UPSC Prelims 2009 Q55: Modern History – Gandhian Mass Movements (1915 - 1942)
During the Indian Freedom Struggle, why did Rowlatt Act arouse popular indignation?
- (a) It curtailed the freedom of religion
- (b) It suppressed the Indian traditional education
- (c) It authorized the government to imprison people without trial
- (d) It curbed the trade union activities
Answer: (c) It authorized the government to imprison people without trial
Explanation
Why the Rowlatt Act sparked outrage
This repressive colonial legislation targeted a fundamental civil liberty.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Curtailed freedom of religion | Incorrect | Not the Act's primary target |
| (b) Suppressed traditional education | Incorrect | Unrelated to the Rowlatt Act's actual provisions |
| (c) Authorized imprisonment without trial | Correct | The Rowlatt Act (1919) gave the government sweeping powers to detain and imprison suspects without trial, provoking widespread popular anger |
| (d) Curbed trade union activities | Incorrect | Not the Act's specific focus |
Rowlatt Act facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year | 1919 |
| Key provision | Imprisonment without trial for suspected political activity |
| Response | Sparked widespread protests, including the events leading to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre |
Answer: (c) It authorized the government to imprison people without trial.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Religious freedom was not the Act's target.
- (b) Incorrect. Traditional education is unrelated to the Rowlatt Act.
- (c) CORRECT. The Act's power to imprison without trial was the core grievance driving popular outrage.
- (d) Incorrect. Trade union activities were not specifically targeted by this Act.
Key point
The Rowlatt Act (1919) aroused outrage because it authorized the government to IMPRISON PEOPLE WITHOUT TRIAL, a severe curtailment of civil liberties.
Remember
Rowlatt Act: aroused popular indignation for authorizing imprisonment without trial.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Rowlatt Act's imprisonment-without-trial provision with unrelated restrictions (religion, education, trade unions).
- Not connecting the Act to the subsequent Jallianwala Bagh massacre context.
- Missing the specific civil-liberties nature of the grievance.
Exam tip
Rowlatt Act (1919) = imprisonment without trial, the key provision that sparked nationwide outrage.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India (NCERT textbook for Class XII)
- Bipan Chandra, Mridula Mukherjee et al. — India's Struggle for Independence (the Rowlatt Act and Satyagraha)