The article begins by shedding light on the significance of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in the struggle for India’s independence. It then delves into the background and circumstances leading up to the tragic event, particularly highlighting the role of the infamous Rowlatt Act of 1919. The unprecedented bravery and sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the massacre have been underscored, with a special mention of the movement that was sparked in its aftermath.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: A Tribute to the Martyrs
The 103rd anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre was commemorated on 13th April 2022. This date marks a significant moment in India’s fight for independence when hundreds of unarmed civilians were ruthlessly killed by the British Indian Army. This massacre occurred in 1919 in Amritsar under the command of Brigadier R.E.H. Dyer. The victims were peacefully protesting against the controversial Rowlatt Act.
Rowlatt Act 1919: A Draconian Law that Sparked Unrest
The Rowlatt Act, enacted by the British government during World War I (1914-18), granted the government immense powers to suppress political activities. This law enabled the detention of political detainees without trial for two years, based on recommendations from the Sedition Committee chaired by Sir Sidney Rowlatt. The Act was put in place as an emergency measure to counteract subversive activities.
Mahatma Gandhi and the Beginning of Civil Disobedience
Following the enactment of the Rowlatt Act, Mahatma Gandhi called for non-violent civil disobedience against such unjust laws. He initiated a hartal on 6th April 1919, a movement aimed at peacefully resisting the British rule. In Punjab, on April 9th, nationalist leaders Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal were arrested without provocation other than having addressed protest meetings.
The Fateful Day at Jallianwala Bagh
On Baisakhi day, 13th April 1919, a large crowd of villagers from neighboring regions assembled in Jallianwala Bagh, oblivious of the prohibitory orders in place. General Dyer, along with his troops, surrounded the crowd, blocked the sole exit point, and commanded fire on the unarmed civilians, resulting in the death of more than 1000 individuals.
The Aftermath: Triggering a Nationwide Movement
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre holds a crucial significance in India’s struggle for freedom and has been memorialized as a key national monument. The tragedy provoked Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore to repudiate the knighthood conferred upon him in 1915. It also impelled Mahatma Gandhi to organize his first large-scale nonviolent protest, known as the Non Cooperation Movement (1920-22). Furthermore, the Hunter Commission launched an investigation of the incident which later led to General Dyer’s resignation from the military.
This historical event continues to be a focal point of study in the Indian Civil Services Examination, reflecting on the importance of understanding this chapter in India’s journey towards independence. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre not only represents a ruthless act of violence but also the indomitable spirit of those who fought against oppression, serving as a reminder of their sacrifice and valor.