What Was the Rowlatt Act: History and Impact

In this article What Was the Rowlatt Act, the British government was coping with a growing nationalist rise among Indians while also waging World War I in 1919. To end the rising nationalist sentiments among Indians, the British Legislative Council in London established the Rowlatt Act in 1919. The Rowlatt Committee, led by Sir Sidney Rowlatt, suggested it. Despite unanimous opposition from Indian council members, the law was passed, leading to the resignation of Madan Mohan Malviya, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Mazhar ul Haq in protest.

The implementation of the Rowlatt Act caused massive protests and ultimately ignited the Indian War for independence.

What was the Rowlatt Act? 

Definition and Explanation

The Rowlatt Act was the brainchild of the Rowlatt Committee, established in 1918 after a series of revolutionary activities in India. The Committee, headed by British judge Sir Sidney Rowlatt, proposed measures to strengthen the government’s hand in dealing with political unrest.

The Act’s provisions were severe:

• Detention without Trial: The Act authorized the arrest and detention of individuals suspected of terrorism for up to two years without trial.
• Special Tribunals: Trials for political offenses would be held in camera (secret) before special tribunals without juries.
• Press Restrictions: The government gained increased control over the press, allowing censorship of publications deemed seditious.

Purpose of the Rowlatt Act

The Rowlatt Act, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, had a specific objective when it was enacted. Here are the key points regarding its purpose:

1. Empowering Colonial Authorities:

• The fundamental objective of the Rowlatt Act was to empower the colonial British authorities.
• It aimed to give them the legal authority to arrest and detain individuals suspected of sedition without trial.
• The Act provided the government with extensive powers to curb civil liberties and freedom of expression.

2. Suppressing Dissent and Political Opposition:

• The Act was a direct response to the growing nationalist upsurge in India.
• British authorities perceived a threat from revolutionary nationalists who might engage in conspiracies similar to those during the First World War.
• By granting powers for preventive indefinite detention, imprisonment without trial, and judicial review, the Act aimed to suppress any form of dissent and stifle political opposition to British rule.

3. Stricter Control and Repressive Measures:

• The Rowlatt Act introduced stricter control over various aspects:
  • Press Control: It provided for stricter control of the press.
    • Arrests Without Warrant: The police were authorized to arrest individuals without a warrant.
    • In Camera Trials: Trials for proscribed political acts were conducted without a jury, behind closed doors.
    • Limited Rights for Accused: Accused individuals were denied the right to know their accusers and the evidence used against them.
    • Restrictions Upon Release: Those convicted were required to deposit securities upon release and were prohibited from participating in political, educational, or religious activities.

4. Mahatma Gandhi’s Opposition:

• Mahatma Gandhi strongly opposed the Rowlatt Act.
• He called upon the people to perform satyagraha (non-violent civil disobedience) against the Act.
• The Act played a crucial role in galvanizing the Indian masses and intensifying the demand for independence.

Rowlatt Act – Origin

In 1917, the British Government established the Rowlatt Committee, also known as the “sedition committee”, headed by Anglo-Egyptian judge Sidney Rowlatt. The committee aimed to investigate political terrorism in India, particularly in the provinces of Bengal and Punjab. By the end of World War I, the Indian revolutionary movement had gained momentum and a reputation, which raised concerns for the committee. They recommended the adoption of the Rowlatt Act, an extension of the Defense of India Act (1915), to suppress the movement. The authorities approved the Rowlatt Act on March 21, 1919.

Key Features of the Rowlatt Act

Key Features of the Rowlatt Act 1919
What was the Rowlatt act?	The Rowlatt Committee, led by Sir Sydney Rowlatt, passed the Act. It permitted the detention of anyone living in British India who was suspected of being a terrorist for two years without charge or trial
Enacted by	Imperial Legislative Council
What was “Black Bills”?	Two laws were submitted by the Central Legislature that gave police the power to search a location without a search warrant and to detain anyone they disagreed with. These bills earned the name “Black Bills” over time.
When was the act passed?	18 March 1919
When was the Satyagraha Initiated?	6 April 1919
When was Rowlatt abolished?	The Rowlatt Act came to be repealed in 1922

Rowlatt Act: Impact on the National Movement

The Rowlatt Act, officially the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, was a controversial piece of legislation passed by the British Raj in colonial India. Aimed at curbing growing nationalism and revolutionary activities, the Act had a profound impact on the Indian independence movement. Let’s delve into the details of the Act and its significant influence.

Impact on the National Movement

The Rowlatt Act was met with widespread outrage and galvanized the Indian nationalist movement. Here’s how:

• Violation of Civil Liberties: Indians viewed the Act as a blatant attack on their fundamental rights and a tool for suppressing dissent.
• Fueling Nationalism: The Rowlatt Act served as a catalyst, uniting Indians across religious and political lines in their opposition to British rule.
• Rise of Gandhi’s Leadership: Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent figure in the independence movement, called for a nationwide civil disobedience campaign, known as the Rowlatt Satyagraha, against the Act. This marked a shift in strategy towards non-violent resistance.

What was the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre?

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre was a tragic event that occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, Punjab, India, during British colonial rule. British troops, under the command of General Reginald Dyer, opened fire on a large crowd of unarmed Indian civilians who had gathered at Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden, to protest the repressive Rowlatt Act and demand political reforms peacefully. The massacre resulted in the deaths of hundreds of innocent men, women, and children and left many more injured.

The Aftermath: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and Beyond

The Rowlatt Satyagraha culminated in widespread protests and strikes across India. The British response was harsh, leading to the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in Amritsar, where British troops fired upon a peaceful gathering of unarmed civilians, killing hundreds.

The Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre became turning points in the Indian independence movement. They exposed the brutality of British rule and fueled a stronger desire for self-governance. The national movement gained momentum, leading to further acts of civil disobedience and growing public support for independence.

The Rowlatt Act, intended to suppress dissent, had the opposite effect. It galvanized the Indian independence movement and marked a significant turning point in the struggle for freedom. The Act’s legacy lies in its role in uniting Indians against British rule and paving the way for a more assertive and widespread resistance movement.

Rowlatt Act: Provisions and Implications of the Act

The Rowlatt Act officially called the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, was a deeply controversial piece of legislation passed by the British Raj in India. Here’s a breakdown of its key provisions and the outrage it caused:

Provisions

• Detention without Trial: The act authorized the arrest and detention of individuals suspected of terrorism or revolutionary activities for up to two years without trial. Authorities did not formally present any charges, denying the accused the opportunity to defend themselves in court.
• Expanded Police Powers: The act granted broader powers to the police, allowing them to search properties without warrants and seize materials that they deemed suspicious. The tactics created an atmosphere of fear and suspicion. Anyone could be targeted.
• Tribunals Instead of Juries: The government replaced juries with special tribunals for offenses under the act. These tribunals were perceived as biased towards the government, which further eroded public faith in the justice system.
• Press Restrictions: The act also included restrictions on the press, making it difficult to publish reports or criticism of the government’s actions. This aimed to control the flow of information and suppress dissent.

Implications

1. The act’s most immediate implication was widespread outrage and protest. Indians saw it as a blatant attack on their civil liberties, particularly the right to a fair trial and freedom from arbitrary arrest.
2. Those convicted had to deposit securities and faced a ban from participating in any political, educational, or religious activity after discharge. This fueled a sense of injustice and resentment among Indians.
3. The Rowlatt Act significantly influenced Mahatma Gandhi’s evolving views on Indian independence. It convinced him of the need for a more powerful and unified response to British rule. This led to the launch of his first nationwide campaign of non-violent resistance, the Satyagraha movement.

Public Outrage and Reasons for Resistance

1. Violation of civil rights

The blatant violation of civil rights by the Rowlatt Act outraged common people. The law allowed arrests without proof and denied prisoners the ability to defend themselves in court, leading to protests. It impaired freedoms for individuals and fueled resentment against colonial rule.

2. Suppression of Disagreement

Interpreters saw the short note on the Rowlatt Act as a deliberate attempt to suppress developing nationalist activity. It was a deliberate plan to suppress a revolt against British colonial power while retaining authority over the Indian population. Indians considered the Act as a means for silencing their voices and suppressing their goals.

The Rowlatt Act sparked rage among many Indians because it violated the ideas of justice, freedom, and self-government. The provisions of the Act destroyed the basic foundation of a fair society, sparking huge opposition and strengthening Indians’ commitment to confront its harsh actions.

Passage and Aftermath of the Rowlatt Act

Right after the act passed

The Rowlatt Act’s passage arose against important events that strengthened the demand for self-governance. The Indian members of the council, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Madan Mohan Malviya, and Mazhar Ul Haq, all actively opposed the fulfillment. In protest, they resigned. Growing tension between the British colonial administration and the Indians marked the key events leading to the Rowlatt Act year.

Key Events Leading to the Act’s Passage

Gandhi urged a countrywide hartal on April 6th to protest the Rowlatt Satyagraha Act. The British were concerned about a Ghadarite revolt in Punjab and the rest of India, hence they detained popular Congress leaders Satya Pal and Saifuddin Kitchlew. In this climate, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, where British troops opened fire on unarmed civilians, further inflamed the already simmering resentment.

Indian Immediate Response and Protests

In response to the Rowlatt Act, Indians organized nationwide protests and strikes. It sparked a surge of public outrage as individuals teamed together to resist its harsh conditions. The act fuelled the nationalist movement and unified Indians in their fight for freedom.

1. People organized hartals in several regions, and railways went on strike.
2. Someone closed and demolished the shops.
3. The Indian administration officials were imprisoned.
4. In Amritsar, British police opened fire on a peaceful rally.
5. Martial law was declared.
6. In protest of the policy, All-India Muslim League representatives Madan Mohan Malaviya and Muhammad Ali Jinnah resigned from the Imperial Legislative Council.
7. Gandhi and others felt that constitutional protest to the ordinance would be futile, so they staged a hartal on April 6, 1915.
8. Mahatma Gandhi organized the Satyagraha Sabha and conducted the Rowlatt Satyagraha in February 1919, where he got political support from peasants and artisans.

The Rowlatt Act’s Legacy

Rowlatt Act: Consequences

When authorities passed the Rowlatt Act, it produced both rapid and long-term outcomes. British forces mercilessly shot Indians during the occurrence of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Witnessing such injustice, people became enraged. Before the Satyagraha, anti-colonial demonstrations began in several parts of the country. Punjab saw the inhuman massacre of Jallianwala Bagh, which shook the entire nation, enabling the launch of a larger-scale movement.

1. In a letter of complaint, Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore refused the knighthood bestowed upon him, criticizing the British’s callous actions.
2. In protest of the killing and the British unwillingness to offer appropriate justice to the victims, Gandhiji abandoned his title of “Kaiser-e-hind,” which the British had bestowed upon him for his contributions during the Boer War in South Africa.
3. In December 1919, the Congress held an assembly in Amritsar. A large number of peasants and other individuals attended.

Significance in India’s Struggle for Freedom 

Rowlatt Act’s Contribution to the Nationalist Movement

Rowlatt Act was a historical moment in India’s independence, forever altering the movement’s course. Indians grew even more hostile to British authority due to its stringent laws. People from many backgrounds united together to resist the Act’s violation of civil freedoms; the nationalist movement had great success.

Role of the Act in Mobilizing Public Support for Independence

It enraged leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi because of the blatant mistreatment and violation of civil rights. Secondly, the country saw a huge amount of protests, rallies, and strikes against the Act. Discovering the value of swaraj, Indians from all walks of life became involved in the movement. Finally, the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience Movements were its consequences. In 1920, the Non-Cooperation movement merged with the Khilafat Movement, gaining momentum in the Indian freedom struggle.

The Rowlatt Act in Educational Context

1. What was the Rowlatt Act class 10?

The Rowlatt Act, a law you’ll study in Class 10 History, was more than just legislation. It was a turning point in India’s fight for independence. Here’s why it matters.

Why in Class 10?

Your Class 10 curriculum focuses on the rise of Indian nationalism. 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.

The Bigger Picture:

The Rowlatt Act helps you understand:

• Rise of Nationalism: It showed how oppressive British policies strengthened the desire for freedom.
• Importance of Civil Liberties: It highlights the significance of a fair trial and how their absence can lead to public outrage.

The Rowlatt Act is a stepping stone to understanding major events like the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. By studying it, you gain valuable insights into a crucial chapter of Indian history.

What was the Rowlatt Act of 1919 mcq?

Here are some multiple-choice questions (MCQs) related to the Rowlatt Act of 1919:

1. When was the Rowlatt Act passed?
   • (A) 1942
   • (B) 1930
   • (C) 1919
   • (D) 1909
     
2. 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
     
3. 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
     
4. The Rowlatt Act was passed to ________.
   • (A) Put Second World War criminals on trial
   • (B) Have a favourable ‘Balance of Trade’
   • (C) Curtail the National and Revolutionary Activities
   • (D) Bring about Agrarian Reforms
     
5. 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’s 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 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:

1. Enactment: The Rowlatt Act came into effect on March 10, 1919. They named it after its president, Sir Sidney Rowlatt.
2. 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 warrant, indefinite detention without trial, and juryless in camera trials for proscribed political acts.
3. Impact: The Act sparked widespread outrage among Indians, leading to a series of 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.
4. Repeal: The Rowlatt Act was eventually repealed in 1922 due to public pressure and opposition from Indian leaders. However, the national movement that it sparked continued to grow, eventually leading to India’s independence in 1947.

Key Takeaways and Summary

In this What Was the Rowlatt Act, the Act passed by the British colonial administration in 1919, provoked resentment among Indians because of its repressive measures that limited civil freedoms. The enactment of the act 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.

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