The Rowlatt Act, 1919, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council. Its purpose was to extend emergency wartime powers into peacetime. It gave the British government enormous powers to suppress political activities and detain Indians without trial. This act led to widespread protests and Gandhi’s first mass movement against British rule.
1. Background
✔ The World War I (1914-1918) had led to strict laws against political dissent in India.
✔ After the war, the British government decided to continue repressive laws to curb revolutionary activities.
✔ A committee under Justice Rowlatt recommended extending wartime restrictions, leading to the Rowlatt Act.
2. Key Provisions of the Rowlatt Act
✔ Arrest without Warrant – Allowed the government to arrest and detain any Indian without trial.
✔ No Appeal or Lawyer – The accused had no right to appeal or legal representation.
✔ Press Censorship – Restricted the freedom of speech and press.
✔ House Arrest & Search Powers – Government officials could search homes and imprison suspects without evidence.
3. Opposition & Protests
✔ Indians saw it as “Black Act” because it violated civil liberties.
✔ Mahatma Gandhi launched the “Rowlatt Satyagraha” in 1919.
✔ Massive protests in cities like Delhi, Amritsar, Bombay, and Calcutta.
✔ Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (April 13, 1919) – British forces under General Dyer killed hundreds of peaceful protesters.
4. Impact of the Rowlatt Act
✔ Increased Nationalism – Strengthened the demand for self-rule (Swaraj).
✔ Rise of Gandhi’s Leadership – Gandhi emerged as a national leader.
✔ End of Trust in British Rule – The act and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre turned even moderate leaders against the British.
✔ Led to the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922).
5. MCQs on Rowlatt Act
- Which year was the Rowlatt Act passed?
- (a) 1917
- (b) 1918
- (c) 1919
- (d) 1920
- Answer: (c) 1919
- What was the official name of the Rowlatt Act?
- (a) Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act
- (b) Public Safety Act
- (c) Government of India Act
- (d) Press Act
- Answer: (a) Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act
- Which leader started the Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act?
- (a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- (b) Jawaharlal Nehru
- (c) Mahatma Gandhi
- (d) Subhas Chandra Bose
- Answer: (c) Mahatma Gandhi
- Which tragic event followed the protests against the Rowlatt Act?
- (a) Chauri Chaura Incident
- (b) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
- (c) Simon Commission Protest
- (d) Civil Disobedience Movement
- Answer: (b) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
- Why was the Rowlatt Act called the “Black Act”?
- (a) It imposed heavy taxes
- (b) It restricted civil liberties and allowed detention without trial
- (c) It abolished the Indian National Congress
- (d) It removed Indian judges from courts
- Answer: (b) It restricted civil liberties and allowed detention without trial
6. Subjective Questions on Rowlatt Act
- What were the key provisions of the Rowlatt Act (1919)?
- Why did Mahatma Gandhi launch the Rowlatt Satyagraha?
- How did the Rowlatt Act contribute to the rise of nationalism in India?
- Explain the link between the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
- What were the consequences of the Rowlatt Act on India’s independence movement?
7. Conclusion
The Rowlatt Act (1919) was a turning point in Indian history. It led to nationwide protests, the rise of Gandhi’s leadership, and the demand for complete independence. The brutal suppression of protests further exposed British colonial exploitation, strengthening India’s freedom struggle.
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