Simon Commission: Timeline, Purpose, Boycott, and Lasting Impact

India’s march towards independence was not a straight road but a long, winding journey filled with events that stirred national consciousness and united the masses. One such major turning point was the Simon Commission. Introduced at a critical time, the Simon Commission became a lightning rod for Indian political movements, protest marches, and a collective demand for self-governance. This article dives deep into the history, purpose, criticism, boycott, and long-term impact of the Simon Commission, while highlighting key events that reshaped the Indian freedom movement.

What is Simon Commission?

The Simon Commission, officially known as the Indian Statutory Commission, was a group of seven British Members of Parliament under Sir John Simon’s leadership. The British government formed it in 1927, thus often referred to as the Simon Commission 1927, to review the functioning of the Government of India Act 1919. The key objective was to evaluate the need for further constitutional reforms in British India.

However, the primary reason for the intense backlash was that no Indian was included in the commission. This ignited a national movement questioning, “Why was the Simon Commission sent to India if it excluded Indian representation?” The absence of Indian members made the commission’s legitimacy highly questionable in the eyes of the Indian public.

Key Highlights:

• Formed: 1927
• Members: 7 British Parliamentarians
• Headed by: Sir John Simon
• Purpose: Evaluate constitutional reforms under the Government of India Act 1919
• Major Flaw: No Indian member included

Simon Commission Arrival (1928)

The Simon Commission arrived in India on February 3, 1928, sparking nationwide protests. Despite its official intent to recommend reforms, the commission’s lack of an Indian member led to its outright rejection by political parties.

When the Simon Commission arrived in India, it faced black flag processions and protests under the rallying cry, “Simon Go Back.” Major political groups such as the Indian National Congress, the Muslim League, and other regional parties openly condemned its formation and arrival.

Notable Incident: In Lahore, a peaceful protest led by Lala Lajpat Rai turned violent when police conducted a brutal lathi charge. Rai was critically injured and later died from his wounds, turning him into a national martyr.

Why was Simon Commission Sent to India?

Despite its controversial composition, the stated objective of the Simon Commission was to:

• Examine the implementation of the Government of India Act 1919
• Recommend changes to the governance structure
• Lay groundwork for potential provincial autonomy

But many questioned, “Why was Simon Commission sent to India without Indian participation?” The British government’s exclusionary approach exposed its intent to retain control while giving the illusion of reform.

Simon Commission Purpose

The official purpose of the Simon Commission was to:

1. Examine the working of the Government of India Act 1919.
2. Suggest reforms for the future of India’s constitutional setup.
3. Determine the feasibility of granting more autonomy to Indian provinces.

While these may have seemed progressive on paper, the exclusion of Indian voices in shaping their own governance rendered the entire exercise deeply problematic. Most Indians viewed the Commission as a tool to delay genuine self-rule and continue colonial dominance under the guise of administrative review.

Underlying Intent:

• Preserve British supremacy while appearing reformist.
• Preempt the demand for complete swaraj (self-rule).
• Maintain British control over key administrative functions.

Simon Commission Criticism

The criticism of the Simon Commission came from all corners of Indian political life. Even moderate leaders who had earlier worked with British institutions were disillusioned by the racial arrogance and lack of consultation.

Major Points of Criticism:

• No Indian Representation: Seen as a direct insult to Indian leadership and public opinion.
• Imperial Arrogance: Reinforced colonial notions that Indians could not manage their own governance.
• Unilateral Decision-Making: The Commission’s creation without Indian consent highlighted the undemocratic nature of British rule.

Key Indian leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Patel, and others, rallied against the Commission, calling it a blatant betrayal of Indian aspirations.

Simon Commission Boycott and Simon Go Back Movement

The Simon Commission boycott became a powerful act of civil resistance. The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, declared that no constitution would be accepted unless drafted with Indian input.

The boycott of the Simon Commission became a nationwide movement. The Indian National Congress formally decided to boycott the commission in 1927, declaring that any constitution made without Indian participation was unacceptable.

Interestingly, even sections of the Muslim League, which had previously cooperated with the British, joined the boycott—showing the growing unity among Indian political forces.

How the Boycott Was Enforced:

• Protest marches in every major city
• Black flag demonstrations
• Student walkouts and civil disobedience campaigns
• Resignations from British-appointed councils

The only exception came from the Justice Party in Madras, which chose not to boycott, primarily due to their opposition to the Congress and caste-based concerns. The chant “Simon Go Back” echoed through every Indian city. Except for the Justice Party in Madras, all major political groups participated in the boycott, showing rare unity in India’s fractured political landscape.

Major Protest Events Linked to Simon Commission

1. Lala Lajpat Rai’s Death: A turning point came on October 30, 1928, in Lahore. During a peaceful protest against the Commission, Lala Lajpat Rai was severely injured by police and died soon after. His death became a rallying cry against British repression.

2. Bhagat Singh’s Revolutionary Response: Bhagat Singh, along with Rajguru and Sukhdev, assassinated British officer John Saunders in December 1928 as an act of revenge for Rai’s death. This bold act drew attention to the growing revolutionary fervor inspired by the Commission.

3. Civil Disobedience Movement: The Commission’s rejection laid the foundation for the 1930 Civil Disobedience Movement, signaling a shift from cooperation to confrontation.

Simon Commission Impact: A Turning Point in India’s Freedom Struggle

The Simon Commission, officially known as the Indian Statutory Commission, marked a defining moment in India’s fight for independence. Despite being widely rejected across the country, it played a crucial role in reshaping the trajectory of India’s freedom movement. From constitutional reforms to the rise of revolutionary nationalism, the Simon Commission 1927 had far-reaching implications that accelerated the demand for complete self-rule.

Constitutional Developments and the Birth of the Nehru Report

One of the most lasting effects of the Simon Commission was the Indian counter-response, The Nehru Report (1928), led by Motilal Nehru and supported by key leaders including Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and M.R. Jayakar.

• It was India’s first attempt to draft a homegrown constitution, demanding Dominion Status.
• The report proposed fundamental rights, secular governance, and universal adult suffrage.
• When the British rejected these demands, the Indian National Congress shifted its goal from dominion status to full independence (Purna Swaraj), declared at the Lahore Session in 1929.

Rise of National Unity and the Simon Go Back Movement

The Simon Commission’s arrival in India united Indians across political and religious divides:

• The Indian National Congress, Muslim League (under Jinnah), Hindu Mahasabha, and other groups collectively boycotted the Commission.
• Demonstrations were held in almost every major city and province.
• The iconic “Simon Go Back” movement became a nationwide slogan of resistance and political awakening.

The protests marked the resurgence of mass civil agitation not seen since the Non-Cooperation Movement and brought a renewed sense of national unity.

Simon Commission Recommendations and the Round Table Conference

The official Simon Commission recommendations, submitted in 1930, included:

• Introduction of Provincial Autonomy,
• Rejection of immediate federal structure,
• No immediate plans for full Indian participation in governance.

These suggestions were seen as inadequate and failed to address India’s demand for self-governance. However, the British were forced to acknowledge the strength of Indian resistance:

• In response, the Round Table Conferences (1930–1932) were organized, inviting Indian leaders including Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, and B.R. Ambedkar.
• Though the Simon Commission itself didn’t bring acceptable reforms, it laid the groundwork for these discussions, which later shaped the Government of India Act 1935.

Path to the Government of India Act 1935

Although the Simon Commission year was 1927, its delayed report directly influenced the drafting of the Government of India Act 1935, the most significant constitutional reform before independence.

Key elements from the Commission’s influence included:

• Establishment of Provincial Autonomy in British India.
• Proposal of a federal structure (though not fully implemented).
• The Act became India’s administrative framework until the Constitution was enacted in 1950.

Martyrdom of Lala Lajpat Rai and the Rise of Revolutionaries

The Simon Commission also had unintended yet profound consequences on India’s revolutionary landscape:

• During a peaceful protest in Lahore on October 30, 1928, Lala Lajpat Rai was injured in a brutal lathi charge and later died from his injuries.
• In retaliation, young revolutionaries, including Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, assassinated British officer John Saunders.

This act sparked a wave of youth-led movements and gave rise to the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), reshaping the revolutionary agenda against British rule.

Global Impact and India’s Image in the World

The global response to the events surrounding the Simon Commission in India added international momentum to India’s independence movement:

• International newspapers highlighted the British repression of Indian protesters, bringing world attention to India’s cause.
• Sympathy for India grew among anti-imperialist groups and in other colonized countries.

This helped shape global public opinion in favor of Indian independence in the future.

Legacy of the Simon Commission

Though the Simon Commission 1927 failed in its original mission to propose inclusive reforms, it ended up being a watershed moment in India’s freedom struggle. The exclusion of Indians, the violent suppression of protests, and the unity of political voices against it set in motion critical events:

Most importantly, it sharpened India’s resolve for independence and exposed the colonial government’s unwillingness to share power. The Nehru Report, Simon Go Back movement, and Round Table Conferences emerged directly due to the Commission. The death of Lala Lajpat Rai and subsequent revolutionary activities created national heroes who inspired generations.

Conclusion

The Simon Commission’s failure was not just about policy; it was about representation, dignity, and national pride. It brought diverse political forces together, led to martyrdom and revolutionary awakening, and accelerated India’s demand for freedom.

Understanding the Simon Commission is crucial for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, and other government exams. It helps them grasp the transformational phase of India’s independence movement.

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