The Rowlatt Act of 1919 was one of the most controversial laws imposed by the British government in India, which fueled mass protests and became a turning point in India’s struggle for independence. It was officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, 1919 and was passed to suppress anti-colonial activities and strengthen British control.
Mahatma Gandhi, who had been advocating non-violent resistance, responded to the Act by launching one of the first major nationwide movements against British rule—the Rowlatt Satyagraha. His leadership during this period laid the foundation for future mass movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement.
This article explores the Rowlatt Act, its impact on Indian society, and Gandhi’s response, which led to one of the most defining moments in India’s freedom struggle.
Background of the Rowlatt Act
Why Was the Rowlatt Act Introduced?
During World War I (1914–1918), the British government had imposed severe restrictions on political activities in India. Several revolutionary groups and nationalist organizations were demanding complete independence. The British authorities feared that these movements could turn into an armed rebellion.
- The Defence of India Act, 1915 was enacted during the war, giving the British extraordinary powers to imprison individuals without trial.
- After the war ended, the British government wanted to extend these harsh laws to prevent further nationalist uprisings.
- A committee led by Sir Sidney Rowlatt, a British judge, was appointed in 1918 to recommend new laws to deal with revolutionary activities.
- Based on the committee’s recommendations, the Rowlatt Act was passed in March 1919, despite strong opposition from Indian leaders.
Provisions of the Rowlatt Act
The Act aimed to crush any political resistance and suppress revolutionary activities. Its key provisions included:
- No Jury, No Appeal – The British could arrest and detain any person without trial for up to two years.
- Secret Trials – Political cases could be tried in special courts without public hearings.
- Press Censorship – The government could suppress newspapers and publications that criticized British rule.
- Arbitrary Arrests – Anyone suspected of revolutionary activities could be imprisoned without evidence.
- No Right to Legal Representation – The accused had no right to appeal against the decision of the special courts.
Why Was the Act Controversial?
- It violated basic human rights and British legal principles.
- It was seen as an extension of wartime repression even after the war had ended.
- Indian leaders and common people viewed it as a direct attack on civil liberties.
The Indian National Congress (INC) and other leaders strongly opposed the Act, but the British ignored their protests. This led to widespread anger and the rise of mass movements against colonial rule.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Response to the Rowlatt Act
Launch of the Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919)
Mahatma Gandhi, who had been promoting non-violent resistance (Satyagraha), saw the Rowlatt Act as an unjust law and called for a nationwide protest. He launched the Rowlatt Satyagraha in March 1919 to mobilize Indians against the Act.
Objectives of the Rowlatt Satyagraha
- To oppose the unjust law through non-violent means.
- To boycott British institutions, including courts and schools.
- To organize nationwide hartals (strikes) and demonstrations.
- To unite Hindus and Muslims in the fight against colonial rule.
Nationwide Protests and Strikes
- On April 6, 1919, a massive hartal (strike) was observed across India.
- People boycotted British goods and institutions.
- There were peaceful protests, fasting, and prayer meetings throughout the country.
- However, the British responded with violent suppression.
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (April 13, 1919)
One of the most tragic consequences of the Rowlatt Act protests was the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar.
Events Leading to the Massacre
- In Amritsar, the British arrested prominent leaders like Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal for opposing the Rowlatt Act.
- This led to large-scale protests, and clashes erupted between the police and protestors.
- On April 13, 1919, a peaceful gathering of over 20,000 unarmed men, women, and children assembled at Jallianwala Bagh to protest against British rule.
The Massacre
- General Reginald Dyer, the British officer in charge, ordered his troops to open fire on the crowd without warning.
- The soldiers fired for over ten minutes, killing over 1,000 people and injuring more than 1,500.
- The exit gates were blocked, preventing people from escaping.
Impact of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
- The massacre shocked the entire nation and further fueled anti-British sentiments.
- Gandhi condemned the British government and intensified his non-violent movement.
- Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood in protest.
- It marked the beginning of a massive shift towards complete independence.
End of the Rowlatt Satyagraha and Gandhi’s Realization
Although the Rowlatt Satyagraha was initially successful, it soon led to violent outbreaks in some places. In Punjab and Delhi, mobs attacked British symbols, which disturbed Gandhi as he had strictly advocated for non-violence.
As a result, Gandhi called off the movement in April 1919. This was a major learning experience for him—he realized that Indians needed more discipline in non-violent resistance before launching a larger movement.
Impact of the Rowlatt Act and Gandhi’s Protest
1. Strengthening of Nationalist Movements
- The mass protests against the Rowlatt Act unified Indians across religious and regional lines.
- It increased public participation in the freedom struggle.
2. Gandhi’s Emergence as a National Leader
- The Rowlatt Satyagraha marked Gandhi’s first major nationwide movement in India.
- It established him as the leader of India’s independence movement.
3. End of Moderate Politics
- Until 1919, the Indian National Congress followed a moderate approach, negotiating with the British.
- After the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the INC took a more radical stance.
4. Birth of the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920)
- The failure of the Rowlatt Satyagraha led Gandhi to launch the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920.
- This movement mobilized millions of Indians against British rule.
5. British Realization of Growing Unrest
- The mass protests forced the British to rethink their strategies in India.
- Although the Rowlatt Act was never fully implemented, it deepened the mistrust between Indians and the British.
Conclusion
The Rowlatt Act of 1919 was a draconian law that symbolized British oppression in India. However, it also became a catalyst for mass resistance, uniting people from all walks of life against colonial rule.
Mahatma Gandhi’s response to the Act was a turning point in India’s freedom struggle. Though the Rowlatt Satyagraha was withdrawn, it laid the foundation for future movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience, and ultimately, India’s independence in 1947.
The Rowlatt Act and its consequences, especially the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, remain a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by Indians for freedom.
