reserved and
Transferred lists
 ■ The reserved subjects were administered by the Governor on the aid and
the advice of the Executive Council
■ The transferred subjects were was administered by the Governor on the
aid and advice of the Council of Ministers
5. At the provincial level, a partially responsible government was introduced but the
concept of responsible government was completely missing at the centre.
6. Legislators had the power to –
○ Ask questions and supplementaries
○ Pass adjournment motions
○ Vote on parts of budget
7. The principle of direct election was introduced but voting qualifications remained in
place.
8. Women got the right to vote for the first time.
9. 3/8 members of the Governor General's Executive Council would be Indians.
10. An Indian High Commissioner, stationed at London, would represent the Indian
government.
11. The expenses and salaries of the Secretary of State for India and his India Council would
be borne by the British exchequer
12. Elected governments could be removed by the Governors arbitrarily
13. In the provincial legislatures, the introduction of a bill needed the prior approval of the
governor.
14. The governor could also-
○ veto bills
○ restore cuts to the budget
15. The Governor General of India also had the power to-
○ certify bills
○ restore cuts
○ make ordinances for all of British India
16. Separate electorates were granted to-
○ Sikhs
○ Anglo Indians
○ Indian Christians

Critical evaluation
This act failed to fulfil nationalists' aspirations, who had been eagerly awaiting liberal reforms in
line with the spirit of the August Declaration.
● It became controversial especially due to the introduction of Dyarchy in the provinces.
○ The division of subjects between the reserved and the transferred lists was
unscientific and irrational.
 ○ All the subjects of greater importance were kept in the reserved list while the
transferred list had subjects of lesser importance.
○ Elected ministers would have to constantly seek the approval of British officials. It
led to constant friction and poor governance.

● The act had a number of other shortcomings such as

○ The lack of universal adult franchise. Out of a total population of 26 Crore, only
15 Lakh Indians were eligible to vote.
○ The system of separate electorates along communal lines had been expanded
further, thus threatening the unity of India.
○ The Governor General and Governors continued to enjoy overreaching powers
which made responsible government a quickly vanishing fiction.
○ Although the number of elected members in the chamber had been increased,
the presence of the large number of nominated members went against the
principle of popular sovereignty.
Thus, the Government of India act 1919 was designed to give the appearance of introducing
responsible self government, while expanding the scope of constitutional autocracy. It became
one of the reasons for the surge in mass politics during the early 1920s.
 Montford Reforms, 1919
QUESTION 1

Q. The Montague-Chelmsford Report formed the basis of: [2004]

(a) the Indian Councils Act, 1909

(b) the Government of India Act, 1919
(c) the Government of India Act, 1935
(d) the Indian Independence Act, 1947

QUESTION 2

Q. The Montague-Chelmsford Proposals were related to- [2016]

(a) Social reforms

(b) Educational reforms
(c) Reforms in police administration
(d) Constitutional reforms

QUESTION 3

Q. Which of the following is/are the principal features of Government of India Act 1919?
[2012]

1. Introduction of dyarchy in the executive government of the provinces.

2. Introduction of separate communal electorates of Muslims.
3. Devolution of legislative authority by the centre to the provinces.

Choose the correct answer from the following options:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 only

QUESTION 4

Q. In the context of Indian history, the principle of ‘Dyarchy’ refers to- [2017]
 (a) Division of central legislature into two houses
(b) Introduction of double government i.e., central and state governments
(c) Having two sets of rulers; one in London and another in Delhi
(d) Division of the subjects delegated to the provinces into two categories

Previous Years Questions

Q1. In context of Government of India Act 1919, which of the following statements is correct?

(a) It established a unicameral legislature at the centre.

(b) It established dyarchy in Provinces of British India.
(c) Term of the Central Legislative Assembly was fixed at 5 years.
(d) Governor General’s special power of certification was abolished.

Q2. In context of dyarchy introduced by Government of India Act 1919, consider the following
statements:

1. Transferred Subjects included police,communication, irrigation & defence.

2. Reserved Subjects included control over education, health, currency and industries.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q3. Which of the following statements are NOT true with regard to the Legislative Assembly
formed under Government of India Act 1919?

1. Elected members of the Assembly were to be directly elected.

2. The assembly seats among provinces were distributed on the basis of population of a
province.
3. System of Communal Electorate was expanded.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Khilafat-Non-Cooperation Movement
Khilafat Movement (1919-1922)
Issue
● The Khilafat Movement was a pan-Islamist movement launched in all countries with
sizable Muslim populations, including India, during and after the First World War.
○ Khilafat stands for the office of Khalifa (Caliph), who is considered to be the
spiritual and political leader of the Islamic world by a section of Muslims.
● The Khilafatists were concerned that the allies would
○ dismember the Ottoman Empire,
○ topple the Caliph and
○ desecrate holy Islamic sites such as Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem.
Leaders and Nature
● Indian Muslims organised themselves into several Provincial Khilafat Committees and in
early 1919, prominent Muslim leaders such as the Ali brothers, Maulana Azad, Hakim
Ajmal Khan, Hasrat Mohani and Abdul Bari formed the All India Khilafat Committee
(AIKC) at Bombay.
● Their demands were as follows –
○ The Caliph’s control over the holy Islamic sites should continue
○ The Caliph should be left with sufficient territories
● MA Jauhar even led a deputation to Europe to convince the allies not to treat the Caliph
too harshly.
● They began mobilising Indian Muslims for the Khilafat cause through speeches and
public meetings.
● When it became clear that the British would impose a harsh treaty on Turkey, a militant
trend emerged within the movement.
○ Khilafat leaders gave a call for boycott and non-cooperation.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)

Background
● After cooperating whole-heartedly with the British during World War I, Indian
nationalists had expected that British victory would be followed by a liberal policy and
sweeping reforms.
 ● However, Indian trust was betrayed through the 1919 Wrongs.
○ Rowlatt Act
○ Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
○ Hunter Commission
○ Dyarchy
○ Khilafat
● Gandhiji considered the khilafat issue to be a golden opportunity to cement
Hindu-Muslim unity.
○ Recent events such as the Home Rule Movement, Lucknow Pact and Rowlatt
Satyagraha, had also prepared the ground for common action by Hindus and
Muslims.
Merger with the Khilafat Movement

1. January 1920 - Gandhiji was made the head of the AIKC.

○ He toured the country extensively with the Ali brothers to raise support for the
Khilafat issue. He was able to attract both Muslims and Hindus.

2. June 1920 - dissatisfied by the lack of government response, an All-Party Conference was
convened at Allahabad.
○ It gave the call for the boycott of British goods and institutions.

3. 1st August,1920 - Tilak passed away and the draft of the Treaty of Sevres was made
public.
○ This precipitated massive spontaneous protests by the Muslims masses in various
cities.

4. 31st August 1920 – the AIKC officially launched the Non-Cooperation Movement with a
programme of:
○ Boycott & Non-cooperation

5. 4th September 1920 - the Indian National Congress also gave a call for the
Non-Cooperation Movement in its special session at Calcutta, including the programmes
of
○ Boycott
○ Non-cooperation
○ Promotion of Khadi and Charkha (Swadeshi)
■ C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru were not convinced with the strategy of
Satyagraha
■ Jinnah objected to the Congress, a secular party, raising a religious issue.
Thus, they opposed the resolution.
 6. December 1920 - the Congress endorsed the Non-Cooperation Resolution at its annual
session in Nagpur, with the following demands-
○ Swaraj
○ Undoing Punjab Wrongs
○ Undoing Khilafat Wrongs
The resolution was moved by C.R. Das and seconded by Motilal Nehru however, Jinnah
still opposed it.
● In the same session, the Indian National Congress was democratised and
decentralised.
● It gave up its commitment to the use of purely constitutional methods to achieve
its goals, thus reflecting its growing radicalism.
Programmes of the Khilafat Non-Cooperation Movement

● English goods were boycotted and burnt publicly.

o Peaceful picketing of shops selling foreign goods was done

● English law courts were boycotted and several lawyers such as CR Das, Motilal Nehru,
Jawaharlal Nehru, Asaf Ali and others resigned from the Bar.

● Many nationalists resigned from government service, for example Subhash Chandra
Bose left the ICS.

● Many Indians renounced titles and honours bestowed upon them by the British.

● English schools and colleges were boycotted, and nationalists schools were established
under leaders such as Acharya Narendra Dev, CR Das, Lala Lajpat Rai, Zakir Hussain etc.
o The National College was set up at Calcutta with Subhash Chandra Bose as its
principal.
o The following institutions were also set up-
■ Kashi Vidyapeeth (Banaras)
■ Bihar Vidyapeeth (Patna)
■ Jamia Millia (Aligarh)

● Nationalist’s courted arrest to fill up the British jails.

● Workers also answered the call for non-cooperation and organised strikes and lockouts
in many industrial towns.
 ● Tilak Swaraj Fund was set up for organising nationalist activity.
o It aimed to raise 50 lakh rupees in three months. It was oversubscribed and
collected more than 1 crore rupees.

Salient features

● It was the first All-India mass movement in the true sense. Peasants, workers, traders,
students, intellectuals and women participated in large numbers.
○ It also witnessed both rural and urban popular support.

● Gandhiji became the undisputed leader of the Indian national movement due to the
remarkable success of his satyagraha strategy.

● He was able to effectively link political, cultural and socio-economic issues through
programmes such as-
○ Khadi programme
○ Village reconstruction programme
○ Anti-Liquor programme
○ Anti-Untouchability programme
○ Hindu-Muslim unity programme
○ Sarva Dharma Prarthana Sabhas

● Swaraj became a household slogan and the masses displayed unprecedented levels of
energy and radicalism.
○ Gandhiji had assured them that Swaraj would be attained within a year.
○ Moreover, his strategy of non violent satyagraha had removed the fear of
government repression from their minds.

● The NCM played a significant role in liberating women, who participated in large
numbers.
○ Gandhiji achieved this by linking the private sphere (the traditional domain of
Indian women) with the public sphere through innovative programmes such as
Khadi, Charkha, Anti-liquor movement and Prarthana Sabhas.

● Hindu Muslim unity emerged as one of the most prominent features of this movement
as both communities stood shoulder to shoulder with each other against the British.
○ However, this unity could not last, blemished as it was by the Moplah riots.
Withdrawal of the movement

● 5th February 1922- 22 policemen were burnt alive by an angry mob at Chauri Chaura
(Gorakhpur).
● 12th February 1922- the Congress working committee convened at Bardoli and Gandhiji
decided to unilaterally withdraw the NCM.
○ Bardoli Resolution of the CWC resolved to-
■ Stop all activity leading to law breaking
■ Start a programme of constructive work in the villages
● Prominent Congress leaders such as CR Das, Motilal Nehru, Jawaharlal Nehru and
Subhash Chandra Bose expressed anguish at this sudden withdrawal.
● Muslims were disillusioned with the Congress and Gandhiji; they felt betrayed, and thus,
unity suffered.
● The failure of the NCM also resulted in the revival of revolutionary activity.
● In March 1922, Gandhiji was arrested and sentenced to six years imprisonment.

Interpretation of NCM’s withdrawal

● Marxist historians
○ They have levelled the charge that Gandhiji was motivated by his desire to
preserve the privileges of Zamindars.
○ Peasants in Awadh had started a radical movement, including revolt against both
the British and Zamindars.
○ Since Gandhiji wanted a campaign only against the British, he withdrew the non
cooperation movement.

● Nationalist historians
○ They emphasise that Gandhiji was shocked at the heinously violent mood of the
masses, which was against the strategy of peaceful satyagraha.
■ He anticipated the heavy hand of government repression and the cycle of
counter violence, which would surely follow.
○ A sustained struggle was also not part of his strategy of mass struggle. He
believed that the masses have a finite ability to mobilise at high intensity, after
which they would show signs of fatigue.
■ Bipan Chandra has identified this strategy of struggle as the STS-PCP
method (Struggle-Truce-Struggle – Pressure-Compromise-Pressure)
 Khilafat-Non-Cooperation Movement
QUESTION 1

Q. Which of the following were the main objectives of the Khilafat Movement? [1993]

1. To raise anti British feelings among the Muslims of India.

2. To reform the Muslim society.
3. To demand separate electorates and preserve the Caliphate.
4. To save the Ottoman Empire and preserve the Caliphate.

Choose the correct answer from the following options:

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 4

QUESTION 2

Q. During the Indian freedom struggle, who among the following proposed that Swaraj should
be defined as complete independence free from all foreign control? [2004]

(a) Mazharul Haque

(b) Maulana Hasrat Mohani
(c) Hakim Ajmal Khan
(d) Abul Kalam Azad

QUESTION 3

Q. Assertion (A): Gandhi stopped the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922.

Reason (R): Violence at Chauri-Chaura led him to stop the movement. [1998]

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
 QUESTION 4

Q. Consider the following events during India's freedom struggle: [2004]

1. Chauri-Chaura Outrage
2. Minto-Morley Reforms
3. Dandi March
4. Montague-Chelmsford Reforms

Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the events above?

(a) 1,3,2,4
(b) 2,4,1,3
(c) 1,4,2,3
(d) 2,3,1,4

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Consider the following statements in context of All India Khilafat Committee:

1. It was formed in early 1919 to agitate against the Rowlatt Act.

2. Gandhiji became its president.
3. Khilafat leaders followed militant methods of agitation like boycotting British goods.

Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) None of the above

Q2. Consider the following statements in context of Non-Cooperation Khilafat Movement:

1. Congress leaders like CR Das, were unwilling to boycott the councils.

2. All Congress candidates boycotted council elections of November 1920.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q3. Consider the following statements in context of Non-Cooperation Movement:

1. There was no sign of Hindu-Muslim discord during the entire movement.

2. The movement received active support from revolutionary nationalists as well.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q4. The programme of Non-Cooperation included which of the following?

1. Surrender of titles and honorary offices

2. Refusal to attend government darbars and official functions
3. Setting up national education institutions

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the above

Q5. Which of the following was NOT the reason for withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation
Movement?

1. Chauri Chaura incident of February 1922.

2. The movement was turning into a no-rent movement against zamindars in some places.
3. The movement had reached its ebb by the end of 1921.
4. The government promised concessions to the Nationalists.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 4 only
Q6. Consider the following statements about Nagpur Session of Congress in 1920:

1. It marked the formal launch of the Non-Cooperation movement.

2. It was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi.
3. It adopted a new Constitution of Congress.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q7. Which of the following CANNOT be regarded as a consequence/s of the Non-Cooperation

Movement?

1. Removal of fear of the British from the minds of the masses.

2. Stirring anti-British feelings among Muslims of India.
3. Strengthening of Hindu-Muslim unity
4. Communalisation of Indian politics

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 3 and 4 only

Q9. Which of the following was NOT associated with the Khilafat Movement?

(a) Treaty of Sevres

(b) Programme of Non-Cooperation
(c) Arrest of Saifuddin Kitchlew
(d) Boycott of government jobs
 Controversy within the Congress/
Swaraj Party
Introduction
After Gandhiji’s arrest, there was no clarity on the future course of action and two groups
emerged within the Congress. They differed from each other on the question of council entry.
Swarajists/ Pro-Changers

● They wanted to end the boycott of legislative councils and contest in the upcoming
election
○ According to them, council entry would prevent the government from stuffing
the councils with loyalists.
○ Further, they wanted to enter the legislative councils so that they could ‘mend or
end’ dyarchy from within.

● Prominent Pro-Changers - CR Das, Motilal Nehru, Hakim Ajmal Khan.

No-changers

● They wanted to continue the boycott of legislative councils and elections because they
were based on the system of dyarchy.
○ Instead, they wanted the Congress to concentrate on reconstructive work along
Gandhian lines.
● Prominent No-Changers - C Rajagopalachari, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. MA Ansari, Sardar
Patel.
Gaya session of the Indian National Congress, 1922
CR Das and Motilal Nehru, were elected as the Congress President and Secretary respectively.
● Under their leadership, the Swarajists introduced a resolution to allow the Congress to
contest the upcoming election but it was defeated.
○ The office bearers resigned and formed the All-India Congress Khilafat Swarajist
Party (Swaraj Party) with the purpose of contesting the election.
● In order to avoid a split they were allowed to contest the election as a sub-group within
the Congress.
○ They performed well especially in UP, Bengal and the Central Legislative
Assembly (CLA).
○ Vitthal Bhai Patel became the first Indian President of the CLA.
● The Swarajists joined hands with other Indian political leaders and disrupted council
proceedings, forcing the government to use its veto and ordinance making power.
○ Thus, they exposed the hollowness of the constitutional scheme established by
the Government of India Act, 1919.
● After CR Das's death in 1925, the Swarajists lost their enthusiasm and began responding
to the seductive allure of power; many of them collaborated with the government.
○ Finally, they answered the call of the mainstream nationalists and joined the
anti-Simon agitation.
 Swaraj Party
PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Consider the following statements in context of Swarajists:

Assertion (A): Swarajists defected and formed a new party independent of Congress at Gaya
Session of Congress in 1922.
Reason (R): At Gaya Session of 1922, Congress did not endorse the decision for re-entry into
legislative council.

Select the correct answer using the following codes:

(a) Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct reason for (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct reason for (A).
(c) (A) is true, (R) is false
(d) (R) is true, (A) is false

Q2. Consider the following statements with reference to Swarajists:

1. When their proposal of council entry was opposed by the Congress, the Swarajists formed a
new party, independent of Congress.
2. They had no faith in mass Civil Disobedience.
3. Jawaharlal Nehru joined the Swaraj Party.

Which of the above given statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None of the above

Q3. Consider the following statements in context of ‘Swarajists’ and ‘No-Changers’:

1. The main difference between the ‘Swarajists’ and ‘No-Changers’ was over the issue of
elections to the legislative councils.
2. Both Swarajists as well as the No-Changers supported the constructive program of the
Congress.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q4. Who was the first Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly?

(a) Motilal Nehru

(b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(c) Vithalbhai Patel
(d) CR Das
 Simon Commission and Anti-Simon
Agitation (1927-1928)
Introduction
● In November 1927, as per the Government of India Act, 1919, the British government
appointed the Indian Statutory Commission, headed by Sir John Simon.
○ The act had provided for the appointment of such a Commission to review the
constitutional arrangement created by it after a period of 10 years.
○ However, it was appointed 2 years in advance by the Conservative Government.

● General elections were to take place in Britain in 1928 and a Liberal victory was widely
expected.
○ The incumbent Conservative Government did not want to leave the responsibility
of setting up the Commission in ‘irresponsible liberal hands’.

Mandate of the Commission

1. To determine whether to extend, restrict or modify the scope of responsible government

in India.
2. To determine whether the relationship between British India and the Princely States
needed to be altered.
Anti-Simon Agitation
Indian nationalists were angered by the All-White character of the Commission. Not a single
Indian had been considered fit to be part of the process of deciding India’s political future.
● Thus, nationalists of all political hues condemned the commission.
○ When it arrived at Bombay in early 1928, it was greeted with Black Flags and the
slogan ‘Simon Go Back’.
○ Massive demonstrations were held everywhere the commission visited, and
British cloth was burnt as a symbol of protest.
● Remarkable political unity was witnessed during the movement, especially with the
joining in of the Swaraj Party and the Muslim league.
○ The expectations were the Unionist Party (Punjab) and Justice Party (South).
● The government tried to suppress the Anti Simon demonstration brutally.
○ Lala Lajpat Rai was fatally wounded in a lathi charge on the protesters in Lahore.
His death was later avenged by Bhagat Singh and his comrades.
 Nehru Committee and Report (1928)
Introduction
Lord Birkenhead, the Secretary of State for India, challenged Indians to prepare a draft
constitution. If it was accepted by all major political parties, the British would implement it
without delay.
● All Party Conferences at Delhi, Bombay and Lucknow deliberated upon the matter and in
May 1928, appointed a committee under Motilal Nehru to prepare the draft.
○ Other members included Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, Ali Imam, MR Jayakar and
Subhash Chandra Bose.
The Report
The Nehru committee submitted its report in September 1928 to all major political parties. Its
major demands were as follows-
1. Dominion Status for India within the British empire.
2. Secularism i.e. India would not have any state religion and its people would enjoy
freedom of religion.
3. Universal Adult Franchise i.e. all adults above 21 years of age, irrespective of their social
or economic status would be allowed to vote.
4. Abolition of Separate Electorates.
5. Reservation for Muslims, wherever they were in minority.
6. Fundamental Rights for all Indians including equal rights for men and women.
7. Federal polity with a strong centre which had residuary powers.
Response of indian political parties

● Indian National Congress - Accepted all its recommendations.

● Hindu Mahasabha and Sikhs - Rejected it as they opposed the idea of reservation for
Muslims.

● Young Congress leaders led by Subhash Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru partially
accepted it.
○ They objected to the demand of Dominion Status and wanted complete
independence.

● Muslim League – rejected it as it felt Muslim interests were not adequately represented.
Jinnah’s 14 Point Demand
In response to the Nehru Report, Jinnah issued a 14 Point demand programme dealing with
minority issues. Among them there were five key demands-

1. Separate electorates must continue until Universal Adult Franchise.

2. Reservation of seats for Muslims must be in proportion to their population.

3. 1/3 seats in the CLA must be reserved for Muslims.

4. Federalism with a weak centre, i.e. provinces should have the residuary powers.

5. Minority Veto - Bills would not be passed if 3/4th of the minority opposed them.
 Purna Swaraj Demand (1929)
The Nehru Report was submitted by the Congress to Governor-General Irwin.
● Although it had set forth the demand for Dominion Status, younger nationalists such as
Subhash Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru, insisted on Purna Swaraj.
○ In its 1928 Calcutta session, the Indian National Congress issued an ultimatum to
the government.
○ The government was given a grace period of 1 year to implement the Nehru
Report, failing which the Indian National Congress would launch a mass
movement to attain Purna Swaraj.
● In its Lahore session, 1929, with Jawahar Lal Nehru as President, the Congress adopted
the Purna Swaraj Resolution, thus, officially raising the demand for complete
independence from British rule.

31 December, 1929 - Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the tricolour flag on the banks of Ravi in
Lahore.
26 January, 1930 - Observed as a symbolic independence day
Independence for India League - jointly formed by Subhash Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal
Nehru after the Nehru Report was submitted to parties.
It was decided that the Congress would boycott the Round Table Conference, which was to be
organised to discuss the proposals of Simon Commission. It was also decided to launch the
Civil Disobedience Movement, and all members of the legislature were asked to resign.