Simon Commission in India:
The Simon Commission, also known as the Indian Statutory Commission, was a group of seven British members who were appointed in 1927 to review and suggest constitutional reforms for British India. Here is a detailed solution explaining the timeline of the Simon Commission:
1. Formation of the Simon Commission:
- The Simon Commission was formed in 1927.
- It was named after its chairman, Sir John Simon, a British politician.
2. Purpose of the Simon Commission:
- The main aim of the Simon Commission was to assess the functioning of the Indian constitutional system and propose reforms.
- The commission was tasked with reviewing the Government of India Act 1919 and making recommendations for future constitutional developments.
3. Composition of the Simon Commission:
- The commission consisted of seven members, all of whom were British:
- Sir John Simon (Chairman)
- Clement Attlee
- Harry Levy-Lawson
- Edward Cadogan
- Vernon Hartshorn
- George Lane-Fox
- Wedgwood Benn
4. Arrival of the Simon Commission in India:
- The Simon Commission arrived in India in February 1928.
- Their arrival was met with widespread protests and opposition from Indian political parties and leaders.
5. Response and Boycott:
- The Indian National Congress and other political organizations boycotted the Simon Commission.
- The boycott was initiated to protest the absence of Indian members in the commission and demand complete independence for India.
6. Submission of the Simon Report:
- After an extensive tour of India, the Simon Commission submitted its report in May 1930.
- The report proposed limited constitutional reforms but fell short of meeting Indian demands for self-rule.
7. Impact and Significance:
- The Simon Commission and its report played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of India.
- It further fueled the demand for complete independence and united various political forces against British rule.
In conclusion, the Simon Commission arrived in India in February 1928 and submitted its report in May 1930. Its formation, purpose, composition, and impact are key aspects to understand the significance of this commission in India's struggle for independence.