Elaborate the reactions of Indians during Rowlatt Act agitation in 1919.
(5 marks question)
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Answer:
Rowlatt Act (1919) had been hurriedly passed by the Imperial Legislative Council despite the united opposition of the Indian members. It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities, and allowed the detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.
Gandhiji in 1919 decided to launch a nation wide satyagrah against the purpose. Mahatma Gandhi wanted non-violent civil disobedience against such unjust laws, which would start with a hartal on 6th April. Rallies were organised in various cities, workers went on strike in railway workshops and shops closed down.
Alarmed by the popular upsurge and scared that lines of communication such as the railways and telegraph would be disrupted, the British administration decided to clamp down on nationalists. Local leaders were picked up from Amritsar, and Mahatma Gandhi was barred from entering Delhi. On 10th April, the police in Amritsar fired upon a peaceful procession, provoking widespread attacks on banks, post offices and railway stations by people. Thus Martial Law was imposed and General Dyer took command. Later, on 13th April 1919, the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place. Which also lead to a widespread protest against the government.
As the news of Jallianwala Bagh spread, crowds took to the streets in many north Indian towns. There were strikes, clashes with police and attacks on government buildings.