The Rowlatt Act of 1919, also known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, allowed the British colonial government to detain individuals suspected of revolutionary activities without trial, limiting freedoms like expression and assembly.
The act triggered protests across India and led to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
It fueled India’s fight for independence, contributing to the launch of Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920.
Table of Contents
What Was the Rowlatt Act? The British government enacted the Rowlatt Act to tighten its control over the general population. It was passed in March 1919 by the Imperial Legislative Council, granting authorities the ability to detain individuals without trial. The act allowed for the arrest and detention of individuals without trial, significantly curtailing civil liberties and enabling the authorities to suppress dissent. Gandhi and other leaders organized a Hartal (work stoppage) to protest this law, known as the Rowlatt Satyagraha, to demonstrate Indian opposition to its enforcement.
The Rowlatt Act, also known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, was a deliberate piece of legislation introduced by the British government in India. This law allowed the British government to arrest and detain people for almost any reason without trial, leading to protests across the country, including the Rowlatt Satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi.
This highly controversial law sparked widespread outrage and resistance among the Indian population. In response, Gandhi and other leaders organized a Hartal (work stoppage) to protest this law, known as the Rowlatt Satyagraha, to demonstrate Indian opposition to its enforcement. What Was the Rowlatt Act? The widespread discontent fueled by the Act ultimately led to significant unrest. It culminated in the tragic Jallianwala Bagh, where British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering, resulting in hundreds of deaths.
This event further galvanized public sentiment against British rule and marked a pivotal moment in the Indian independence movement. What Was The Rowlatt Act? Officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, the Rowlatt Act was enacted by the British government in India in response to growing unrest and revolutionary activities against colonial rule. The Act was named after Sir Sidney Rowlatt, who chaired the committee recommending its provisions.
What was the Rowlatt Act?
In 1919, the British colonial government enacted the Rowlatt Act in reaction to mounting discontent and nationalist movements in India. What Was the Rowlatt Act? Designed to quell revolutionary activities and stifle the freedom struggle, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, it was a repressive law enacted by the British government in India. What was the Rowlatt Act’s primary purpose? It was to curb the growing nationalist movements and dissent against British rule following World War I. What was the Rowlatt Act? This legislation conferred broad powers upon colonial authorities to arrest and detain individuals indefinitely without trial.
Rowlatt Act Timeline
March 21, 1919: To suppress revolutionary activity, the British government in India enacted the Rowlatt Acts, which permitted the British to arrest or imprison suspects without trial.
April 6, 1919: In response, Gandhiji and other prominent Indian leaders called for a “hartal”—a work stoppage—and an Indian fast in opposition to the Rowlatt Bills. This was called the Rowlatt Satyagraha.
April 10, 1919: The uprising in Punjab was particularly vigorous, and two prominent Indian leaders, Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satya Pal, were arrested, which sparked protests and further rallies. However, the British government imposed martial law in Amritsar and prohibited public demonstrations and gatherings.
April 13, 1919: People assembled at Jallianwala Bagh, where Brigadier General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to shoot into the gathered crowd. This continued for 10 minutes, resulting in many injuries and death.
1920: 1920, the Indian National Congress formed a trust to construct a memorial to the Jallianwala Bagh victims.
1960: Rajendra Prasad inaugurates the memorial.
Purpose of the Rowlatt Act
The Rowlatt Act, formally known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, What Was the Rowlatt Act, was a legislative measure enacted by the British colonial government in India. Its primary purpose was to address the increasing unrest and revolutionary activities that challenged British authority in the region.
Name and Origin
Formally known as the Rowlatt Act.
Named after Sir Sidney Rowlatt, the president of the Rowlatt Committee (1918).
The British Colonial Government enacted it in March 1919.
Purpose
It was meant to reduce nationalist sentiment in India.
It was meant to suppress revolutionary and terrorist activities.
Legislative Background
The Act was based on the recommendations of Justice S.A.T. Rowlatt’s committee.
The bills (known as the “Black Bills”) were introduced on February 6, 1919.
The Act was passed on March 18, 1919, despite opposition to the bill nationwide.
Provisions of the Act
Arrest and detention of any person without a warrant.
Arrest and detention of any person for up to two years without trial.
Trials were in-camera (trials without a jury).- Monitoring and censorship of the press was instituted.
Accused persons were given
No knowledge of the persons accusing them.
No knowledge of the evidence against them.
They were required to deposit security at the time of release.
No engagements in educational, political, or religious affairs after release.
Public/official Response to the Act
Widespread condemnation and protests across the country.
On April 6, 1919, Mahatma Gandhi called for Rowlatt Satyagraha, a nonviolent resistance to the Act.
Key Provisions of the Rowlatt Act
Indefinite Detention: Allowed for the arrest and detention of individuals without trial for up to two years.
Warrantless Arrests: Police were empowered to arrest anyone suspected of revolutionary activities without a warrant.
Juryless Trials: Trials for political offenses were conducted without juries, denying the accused the right to a fair trial.
Press Control: The Act imposed strict regulations on the press, allowing the government to suppress dissenting voices.
Lack of Judicial Oversight: The accused were not informed of the charges against them or the evidence used in their trials.
Public Reaction and Protests
What Was the Rowlatt Act faced widespread opposition from Indian leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, who called for a satyagraha (nonviolent resistance) against it.
On April 6, 1919, a nationwide hartal (strike) was organized to protest the Act, leading to significant unrest.
The protests escalated, culminating in the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, where British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering, resulting in hundreds of deaths.
Consequences and Repeal
The backlash against what was the Rowlatt Act and the subsequent violence led to increased tensions between the British government and Indian nationalists.
The Act was eventually repealed in March 1922 due to sustained public pressure and organized protests led by figures like Gandhi.
The Rowlatt Act is often seen as pivotal in the Indian independence movement. It galvanized public sentiment against British rule and led to further civil disobedience campaigns.
Rowlatt Act – Origin
Certainly! Here’s a table outlining the timeline of the Rowlatt Act:
Event
Date
Details
Introduction of the Act
February 1919
The Special Laws Repeal Act repealed the Rowlatt Act.
Passage of the Act
18 March 1919
The Imperial Legislative Council passed the Rowlatt Act.
Act Came into Effect
21 March 1919
The act came into effect, extending emergency measures like indefinite detention without trial.
Arrest of Congress Leaders
10 April 1919
Dr. Satyapal and Saifuddin Kitchlew were arrested, leading to strong protests in Punjab.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
13 April 1919
British troops fired on a large crowd in Amritsar, causing hundreds of deaths and injuries.
Rowlatt Satyagraha
6 April 1919
Mahatma Gandhi called for a nationwide protest against the Rowlatt Act.
Repeal of the Act
1922
The Rowlatt Act was repealed by The Special Laws Repeal Act.
Key Features of the Rowlatt Act
In this What Was the Rowlatt Act, the British government, alarmed by the specter of terrorism and revolutionary movements, viewed the Rowlatt Act as a tool to suppress these perceived threats. What Was the Rowlatt Act? It faced widespread criticism from Indians due to its harsh measures. Indians felt that the Act violated fundamental rights and liberties, fueling widespread discontent and protests across the country. What Was the Rowlatt Act? However, this legislation faced widespread criticism from Indians due to its harsh measures:
The Act suspended fundamental civil liberties.
It allowed the detention of alleged political agitators without trial for up to 2 years.
It prohibited appeals against such administrative detentions.
The Act sanctioned trials by magistrates without juries in sedition cases, significantly undermining judicial transparency and fairness.
It imposed stricter censorship, regulated extremist publications, and imposed restrictions on public gatherings.
What were the effects of the Rowlatt Act?
During India’s struggle for independence, which marked the Gandhian era in its political history, What was the Rowlatt Act had significant impacts:
Organized hartals and strikes paralyzed railroads and closed shops.
Indian leaders and officials were arrested and detained.
British officers fired upon a peaceful rally in Amritsar.
Martial law was imposed.
Among various Indian leaders, Mahatma Gandhi openly condemned the What Was the Rowlatt Act, arguing against penalizing innocent country folk for individual political offenses. Madan Mohan Malaviya and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, representing the All-India Muslim League, resigned from the Imperial Legislative Council in protest. What Was the Rowlatt Act? This action sparked outrage among other Indian politicians and the general public, leading the government to resort to oppressive measures. Gandhi and his followers believed constitutional opposition to the Rowlatt Act would be ineffective, prompting them to stage a hartal on April 6, 1915.
The Rowlatt Satyagraha
What Was the Rowlatt Act: The Rowlatt Satyagraha, led by Mahatma Gandhi, emerged as a significant response to the oppressive Rowlatt Act, marking a pivotal moment in India’s quest for independence. It represented the first large-scale, organized application of non-violent civil disobedience against British rule.
What Was the Rowlatt Act? Under Gandhi’s leadership, the movement advocated disciplined protests such as hartals (strikes), economic boycotts, and non-cooperation. It garnered enthusiastic support from the Indian populace and witnessed widespread participation across all segments of society. The Rowlatt Satyagraha underscored the unity of purpose among Indians in their struggle against colonial oppression.
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: A Tragic Chapter in Indian History
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, which occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab, is one of the most tragic events in Indian history. On that day, thousands of Indians gathered peacefully in Jallianwala Bagh to protest against the oppressive Rowlatt Act and celebrate the Baisakhi festival.
What Was the Rowlatt Act? Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, perceiving the gathering as a threat, ordered his troops to open fire on the crowd without warning. The soldiers fired for about ten minutes, resulting in the deaths of approximately 379 people and injuring over 1,200 others, though the actual numbers are believed to be higher. Many victims were trampled in the chaos as they attempted to escape.
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre stands as one of the most harrowing events in the history of British colonial rule in India. What Was the Rowlatt Act? This tragic incident not only highlighted the brutal nature of colonial governance but also catalyzed the Indian independence movement.
Historical Context: In the early 20th century, India was rife with discontent against British rule. The introduction of the Rowlatt Act in 1919, which allowed for the arrest and detention of individuals without trial, sparked widespread protests. The Indian populace was increasingly frustrated with oppressive policies and sought to dissent.
The Day of the Massacre: On April 13, 1919, thousands of Indians gathered at Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden in Amritsar, to protest against the Rowlatt Act and to celebrate the festival of Baisakhi. The gathering was peaceful, comprising men, women, and children. However, Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, the military commander in the area, perceived the assembly as a threat to law and order.
The Attack: Without warning, Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on the crowd. The soldiers fired for approximately ten minutes, resulting in a devastating number of casualties. Official reports indicated around 379 deaths and over 1,200 injuries, but many believe the actual figures were much higher. In the ensuing chaos, people were trampled as they attempted to escape through the only exit, which was blocked.
Immediate Aftermath: The massacre sent shockwaves throughout India and the world. It ignited widespread outrage and protests against British rule. The incident galvanized the Indian independence movement, increasing demands for self-governance and civil rights.
Long-term Impact: The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre is often regarded as a turning point in the struggle for Indian independence. It exposed the brutal realities of colonial rule and united people across the country in their quest for freedom. The British government faced severe criticism, and the event is commemorated as a symbol of resistance against oppression.
Memorialization: A memorial was established at Jallianwala Bagh to honor the victims of the massacre. The site serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom and the enduring spirit of the Indian people.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Punjab witnessed riots and protests against the Rowlatt Act, prompting the imposition of martial law, which restricted assemblies to fewer than four people.
Michael O’Dwyer served as the Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab during this turbulent period, while Lord Chelmsford held the position of Viceroy of India.
On April 13, 1919, during the Baisakhi festival at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, General Dyer and his troops arrived and blocked the garden’s narrow entrance.
Without warning, Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on the unarmed crowd, which included children and pilgrims celebrating Baisakhi.
The indiscriminate firing continued for about 10 minutes until the troops exhausted 1,650 rounds of ammunition, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,000 people and injuring more than 1,500 others.
The Aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
This tragic event shattered Indian faith in the British justice system and drew widespread condemnation from national leaders.
Despite criticism from figures like Winston Churchill and H.H. Asquith, General Dyer received appreciation from some quarters in Britain and British India.
The British government established the Hunter Commission to investigate the massacre, which condemned Dyer’s actions but did not impose disciplinary measures against him.
Dyer was relieved of his army duties in 1920. In protest against the massacre and British justice failures, Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood, and Mahatma Gandhi relinquished his title ‘Kaiser-e-hind.’
In 1940, Udham Singh, who witnessed the massacre as a child, assassinated Michael O’Dwyer in London as an act of revenge against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
What was the impact of the Rowlatt Satyagraha?
Repeal of the Rowlatt Act:
In 1920, British authorities repealed the Rowlatt Act due to relentless protests.
Although considered belated, this move was seen as a victory for civil liberties and encouraged further freedom struggle.
Elevation of Gandhi as a mass leader:
The Rowlatt Satyagraha established Gandhi’s leadership.
His ability to unite millions of Indians across barriers of religion, class, and caste through nonviolent civil disobedience was unparalleled.
Supporting the Muslim cause also contributed to his eventual leadership in the NCM-Khilafat Movement.
Changed nature of freedom struggle:
Realizing constitutional means alone wouldn’t work, nationalists shifted toward mass agitations and non-cooperation.
The brutal suppression of peaceful protests, including the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, revealed the authoritarian nature of British rule.
It galvanized opposition and changed perceptions about British authority.
International Attention:
The foreign press widely reported the British response and the disciplined Indian nationwide strike.
This evoked sympathy and damaged Britain’s international credibility.
What led to the revocation of the Rowlatt Act?
Indian leaders, inside and outside the legislative councils, strongly opposed the Rowlatt Act.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre in April 1919, during which British troops fired upon peaceful protesters, inflamed public outrage and heightened calls for the Act’s abolition.
Eventually, in 1922, sustained protests and pressure from Indian nationalists led to the repeal of the Act.
The Rowlatt Act in Educational Context
The Class 10 curriculum focuses on the rise of Indian nationalism. What Was the Rowlatt Act is a prime example of how British policies fueled these sentiments. It shows the growing tension between British rule and the Indian people’s desire for self-governance.
What was the Rowlatt Act of 1919 MCQs?
Here are some multiple-choice questions (MCQs) related to the Rowlatt Act of 1919:
When was the Rowlatt Act passed?
(A) 1942
(B) 1930
(C) 1919
(D) 1909
The Rowlatt Act aimed at ________.
(A) Imposition of restrictions on freedom of the press
(B) Suppression of the Khilafat Movement
(C) Imprisonment without trial and summary procedures for trial
(D) Compulsory economic support to war efforts
During the Indian Freedom Struggle, why did the Rowlatt Act arouse popular indignation?
(A) It curbed the trade union activities
(B) It authorized the Government to imprison people without trial
(C) It suppressed the traditional Indian education
(D) It curtailed the freedom of religion
The Rowlatt Act was passed to ________.
(A) Put Second World War criminals on trial
(B) Have a favorable ‘Balance of Trade’
(C) Curtail the National and Revolutionary Activities
(D) Bring about Agrarian Reforms
Who was the Viceroy of India when the Rowlatt Act was passed?
(A) Lord Wavell
(B) Lord Chelmsford
(C) Lord Reading
(D) Lord Irwin
2. What was the Rowlatt Act? class 12
The Rowlatt Act of 1919 isn’t just another historical tidbit in your Class 12 curriculum. It was a turning point that shaped the Indian independence movement. Here’s why it matters:
Colonial Control: It exposes British methods of suppressing dissent, giving context to future events.
Nationalist Shift: The Act’s harshness showcases how outrage united Indians against colonial rule.
Gandhi’s Rise: This event highlights Gandhi’s emergence as a leader advocating non-violent resistance.
A Catalyst: Studying the Rowlatt Act and Jallianwala Bagh Massacre helps understand the growing momentum for freedom.
Exam Prep: Grasping this event’s significance strengthens your understanding of the independence movement and prepares you for Class 12 exams.
The Rowlatt Act is more than a fact; it unlocks a deeper understanding of the fight for freedom and its lasting impact on India.
Most of the time, this question is asked in class 12:
Ques: What was the Rowlatt Act? (4) marks
Ans: The British government in colonial India passed a piece of legislation in 1919 known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, but more popularly called the Rowlatt Act. Here are the key points about the Rowlatt Act:
Enactment: The Rowlatt Act came into effect on March 10, 1919. They named it after its president, Sir Sidney Rowlatt.
Provisions: The Act authorized the British government to imprison any person suspected of terrorism in British India for up to two years without a trial. It also allowed for stricter control of the press, arrests without warrants, indefinite detention without trial, and juryless in-camera trials for proscribed political acts.
Impact: The Act sparked widespread outrage among Indians, leading to protests and strikes known as the Rowlatt Satyagraha. This movement marked the first large-scale application of Mahatma Gandhi’s technique of non-violent civil disobedience at a national level.
Repeal: TheRowlatt Act was repealed in 1922 due to public pressure and opposition from Indian leaders. However, the national movement it sparked grew, eventually leading to India’s independence in 1947.
Conclusion
This What Was the Rowlatt Act, passed by the British colonial administration in 1919, provoked resentment among Indians because of its repressive measures that limited civil freedoms. The act’s enactment and its ramifications heightened India’s quest for independence, sparking rallies, marches, and a united movement against British rule. The event’s significance stems from its position as a spark for the nationalist movement, revealing the harsh nature of colonial rule and inspiring Indians to aspire for independence.
Ans. The Rowlatt Act, or Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, was a repressive law enacted by the British colonial administration in India, giving it the power to arrest and jail people without trial, causing a large number of protests and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
Why was the Rowlatt Act introduced?
Ans. The Act was introduced to counter the increasing number of nationalist and revolutionary movements in India, mainly due to World War I. The British feared a resurgence of opposition similar to that of earlier revolutionary movements, and they wanted to be able to exercise again the powers they had assumed during the war to suppress any unrest.
Who recommended the implementation of the Rowlatt Act?
Ans. The Act followed the recommendations of the Rowlatt Committee, which Sir Sidney Rowlatt, a British judge, headed. The committee had been formed in 1918 to review political terrorism and sedition in India.
What were the main provisions of the Rowlatt Act?
Ans. The Provisions are as follows: 1. Permitted the government to detain people without a warrant. 2. Allowed for detainment without trial for up to two years. 3. Denied the right to legal counsel and to a public trial. 4. Granted the restriction of freedom of the press.
How did Indian leaders and the public respond to the Act?
Ans. The Act faced enormous criticism and resistance throughout India. Influential leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi called it unjust and violated civil rights. It caused protests and strikes nationwide and led to the establishment of the Rowlatt Satyagraha in 1919.
What were the consequences of the Rowlatt Act?
Ans. One of the most terrible consequences arising from the opposition to the Rowlatt Act was the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in Amritsar on April 13, 1919, when British soldiers killed hundreds of unarmed civilians. The massacre deepened Indian anger over British rule and energized the opposition to freedom.
Was the Rowlatt Act ever repealed?
Ans. Although never wholly rescinded, the Rowlatt Act lost its legitimacy and was effectively repealed due to overwhelming opposition. Whatever claims it had to controversy contributed to rising demands for complete independence from British authority.
Why is the Rowlatt Act significant in Indian history?
Ans. The Rowlatt Act represents a watershed moment in India’s independence struggle. It began mass political movements under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership. The act also increased public awareness of civil rights, leading to greater national mobilization against British colonial rule.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
