8.2.2. The Rowlatt Satyagraha

In 1919, Gandhiji gave a call for a satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act that the British had just passed. The Act curbed fundamental rights such as the freedom of expression and strengthened police powers.

The Rowlatt Act was a law enacted by the British in 1919 that restricted basic civil liberties. It allowed the government to imprison individuals without trial, significantly curbing freedom of speech and expression. Mahatma Gandhi condemned this act, viewing it as a violation of human rights and a tool of oppressive governance. His call for satyagraha, or non-violent resistance, aimed to mobilize the Indian populace against this unjust law.

Think of the Rowlatt Act like a set of strict rules in a school that suddenly ban students from expressing their opinions or even meeting in groups. Just as students might protest against such unfair rules, Gandhi urged Indians to stand up against the Rowlatt Act peacefully.

Mahatma Gandhi, Mohammad Ali Jinnah and others felt that the government had no right to restrict people’s basic freedoms. They criticised the Act as “devilish” and tyrannical. Gandhiji asked the Indian people to observe 6 April 1919 as a day of non-violent opposition to this Act, as a day of “humiliation and prayer” and hartal (strike). Satyagraha Sabhas were set up to launch the movement.

Gandhi and other leaders viewed the Rowlatt Act not just as a law but as an affront to the dignity and freedom of the people. They designated April 6, 1919, for a nationwide protest, encouraging people to stay home from work (hartal) as a symbol of their opposition. Satyagraha Sabhas were established to organize and rally support for this movement, fostering collective action and unity among Indians from different backgrounds.

Imagine a community coming together to stand against a new policy that unfairly limits their freedom, like a town declaring a 'no work day' to show they won't accept restrictions. This is what Gandhi inspired across India with the April 6 hartal.

The Rowlatt Satyagraha turned out to be the first all-India struggle against the British government although it was largely restricted to cities. In April 1919, there were a number of demonstrations and hartals in the country and the government used brutal measures to suppress them.

The Rowlatt Satyagraha marked a pivotal moment for Indian nationalism as it unified various regions against colonial rule. Although it mainly took place in urban areas, the demonstrations represented a significant shift in public sentiment. The British response was harsh; they used force to quell protests, which further inflamed nationalist feelings and resentment against British authority.

Consider how a school principal may react harshly to student protests for fair treatment; this could backfire and lead to even more students joining the cause. Similar reactions from the British only served to strengthen the resolve of Indians against the Rowlatt Act.

The Jallianwala Bagh atrocities, inflicted by General Dyer in Amritsar on Baisakhi day (13 April), were a part of this repression. On learning about the massacre, Rabindranath Tagore expressed the pain and anger of the country by renouncing his knighthood.

The massacre at Jallianwala Bagh was a turning point in Indian history, where British General Dyer ordered troops to fire on a crowd of peaceful protesters, killing hundreds. This incident shocked the nation and sparked outrage, highlighting the brutal reality of British rule in India. Notable figures like Rabindranath Tagore publicly condemned the massacre by renouncing honors given by the British, emphasizing the emotional and moral impact of colonial oppression.

Think of it like a popular hero standing up against injustice; when Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood, he became a voice for many who felt betrayed by their own government. His actions rallied others to oppose British actions.

During the Rowlatt Satyagraha, the participants tried to ensure that Hindus and Muslims were united in the fight against British rule. This was also the call of Mahatma Gandhi who always saw India as a land of all the people who lived in the country – Hindus, Muslims and those of other religions.

Gandhi's vision for India included unity among its diverse communities. Through the Rowlatt Satyagraha, he aimed to create a collaborative front against colonial rule, emphasizing that all Indians, regardless of their religious identities, were fighting for a common cause. This effort laid the groundwork for communal harmony and a shared struggle for independence.

This can be likened to a team sport where players from different backgrounds come together for a common goal. Just as a soccer team must unite to win, Gandhi wanted Indians of various faiths to work together against British oppression.

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