Shaktimatha Learning – UPSC Mains Notes 2026 | GS Paper I | Modern Indian History | Page 15 – Rowlatt Act (1919), Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Khilafat Movement & Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

 

Page 15 – Rowlatt Act (1919), Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Khilafat Movement & Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

Introduction

The period from 1919 to 1922 was one of the most significant phases of India's freedom struggle. The British Government enacted the Rowlatt Act (1919), which granted extraordinary powers to suppress political activities without trial. This was followed by the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, which shocked the nation and strengthened the demand for independence. During the same period, the Khilafat Movement and the Non-Cooperation Movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, united millions of Indians in a peaceful struggle against British rule.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the provisions and impact of the Rowlatt Act (1919).
• Study the causes and consequences of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
• Learn the objectives and significance of the Khilafat Movement.
• Understand the causes, programme and achievements of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Prepare for UPSC Prelims and Mains with analytical understanding.

Topics Covered

• Rowlatt Act (1919)
• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
• Khilafat Movement
• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)
• Role of Mahatma Gandhi
• Achievements, limitations and withdrawal of the movement
• UPSC Mains answer-writing focus

UPSC Focus

This chapter explains how British repressive policies transformed Indian nationalism into a nationwide mass movement. It also analyses Gandhi's leadership, Hindu–Muslim unity during the Khilafat Movement and the significance of the Non-Cooperation Movement in India's struggle for independence.

Learning Outcomes

• Explain the significance of the Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
• Discuss the objectives and importance of the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements.
• Analyse Gandhi's leadership during this crucial phase.
• Write high-scoring UPSC Mains answers with historical facts and analytical conclusions.

Part 2 – Rowlatt Act (1919), Jallianwala Bagh Massacre & Hunter Commission

Rowlatt Act (1919)

The Rowlatt Act, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act, 1919, was passed by the British Government to suppress revolutionary activities in India after the First World War. The Act was based on the recommendations of the Rowlatt Committee, headed by Justice Sidney Rowlatt.

Main Provisions

• Allowed arrest without a warrant.
• Permitted detention without trial.
• Restricted freedom of speech and the press.
• Allowed secret trials without a jury.
• Gave extraordinary powers to the colonial government.

Public Reaction

• Mahatma Gandhi strongly opposed the Act.
• A nationwide Hartal (strike) was organised in April 1919.
• Large peaceful demonstrations took place across India.
• The Act became popularly known as the "Black Act".

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (13 April 1919)

On 13 April 1919, thousands of men, women and children gathered peacefully at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab, during the festival of Baisakhi. Brigadier General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to fire on the unarmed crowd without warning.

Consequences

• Hundreds of innocent people were killed and many more were injured.
• The incident shocked the entire nation and the international community.
• It destroyed Indian faith in British justice.
• The massacre became a turning point in the freedom struggle.
• Mahatma Gandhi intensified the national movement against British rule.

Hunter Commission (1919)

The British Government appointed the Hunter Commission to investigate the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. The Commission criticised General Dyer's actions but did not recommend severe punishment, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among Indians.

Importance

• Exposed the brutality of British colonial rule.
• Strengthened nationalist sentiments across India.
• Increased support for Mahatma Gandhi's leadership.
• Prepared the ground for the Non-Cooperation Movement.

UPSC Value Addition

• 1919 – Rowlatt Act passed.
• 13 April 1919 – Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
• General Reginald Dyer ordered the firing.
• The Rowlatt Act was widely called the "Black Act".
• The Hunter Commission investigated the massacre but failed to satisfy Indian public opinion.

Exam Focus

For UPSC examinations, remember the provisions of the Rowlatt Act, the causes and consequences of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, and the significance of the Hunter Commission. Questions frequently analyse how these events transformed the Indian freedom struggle into a nationwide mass movement under Mahatma Gandhi.

Part 3 – Khilafat Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement & Chauri Chaura Incident

Khilafat Movement (1919–1924)

The Khilafat Movement was launched by Indian Muslim leaders after the First World War to protect the position of the Ottoman Caliph (Khalifa), who was regarded as the spiritual leader of many Muslims. Mahatma Gandhi supported the movement to promote Hindu–Muslim unity and strengthen the national struggle against British rule.

Major Leaders

• Maulana Mohammad Ali
• Maulana Shaukat Ali
• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
• Mahatma Gandhi

Importance

• Strengthened Hindu–Muslim unity.
• Expanded mass participation in the freedom struggle.
• Prepared the foundation for the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)

The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 to peacefully oppose British rule. It aimed to achieve Swaraj through non-violent resistance and non-cooperation with colonial institutions.

Programme of the Movement

• Boycott of government schools and colleges.
• Boycott of law courts by lawyers.
• Resignation from government jobs where possible.
• Boycott of foreign cloth and promotion of Khadi.
• Refusal to accept British honours and titles.
• Promotion of national education and village industries.

Achievements

• Converted the freedom struggle into a nationwide mass movement.
• Encouraged the use of Khadi and Swadeshi products.
• Increased participation of students, women, workers and peasants.
• Established Mahatma Gandhi as the foremost leader of the national movement.

Chauri Chaura Incident (1922)

On 5 February 1922, at Chauri Chaura in present-day Uttar Pradesh, a protest turned violent when an angry crowd set a police station on fire, resulting in the deaths of several policemen.

Believing that the movement had deviated from the principle of Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Mahatma Gandhi decided to withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement in February 1922.

Impact

• Marked the end of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Demonstrated Gandhi's unwavering commitment to non-violence.
• Led to debate within the Indian National Congress regarding future strategies.
• Inspired later mass movements based on disciplined non-violent resistance.

UPSC Value Addition

• 1919–1924 – Khilafat Movement.
• 1920 – Launch of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• 5 February 1922 – Chauri Chaura Incident.
• 1922 – Withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• Khadi became the symbol of self-reliance and national unity.

Exam Focus

For UPSC examinations, understand the relationship between the Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movements, the objectives and programme of the Non-Cooperation Movement, and the significance of the Chauri Chaura Incident. Questions often ask why Gandhi withdrew the movement and how it influenced the future course of India's freedom struggle.

Part 4 – UPSC Mains Questions & Model Answers

Question 1 (10 Marks)

Discuss the provisions of the Rowlatt Act (1919) and explain why it was called the "Black Act".

Model Answer:

The Rowlatt Act of 1919 empowered the British Government to arrest individuals without a warrant, detain them without trial, restrict freedom of speech and the press, and conduct secret trials. It was enacted to suppress revolutionary activities after the First World War. Indians strongly opposed the Act because it violated civil liberties and democratic principles. Mahatma Gandhi organised a nationwide protest against it, and the Act became widely known as the "Black Act."

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Question 2 (15 Marks)

Explain the causes and significance of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919).

Model Answer:

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occurred on 13 April 1919 in Amritsar when Brigadier General Reginald Dyer ordered troops to fire on a peaceful gathering without warning. Hundreds of innocent people were killed and many others were injured. The incident shocked the nation, destroyed public confidence in British justice and became a turning point in the freedom struggle. It strengthened nationalist sentiments and encouraged greater participation in the movement led by Mahatma Gandhi.

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Question 3 (15 Marks)

Analyse the objectives and achievements of the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922).

Model Answer:

The Non-Cooperation Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920 to achieve Swaraj through peaceful and non-violent resistance. Its programme included the boycott of foreign goods, government schools, law courts and titles, along with the promotion of Khadi and national education. The movement transformed the freedom struggle into a nationwide mass movement by involving students, farmers, workers and women. It significantly strengthened Indian nationalism and established Gandhi as the principal leader of the independence movement.

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Question 4 (15 Marks)

Why did Mahatma Gandhi withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement after the Chauri Chaura Incident? Discuss its impact.

Model Answer:

The Chauri Chaura Incident of 5 February 1922 turned violent when protesters set a police station on fire, resulting in the deaths of several policemen. As Gandhi firmly believed in Ahimsa (non-violence), he considered the continuation of the movement inconsistent with its principles and withdrew it. Although many leaders disagreed with the decision, it demonstrated Gandhi's commitment to non-violence and influenced the strategy of future national movements.

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UPSC Answer Writing Tips

• Begin with a brief historical background and mention the relevant year.
• Use headings such as Background, Causes, Features, Impact and Conclusion.
• Include keywords like Rowlatt Act, Jallianwala Bagh, Khilafat Movement, Non-Cooperation, Satyagraha and Ahimsa.
• Support answers with important dates such as 1919, 1920 and 1922.
• Conclude by explaining how these events strengthened India's freedom struggle and paved the way for later mass movements.

Part 5 – UPSC Prelims MCQs, Quick Revision & Chapter Summary

UPSC Prelims Practice MCQs

1. The Rowlatt Act was passed in:

• A. 1917
• B. 1918
• C. 1919
• D. 1920

Answer: C. 1919

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2. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre took place on:

• A. 15 August 1947
• B. 13 April 1919
• C. 5 February 1922
• D. 16 October 1905

Answer: B. 13 April 1919

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3. Who ordered the firing at Jallianwala Bagh?

• A. Lord Curzon
• B. Lord Chelmsford
• C. General Reginald Dyer
• D. Lord Irwin

Answer: C. General Reginald Dyer

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4. The Non-Cooperation Movement was withdrawn after which incident?

• A. Kakori Incident
• B. Chauri Chaura Incident
• C. Bardoli Satyagraha
• D. Champaran Satyagraha

Answer: B. Chauri Chaura Incident

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5. Which of the following became the symbol of self-reliance during the Non-Cooperation Movement?

• A. Salt
• B. Indigo
• C. Khadi
• D. Tea

Answer: C. Khadi

Quick Revision

• 1919 – Rowlatt Act ("Black Act") passed.
• 13 April 1919 – Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
• Hunter Commission appointed to investigate the massacre.
• 1919–1924 – Khilafat Movement.
• 1920 – Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi.
• Promotion of Khadi, Swadeshi and National Education.
• 5 February 1922 – Chauri Chaura Incident.
• 1922 – Gandhi withdrew the Non-Cooperation Movement.

Chapter Summary

The Rowlatt Act and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre exposed the repressive nature of British colonial rule and intensified nationalist feelings across India. The Khilafat Movement promoted Hindu–Muslim cooperation, while the Non-Cooperation Movement transformed the freedom struggle into a nationwide mass movement based on non-violence and non-cooperation. Although withdrawn after the Chauri Chaura Incident, the movement strengthened the demand for Swaraj and established Mahatma Gandhi as the undisputed leader of India's freedom movement.

Next Chapter

Page 16 – Simon Commission, Nehru Report (1928), Lahore Session (1929), Civil Disobedience Movement and the Dandi March (1930).

The next chapter covers the boycott of the Simon Commission, the Nehru Report, the declaration of Purna Swaraj, the historic Dandi March, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and their significance in India's struggle for independence.