History & Civics
Why was the Simon Commission appointed by the British Government? Why did the Congress boycott the Commission?
Answer
In November 1927, the British Government appointed the Indian Statutory Commission, popularly known as the Simon Commission, to investigate the need for further constitutional reforms. The Commission was composed of seven British members of Parliament.
The commission had no Indian member. This was seen as a violation of the principle of self-determination and a deliberate insult to the self-respect of the Indians. Hence, at its Madras session in 1927, presided over by Dr. Ansari, the National Congress decided to boycott the commission 'at every stage and in every form'.
Related Questions
(a) Identify the event associated with the above-mentioned slogan.
(b) Why did the Indian leaders decide to boycott the event?
Name two leaders linked with the Home Rule Leagues.
Read the excerpt given below and answer the question that follows:
A commission, without any Indian members, was sent to India to discuss constitutional reforms. The step agitated the people, and the Indian political parties boycotted the commission. When the Commission visited Lahore on October 30, 1928, Rai led the non-violent march to protest the commission.
(Source: Modern History, NCERT)
Name the movement that ensued with the commission coming to India. State any two significant impacts of the movement.
The issue on which the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930 was launched was …………… .
- equal employment opportunities for Indians
- the proposed execution of Bhagat Singh.
- salt monopoly exercised by the British Government.
- complete freedom.