The Simon Commission, also known as the Indian Statutory Commission, was a turning point in British India’s history. Formed in 1927, this commission was sent by the British government to assess India’s political structure and suggest constitutional reforms. However, it became a symbol of oppression, injustice, and disregard for Indian voices. The arrival of this commission sparked protests across the country, leading to a major outcry from Indians who felt deeply insulted by the lack of Indian representation in the commission.
This blog will dive deep into the Simon Commission’s purpose, why it failed, and how it contributed to India’s fight for independence.
What Was the Simon Commission?
The Simon Commission was appointed by the British government in 1927 to review the working of the Government of India Act, 1919, and suggest further constitutional reforms. Headed by Sir John Simon, the commission included seven British members but notably excluded any Indian members. This exclusion, at a time when India was already fighting for self-rule, created a massive wave of anger and resistance.
The primary aim of the commission was to evaluate India’s political system and suggest steps for better governance. However, by not including Indians, the British rulers failed to recognize the growing demand for self-governance.
Why Did the Simon Commission Face Such Backlash?
When the Simon Commission was announced, the Indian public was already growing frustrated with British rule. But when they realized that no Indian was a part of the commission, it felt like a deliberate insult.
Across India, leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Motilal Nehru were already fighting for India’s freedom. The arrival of the commission seemed to them like another attempt by the British to maintain control over India. As a result, “Simon Go Back!” became the slogan of the protests, and Indians refused to cooperate with the commission.
The Role of Major Indian Leaders
Many prominent Indian leaders and political parties joined in opposing the Simon Commission. The Indian National Congress, under leaders like Motilal Nehru and Jawaharlal Nehru, condemned the commission for its lack of Indian participation. Even more moderate leaders who had previously worked with the British expressed their anger.
Lala Lajpat Rai, a fierce nationalist leader, played a major role in organizing protests against the Simon Commission. During one such protest in Lahore in 1928, he was injured by police brutality and later succumbed to his injuries. His martyrdom became a symbol of resistance to British oppression.
The Impact of Lala Lajpat Rai’s Death
The death of Lala Lajpat Rai had a profound impact on the Indian independence movement. It intensified the hatred towards British rule and galvanized the Indian population to unite against the British. Bhagat Singh and other revolutionary leaders were deeply affected by Rai’s death, and it is believed that his death inspired Bhagat Singh to carry out revolutionary activities against the British, including the assassination of James A.
Indian Alternatives to the Simon Commission
While rejecting the Simon Commission, Indian leaders didn’t just protest—they also provided alternatives. The Nehru Report, drafted by Motilal Nehru in 1928, was a direct response to the Simon Commission. This report laid out a proposal for dominion status for India, with a more representative government structure.
The Nehru Report was a clear indication that Indians were ready to take charge of their own political destiny. Unfortunately, the British did not immediately accept the suggestions, which further fueled the demand for complete independence.
Why Was the Simon Commission Considered a Failure?
The Simon Commission was viewed as a failure for several reasons:
- No Indian Representation: The absence of any Indian members made the commission irrelevant in the eyes of many Indians.
- Increased Calls for Independence: Rather than reducing tensions, the Simon Commission only heightened India’s demand for complete independence from British rule.
- Lala Lajpat Rai’s Martyrdom: The death of Lala Lajpat Rai symbolized the violent suppression of peaceful protests, further discrediting British governance.
Lessons from the Simon Commission
The Simon Commission taught both the British government and the Indian people important lessons. For the British, it became clear that India’s demand for self-rule could no longer be ignored. For Indians, it became a turning point, marking the shift from demanding reforms to demanding complete independence.
The events surrounding the Simon Commission laid the foundation for the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement in the 1930s and 1940s. The failure of the Simon Commission also proved that British policies in India could no longer be decided without Indian participation.
Personal Reflection
Reading about the Simon Commission feels like delving into a critical moment in history where people’s voices were silenced, yet they found the strength to stand up. It’s a reminder of how important representation is in any system of governance. The way Indian leaders and the public united against the commission shows that even in the face of oppression, unity and persistence can lead to monumental changes.
FAQs
- Why was the Simon Commission controversial?
The commission faced backlash because it included no Indian members, sparking widespread protests across the country. - Who led the Simon Commission?
The Simon Commission was headed by Sir John Simon, a British politician known for his role in colonial administration. - How did Indians respond to the Simon Commission?
Indians reacted strongly with large-scale protests, firmly rejecting the commission due to its lack of Indian representation. - What was the significance of Lala Lajpat Rai’s death?
Lala Lajpat Rai’s death during protests against the Simon Commission became a powerful symbol of resistance against British oppression. - Did the Simon Commission lead to India’s independence?
Although the Simon Commission itself did not bring about independence, it significantly intensified the demand for full independence in India.
Quiz:
1. What was the primary purpose of the The Indian Constitutional Commission?
a) To grant India independence
b) To review India’s political structure and suggest constitutional reforms
c) To establish British rule permanently
d) To improve India’s economy
2. Who was the leader of the Simon Commission?
a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Sir John Simon
d) Lala Lajpat Rai
3. Why was the Simon Commission controversial?
a) It was led by an Indian
b) It included too many Indian members
c) Quit India Movement
d) It did not include any Indian members
4. In which year was the Simon Commission appointed?
a) 1919
b) 1928
c) 1927
d) 1930
5. What was the slogan used by protesters against the Simon Commission?
a) Long Live Simon!
b) “Simon Go Back!”
c) Quit India
d) Down with British Rule
6. Which prominent Indian leader was injured during protests against the Simon Commission?
a) Lala Lajpat Rai
b) Bhagat Singh
c) Mahatma Gandhi
d) Subhas Chandra Bose
7. What event was inspired by Lala Lajpat Rai’s death?
a) Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary activities
b) Quit India Movement
c) Salt March
d) Non-Cooperation Movement
8. What was the Nehru Report?
a) A British reform proposal
b) A British response to Indian protests
c) An alternative constitutional proposal by Indian leaders
d) A plan to increase taxes on Indians
9. How many British members were part of the Simon Commission?
a) Five
b) Three
c) Seven
d) Ten
10. Which political party led the protests against the Simon Commission?
a) Muslim League
b) Indian National Congress
c) Forward Bloc
d) Swaraj Party
11. What did the Nehru Report demand for India?
a) Complete independence
b) Dominion status
c) New taxation laws
d) Military reforms
12. The Simon Commission was formed to review the working of which act?
a) Government of India Act, 1919
b) Indian Independence Act
c) Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
d) Rowlatt Act
13. Which community supported the Simon Commission initially?
a) Muslims
b) Hindus
c) Anglo-Indians
d) Sikhs
14. Why did the Muslim League not fully oppose the Simon Commission at first?
a) They agreed with its proposals
b) They feared Hindu dominance
c) They wanted constitutional reforms beneficial to Muslims
d) Immediate independence for India
15. In which city was Lala Lajpat Rai injured during the Simon Commission protests?
a) Mumbai
b) Delhi
c) Lahore
d) Kolkata
16. Which British officer was responsible for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai?
a) John Simon
b) Winston Churchill
c) James A. Scott
d) Lord Irwin
17. What was the main outcome of the Simon Commission?
a) Immediate independence for India
b) No changes in the political system
c) Recommendation of constitutional reforms
d) Introduction of new taxes
18. The Simon Commission led to the formation of which major constitutional document?
a) Government of India Act, 1935
b) Indian Independence Act
c) Rowlatt Act
d) Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
19. What was the reaction of Indian leaders to the Simon Commission?
a) They welcomed it
b) They boycotted it
c) They offered minor support
d) They joined the commission
20. Which two leaders primarily drafted the Nehru Report?
a) Motilal Nehru and Tej Bahadur Sapru
b) Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh
d) Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan
