Reaction of Indian People against Rowlatt Act

The Rowlatt Act was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council in 1919. It gave the British government in India the power to arrest and imprison any person without trial, and to detain suspects without a warrant for up to two years. This act was mainly introduced to suppress the growing Indian nationalist movement. The reaction of Indian people against the Rowlatt Act was severe and widespread.

1. Mass Protests

The Rowlatt Act sparked mass protests across India. The Indian National Congress called for a nationwide strike on April 6, 1919, to protest against the Act. The strike was widely observed and brought many Indian cities to a standstill. Schools, businesses, and public transport were shut down, and people took to the streets to protest against the Act.

2. Violence

The protests against the Rowlatt Act turned violent in many parts of India. In Amritsar, the British authorities banned public gatherings, but a large crowd gathered in a public park on April 13, 1919. British troops opened fire on the unarmed crowd, killing hundreds of people. This event, known as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, sparked outrage across India and further fuelled the nationalist movement.

3. Non-Cooperation Movement

The Rowlatt Act also led to the Non-Cooperation Movement, which was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. This movement called for Indians to boycott British goods, institutions, and laws. The movement gained widespread support across India and became a major challenge to British rule.

4. Civil Disobedience

The Rowlatt Act also led to the rise of civil disobedience as a form of protest against British rule. Indians refused to obey British laws and regulations, and many were arrested and jailed for their actions. This form of protest became a powerful weapon in the Indian nationalist movement and was used by Mahatma Gandhi in his campaigns for independence.

In conclusion, the Rowlatt Act was a major turning point in the Indian nationalist movement. It sparked widespread protests, violence, and civil disobedience, and led to the rise of the Non-Cooperation Movement. The Act demonstrated the growing determination of the Indian people to challenge British rule and fight for their independence.

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