Question 4 - Past Year Questions - 5 Marks - Chapter 2 Class 10 History - Nationalism in India - History

Why did Gandhiji decide to launch a nationwide ‘Satyagraha’ against the proposed Rowlatt Act (1919)? How was it opposed or organised? Explain.

Answer:  

Points to Remember

Nationwide satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act by following reasons:

1. Rowlatt  Act had been hurriedly passed
2. gave the government enormous powers
3. violating the civil rights of  Indians.

It is opposed in the following ways

1. Rallies were organized , and Workers went on strike.
2. Police in Amritsar fired upon a peaceful procession.

Answer to be written in exam

Gandhi Ji decided to launch nationwide satyagraha against Rowlatt Act in 1919 because of the following reasons:

1. This Act had been hurriedly passed through the Imperial Legislative Council despite the united opposition of the Indian members.
2. It gave the government enormous powers to repress political activities , and allowed detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.
3. The terms and condition s of the Rowlatt act were violating the civil rights of  Indians.

 It is opposed in the following ways. 

1. Rallies were organised in various cities. Workers went on strike in railway workshops , and shops closed down.
2. On 10 April , the police in Amritsar fired upon a peaceful procession, provoking widespread attacks on banks , post offices and railway stations.