What were the circumstances which led to the Jallianwala bagh incident...
Circusmstances that Created Jallianwala Bagh Incident The Rowlatt Act (1919) was passed by the British government despite the united opposition of the Indian members. This Act gave enormous powers to the government to repress political activities and allowed detention of any person without trial for two years.
Gandhiji wanted non-violent civil disobedience against such unjust laws. Rallies were organised in different cities. Alarmed by the popular upsurge, British administration imposed martial law in Amritsar. On 13th April, 1919, General Dyer fired at the innocent people who gathered in Jallianwalla Bagh killing hundreds.
Reaction of People As the news spread, crowds took to the streets and there were strikes, clashes with the police and attacks on government buildings.
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What were the circumstances which led to the Jallianwala bagh incident...
The Jallianwala Bagh incident took place on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab, during the British colonial rule in India. It was a tragic event that resulted in the massacre of hundreds of innocent Indians. The circumstances that led to this incident can be understood by examining several key factors:
1. The Rowlatt Act:
- The British government passed the Rowlatt Act in 1919, granting extensive powers to the colonial authorities to suppress any form of dissent.
- The act allowed for the arrest and detention of individuals without trial and curtailed civil liberties.
2. Widespread discontent:
- The Rowlatt Act created widespread discontent among the Indian population, as it was viewed as an oppressive measure.
- Indians across the country protested against the act, demanding its repeal and restoration of civil liberties.
3. The protest in Amritsar:
- On April 10, 1919, a large protest meeting was organized in Amritsar to condemn the Rowlatt Act.
- The meeting was attended by thousands of people, including men, women, and children.
4. General Dyer's orders:
- Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, the British officer in charge of Amritsar, issued orders prohibiting public gatherings and imposed a curfew in the city.
- Dyer was informed about the gathering at Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden, but instead of taking measures to disperse the crowd peacefully, he decided to use force.
5. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre:
- On April 13, 1919, Dyer marched a contingent of troops to Jallianwala Bagh and blocked the only exit.
- Without any warning, Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on the crowd, which included men, women, and children.
- The firing continued for about ten minutes until the troops ran out of ammunition, resulting in the death of an estimated 379 people and injuring around 1,200.
6. Aftermath and impact:
- The Jallianwala Bagh massacre deeply shocked and outraged the Indian population, leading to widespread protests and unrest across the country.
- This incident played a significant role in galvanizing the Indian independence movement and strengthening the demand for self-rule.
- It also highlighted the oppressive nature of British colonial rule and intensified the push for Indian independence.
The Jallianwala Bagh incident remains a dark chapter in Indian history, symbolizing the brutality and repression faced by the Indian people under British rule. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for India's freedom.
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