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Explain in brief about the Simon commission?
Why were the Indians unhappy with its arrival?
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1 Reply
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The Simon Commission, officially known as the Indian Statutory Commission, was a British parliamentary commission appointed in 1927 to review and propose constitutional reforms for British India. It was led by Sir John Simon, a British politician.
The arrival of the Simon Commission was met with widespread discontent and opposition from the Indian population for several reasons:
1. No Indian representation: The commission consisted entirely of British members, with no Indian representation. This lack of Indian participation was seen as a disregard for the aspirations and rights of the Indian people.
2. Pro-British bias: The composition of the commission and its terms of reference were perceived as favoring British interests. Many Indians believed that the commission was designed to maintain British control over India rather than address the demands for self-governance.
3. Boycott by political parties: Major political parties in India, including the Indian National Congress, boycotted the Simon Commission as a sign of protest against the absence of Indian members. The boycott reflected the growing nationalist sentiment and demand for Indians to have a say in decisions affecting their own country.
4. Repression of protests: When the Simon Commission arrived in India in 1928, it faced widespread protests and demonstrations. The British colonial authorities responded with repressive measures, including the use of force, to suppress the dissenting voices. These actions further fueled public anger and intensified the demand for self-rule.
In summary, the Simon Commission was met with Indian discontent due to its lack of Indian representation, perceived pro-British bias, boycott by political parties, and the repressive response to protests. The commission’s arrival and its handling served as catalysts for the growing nationalist movement in India.