What was the Rowlatt Act?a)It was an act which controlled the movement...
*The rowlatt act was passed in the year 1919 in India.
*The act gave govt enormus power to repress political activities and allowed the detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.
*so the option b is correcte.
What was the Rowlatt Act?a)It was an act which controlled the movement...
The Rowlatt Act, also known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, was a legislation passed by the British government in India during the colonial period. It granted extensive powers to the British authorities to repress political activities and allowed for the detention of political prisoners without trial for a period of two years. This act was a response to the growing unrest and protests against British rule in India, particularly during the non-cooperation movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.
The Rowlatt Act was named after Sir Sidney Rowlatt, the chairman of the Sedition Committee that was responsible for drafting the legislation. It was enacted on March 18, 1919, and was intended to suppress the Indian nationalist movement by granting the colonial government sweeping powers to arrest and imprison individuals suspected of being involved in revolutionary or seditious activities.
Below are the key details and consequences of the Rowlatt Act:
1. **Suppression of Political Activities:** The Rowlatt Act gave the British government the authority to arrest and detain any person suspected of revolutionary or seditious activities without trial for a period of two years. This act effectively curtailed civil liberties and violated the principles of natural justice.
2. **Restrictions on Press and Public Meetings:** The act also imposed severe restrictions on the press and public meetings. It allowed the government to censor and control the press, shutting down newspapers and publications that were critical of British rule. Public meetings were also heavily regulated, making it difficult for political leaders to organize protests and gatherings.
3. **Widespread Protests and Massacre:** The Rowlatt Act sparked widespread outrage and protests across India. People from all walks of life, including students, workers, and professionals, came together to oppose the repressive legislation. On April 13, 1919, a peaceful protest gathering was held in Amritsar, Punjab, where thousands of Indians were present. However, the British authorities responded with extreme violence and General Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on the crowd, resulting in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This incident further fueled the nationalist movement and increased opposition to British rule.
4. **Role in the Non-Cooperation Movement:** The Rowlatt Act played a significant role in shaping the Non-Cooperation Movement, which was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920. The act highlighted the oppressive nature of British rule and mobilized Indians to resist through non-violent means. The non-cooperation movement saw mass protests, boycotts of British goods, and the surrendering of honors and titles bestowed by the British government.
The Rowlatt Act was a highly controversial legislation that further fueled the Indian nationalist movement and intensified the demand for self-rule. It was eventually repealed in 1922 after the Indian National Congress and the nationalist movement successfully pressured the British government to revoke the act.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 10 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 10.