Page 16 – Simon Commission (1928), Nehru Report, Lahore Session (1929), Purna Swaraj, Civil Disobedience Movement & Dandi March (1930)
Introduction
The period between 1928 and 1934 marked another decisive phase in India's freedom struggle. The arrival of the Simon Commission (1928) without any Indian member led to nationwide protests. The Nehru Report (1928) proposed constitutional reforms, while the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (1929) declared Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) as India's ultimate goal. Mahatma Gandhi further strengthened the national movement by launching the Civil Disobedience Movement with the historic Dandi March (Salt March) in 1930.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the background and objectives of the Simon Commission.
- Study the recommendations of the Nehru Report.
- Learn the significance of the Lahore Session (1929) and the declaration of Purna Swaraj.
- Understand the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Dandi March.
- Prepare effectively for UPSC Prelims and Mains.
Topics Covered
- Simon Commission (1928)
- Nehru Report (1928)
- Lahore Session (1929)
- Purna Swaraj Resolution
- Dandi March (1930)
- Civil Disobedience Movement
- Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931)
- UPSC Mains analytical points
UPSC Focus
This chapter explains how the demand for constitutional reforms gradually evolved into the demand for complete independence. It highlights the importance of mass civil resistance, the Salt Satyagraha and Gandhi's leadership in transforming India's freedom struggle into a nationwide movement.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the causes and significance of the Simon Commission protests.
- Discuss the importance of the Nehru Report and the Lahore Session.
- Analyse the objectives and impact of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Write high-scoring UPSC Mains answers using historical facts, timelines and analytical conclusions.
Part 2 – Simon Commission (1928), Nehru Report (1928), Lahore Session (1929) & Purna Swaraj
Simon Commission (1928)
The Simon Commission was appointed by the British Government in 1927 and arrived in India on 3 February 1928 to review the working of the Government of India Act, 1919, and recommend constitutional reforms.
The Commission consisted entirely of British members and did not include a single Indian. This led to widespread protests throughout the country under the slogan "Simon Go Back."
Reasons for Boycott
- No Indian member was included in the Commission.
- Ignored Indian aspirations for self-government.
- Political parties viewed it as an insult to Indian leadership.
- Nationwide demonstrations were organised against its visit.
Impact
- Strengthened the national movement.
- United different political groups in protest.
- Inspired the preparation of an Indian constitutional proposal.
- Lala Lajpat Rai was seriously injured during a protest in Lahore and later died from his injuries.
Nehru Report (1928)
The Nehru Report was prepared under the chairmanship of Motilal Nehru. It was the first major constitutional framework drafted by Indian leaders for self-government.
Main Recommendations
- Dominion Status for India.
- Fundamental Rights for citizens.
- Responsible Government at the Centre and in the Provinces.
- Universal civil liberties and an independent judiciary.
- A federal system with a strong central government.
Lahore Session (1929)
The historic Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress was held in December 1929 under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru. During this session, the Congress adopted the historic resolution of Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) as its ultimate objective.
Purna Swaraj Resolution
- Declared Complete Independence as India's national goal.
- Rejected Dominion Status as insufficient.
- Called upon Indians to prepare for Civil Disobedience.
- Resolved to celebrate 26 January 1930 as India's first Independence Day.
UPSC Value Addition
- 1928 – Simon Commission reached India.
- 1928 – Nehru Report submitted.
- December 1929 – Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress.
- Jawaharlal Nehru presided over the Lahore Session.
- 26 January 1930 – First Independence Day celebrated after the Purna Swaraj Resolution.
Exam Focus
For UPSC examinations, compare the objectives of the Simon Commission and the Nehru Report, explain the significance of the Lahore Session, and analyse why the demand shifted from Dominion Status to Complete Independence (Purna Swaraj). These topics are frequently asked in both Prelims and Mains.
Part 3 – Civil Disobedience Movement (1930), Dandi March, Gandhi–Irwin Pact & Round Table Conferences
Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)
The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 after the Indian National Congress adopted the Purna Swaraj resolution. Unlike the Non-Cooperation Movement, people were encouraged to openly violate unjust British laws through peaceful and non-violent methods.
Objectives
- Achieve Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence).
- Challenge unjust British laws through peaceful resistance.
- Mobilise people from all sections of society.
- Promote self-reliance through Khadi and Swadeshi.
Dandi March (Salt March)
On 12 March 1930, Mahatma Gandhi started the historic Dandi March from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, covering nearly 390 kilometres. Accompanied by 78 volunteers, Gandhi reached Dandi on 6 April 1930 and symbolically broke the British Salt Law by making salt from seawater.
Significance
- Marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Inspired millions of Indians to join the freedom struggle.
- Exposed the injustice of British taxation policies.
- Received worldwide media attention and support.
Gandhi–Irwin Pact (1931)
The Gandhi–Irwin Pact was signed on 5 March 1931 between Mahatma Gandhi and Viceroy Lord Irwin. Under the agreement, Gandhi agreed to suspend the Civil Disobedience Movement, while the British Government agreed to release many political prisoners and allow peaceful manufacture of salt in coastal areas.
Round Table Conferences
- First Round Table Conference (1930): Held in London without the participation of the Indian National Congress.
- Second Round Table Conference (1931): Mahatma Gandhi attended as the sole representative of the Indian National Congress after the Gandhi–Irwin Pact.
- Third Round Table Conference (1932): Conducted with limited Indian participation and failed to resolve major constitutional issues.
Impact of the Civil Disobedience Movement
- Strengthened the demand for complete independence.
- Expanded participation of women, students and rural communities.
- Increased international attention towards India's freedom struggle.
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of non-violent mass resistance.
UPSC Value Addition
- 12 March 1930 – Dandi March began.
- 6 April 1930 – Gandhi broke the Salt Law at Dandi.
- 5 March 1931 – Gandhi–Irwin Pact signed.
- 1930–1932 – Three Round Table Conferences held in London.
- The Salt Satyagraha became one of the most influential non-violent protests in world history.
Exam Focus
For UPSC examinations, understand the objectives and programme of the Civil Disobedience Movement, the importance of the Dandi March, the provisions of the Gandhi–Irwin Pact and the outcomes of the Round Table Conferences. Questions often require analysis of how these events strengthened India's struggle for complete independence.
Part 4 – UPSC Mains Questions & Model Answers
Question 1 (10 Marks)
Why was the Simon Commission boycotted by Indians? Explain its impact on the Indian National Movement.
Model Answer:
The Simon Commission was appointed by the British Government in 1927 and arrived in India in 1928 without a single Indian member. Indians regarded this as an insult to their political aspirations and organised nationwide protests under the slogan "Simon Go Back." The boycott united different political groups, strengthened nationalist sentiment and encouraged Indian leaders to prepare the Nehru Report proposing constitutional reforms.
Question 2 (15 Marks)
Discuss the significance of the Lahore Session (1929) and the Purna Swaraj Resolution in India's freedom struggle.
Model Answer:
The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress was held in December 1929 under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru. The Congress declared Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) as its ultimate objective, replacing the earlier demand for Dominion Status. It also resolved to celebrate 26 January 1930 as Independence Day and authorised the launch of the Civil Disobedience Movement. The resolution marked a decisive shift towards complete independence.
Question 3 (15 Marks)
Explain the objectives, programme and significance of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Model Answer:
The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 to achieve Purna Swaraj through peaceful violation of unjust British laws. The movement included breaking the Salt Law, refusing to pay certain taxes, boycotting foreign goods and promoting Khadi and Swadeshi. It mobilised millions of Indians, including women and rural communities, attracted international attention and strengthened the demand for complete independence.
Question 4 (15 Marks)
Evaluate the importance of the Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) in the history of the Indian National Movement.
Model Answer:
The Dandi March began on 12 March 1930 when Mahatma Gandhi marched from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to protest the British Salt Law. On 6 April 1930, he symbolically made salt from seawater, inspiring people across India to join the Civil Disobedience Movement. The march became a powerful symbol of non-violent resistance, exposed the injustice of colonial rule and brought global attention to India's struggle for freedom.
UPSC Answer Writing Tips
- Begin with a brief historical introduction and mention important years.
- Use headings such as Background, Objectives, Features, Impact and Conclusion.
- Include keywords like Simon Commission, Nehru Report, Purna Swaraj, Dandi March, Civil Disobedience Movement and Gandhi–Irwin Pact.
- Support answers with key dates such as 1928, 1929, 1930 and 1931.
- Conclude by explaining how these events accelerated India's struggle for complete independence.
Part 5 – UPSC Prelims MCQs, Quick Revision & Chapter Summary
UPSC Prelims Practice MCQs
1. The Simon Commission arrived in India in:
- A. 1926
- B. 1927
- C. 1928
- D. 1929
Answer: C. 1928
2. The Nehru Report was prepared under the chairmanship of:
- A. Jawaharlal Nehru
- B. Motilal Nehru
- C. Mahatma Gandhi
- D. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: B. Motilal Nehru
3. The Lahore Session (1929) declared:
- A. Dominion Status
- B. Separate Electorates
- C. Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence)
- D. Home Rule
Answer: C. Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence)
4. The Dandi March began on:
- A. 26 January 1930
- B. 12 March 1930
- C. 6 April 1930
- D. 5 March 1931
Answer: B. 12 March 1930
5. The Gandhi–Irwin Pact was signed in:
- A. 1929
- B. 1930
- C. 1931
- D. 1932
Answer: C. 1931
Quick Revision
- 3 February 1928 – Simon Commission arrived in India.
- 1928 – Nehru Report submitted under Motilal Nehru.
- December 1929 – Lahore Session declared Purna Swaraj.
- 26 January 1930 – First Independence Day observed.
- 12 March 1930 – Dandi (Salt) March began.
- 6 April 1930 – Gandhi broke the Salt Law at Dandi.
- 1930–1934 – Civil Disobedience Movement.
- 5 March 1931 – Gandhi–Irwin Pact signed.
Chapter Summary
The boycott of the Simon Commission united Indians against colonial policies and led to the preparation of the Nehru Report. The Lahore Session of 1929 marked a historic turning point by adopting the goal of Purna Swaraj. The Civil Disobedience Movement, launched through the Dandi March, demonstrated the strength of peaceful mass resistance. The Gandhi–Irwin Pact and the Round Table Conferences reflected the growing political importance of the Indian National Congress in negotiations with the British Government.
Next Chapter
Page 17 – Government of India Act (1935), Provincial Autonomy, Cripps Mission (1942), Quit India Movement (1942) and the Road to Independence.
The next chapter explains the Government of India Act, 1935, provincial elections, the Cripps Mission, the Quit India Movement, the INA, the Cabinet Mission, Mountbatten Plan and the events leading to India's Independence in 1947.
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