Impact of the Simon Commission on Indian Politics

The Simon Commission, officially known as the Indian Statutory Commission, was sent by the British government in 1927 to evaluate India’s constitutional progress and recommend reforms. However, the absence of any Indian members in the commission led to widespread protests and a major political upheaval.

This article explores the background, objectives, key events, and the long-term impact of the Simon Commission on Indian politics, ultimately leading to the demand for complete independence (Purna Swaraj).

Background of the Simon Commission

1. Government of India Act, 1919 and Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms

• The Government of India Act, 1919 introduced Dyarchy in the provinces and promised that India’s progress towards self-rule would be reviewed after 10 years.
  
  
• In 1927, instead of waiting until 1929, the British government appointed the Simon Commission two years early to examine the working of the 1919 Act and suggest further reforms.

2. Composition of the Simon Commission

• The commission consisted of seven British members led by Sir John Simon.
• There was no Indian representation, which deeply offended Indian leaders across political parties.

3. Political Climate in India

• By 1927, Indian nationalism was at its peak, and the demand for self-rule (Swaraj) was growing stronger.
  
  
• The Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) was gaining momentum, and leaders like Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Sukhdev were carrying out revolutionary activities.
  
  
• The Muslim League had also begun demanding constitutional reforms.

Due to this charged political atmosphere, the arrival of the Simon Commission triggered widespread opposition.

Why Was the Simon Commission Opposed?

1. No Indian Representation

• The biggest reason for opposition was that all members of the commission were British, which meant Indians had no say in their own future.
  
  
• The Indian National Congress, Muslim League, and Hindu Mahasabha all opposed the commission for this reason.

2. No Mention of Dominion Status

• Indians expected the British to promise Dominion Status, like they had granted Canada and Australia.
  
  
• However, the Simon Commission did not even consider the idea, further fueling nationalist anger.

3. Fear of More Divide and Rule Policies

• Indians feared that the British would introduce reforms designed to divide different communities, just like they did in the 1909 Morley-Minto Reforms and 1919 Government of India Act.

4. Violation of British Promises

• The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (1919) had promised Indians greater autonomy, but the Simon Commission showed that the British were still unwilling to share real power.

Nationwide Protests Against the Simon Commission

The arrival of the Simon Commission in Bombay on February 3, 1928, was met with massive protests across India.

1. Black Flags and Slogans

• The slogan “Simon Go Back” was chanted across India.
• Protesters waved black flags and held demonstrations in every major city.

2. Lala Lajpat Rai’s Protest and Death

• In Lahore, a protest led by Lala Lajpat Rai was brutally suppressed by the British police.
• James A. Scott, a police officer, ordered a lathi charge that severely injured Lajpat Rai.
• Lajpat Rai died on November 17, 1928, from his injuries, leading to nationwide outrage.
• In retaliation, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev assassinated J.P. Saunders, mistaking him for Scott.

3. Boycott by Indian Political Parties

• The Indian National Congress (INC), the Muslim League, and other political groups boycotted the commission.
  
  
• Even moderate leaders like Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das opposed it.

4. Revolutionary Response

• The Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) intensified its activities.
  
  
• The assassination of Saunders and other revolutionary actions increased British crackdowns on Indian leaders.

Recommendations of the Simon Commission

Despite protests, the commission published its report in 1930. The key recommendations were:

1. Abolition of Dyarchy in provinces and establishment of full provincial autonomy.
2. No Dominion Status for India.
3. Retention of separate electorates for minorities.
4. British control over central administration and defense to continue.
5. More autonomy for provinces but under British governors.

These recommendations failed to satisfy Indian demands and further increased political tensions.

Impact of the Simon Commission on Indian Politics

The Simon Commission had far-reaching effects on India’s freedom movement.

1. Nehru Report (1928) – India’s First Constitution Draft

• In response to the Simon Commission, Motilal Nehru drafted the Nehru Report (1928), which demanded:
  • Full Dominion Status for India
  • Fundamental rights for citizens
  • End of separate electorates
• The British ignored the Nehru Report, increasing nationalist frustration.

2. Rise of the Demand for Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence)

• By 1929, Indian leaders lost faith in British reforms.
  
  
• At the Lahore Session of Congress (1929), Jawaharlal Nehru declared “Purna Swaraj” (Complete Independence) as the goal.
  
  
• The first Independence Day was observed on January 26, 1930.

3. Strengthening of Revolutionary Movements

• The killing of Lala Lajpat Rai and British repression fueled revolutionary activities.
  
  
• The HSRA and Bhagat Singh’s group carried out protests, bombings, and assassinations against British officials.

4. Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934)

• As a result of growing unrest, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930.
  
  
• The Salt March (Dandi March, 1930) became a landmark event in the freedom struggle.

5. Round Table Conferences and Government of India Act, 1935

• Due to protests and mass movements, the British were forced to hold Round Table Conferences (1930-32).
  
  
• This led to the Government of India Act, 1935, which introduced provincial autonomy and elections.

6. Deepening Hindu-Muslim Divide

• The Simon Commission supported separate electorates, increasing tensions between Hindus and Muslims.
  
  
• The Muslim League, under Muhammad Ali Jinnah, later used this policy to demand Pakistan.

7. International Recognition of India’s Freedom Struggle

• The massive protests against the Simon Commission gained global attention.
• Britain’s refusal to grant reforms damaged its reputation internationally.

Conclusion

The Simon Commission was a turning point in Indian politics. Instead of pacifying Indians, it ignited mass protests, increased revolutionary activities, and led to the demand for complete independence.

Key impacts included:

• The rise of the Purna Swaraj movement (1929).
• The assassination of J.P. Saunders and strengthening of revolutionaries.
• The launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930).
• The failure of British reforms to satisfy Indian demands.

Though the Simon Commission’s report led to the Government of India Act, 1935, the incident ultimately pushed India closer to its independence in 1947.