history Flashcards
section c
What was the purpose of the Simon Commission?
To generate a report on the effectiveness of the Indian Council Act of 1919 and suggest further political reforms for India
The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms promised a review of the working of the reforms after ten years.
Who constituted the Simon Commission?
Sir John Simon
The commission was formed in 1927.
Why was the Simon Commission sent to India in 1927?
The British Conservative Party feared losing power to the Labor Party, which was sympathetic to Indian nationalism
The Labor Party could potentially use Indian issues in the upcoming 1929 elections.
What did the British government promise regarding reforms in India?
New reforms had to be introduced every ten years
The last reforms were introduced in 1919.
What decision did Congress make at its Madras session in December 1927 regarding the Simon Commission?
To boycott the Commission and call for mass demonstrations
This decision marked Congress’s support for complete independence.
What was the public reaction to the Simon Commission?
Regular protests and demands for its unrepresentative members to return to England
Opposition came from various political groups.
What significant event occurred in May 1928 regarding Indian political representation?
An All-Party Conference was held to draft a constitution for India
This conference included members from Congress, the League, the Liberals, and other groups.
Who chaired the committee that devised the constitution known as the ‘Nehru Report’?
Pundit Motilal Nehru
The report was overwhelmingly approved by the All-Party Conference in September 1928.
What was a major reason for the opposition to the Simon Commission?
There was no Indian representation in the commission.
The commission was a seven-man body led by Sir John Simon, consisting entirely of British members.
What was the British viewpoint regarding Indian representation in the Simon Commission?
Including Indians would lead to improper representation and difficulties in working with all communities.
The British believed that having two or three Indians would not adequately represent the diverse interests.
What was the Indian viewpoint on the Simon Commission?
A commission must include some Indians.
Indians felt it was essential for the commission to have representatives who understood their concerns.
Why did Indians boycott the Simon Commission?
They had little hope from it and demanded self-government.
The commission was seen as crucial for future law-making in India.
List two terms proposed by the Simon Commission.
- Federal system with more powers to provinces.
- NWFP to be given legislative council but no government.
- Separation of Sindh from Bombay was not granted.
What did the Nehru Report demand for India?
- Immediate Dominion status for India.
- India to be a federation with a two-chamber parliament.
- Universal suffrage for the lower house and provincial councils.
- No separate electorates for any community.
- No state religion and equal rights for men and women.
- Hindi as the official language.
What was Gandhi’s proposal regarding the Nehru Report?
The British should be given one year to accept the recommendations or face a campaign of non-cooperation.
This resolution was passed by the Congress.
What was one reason for the rejection of the Nehru Report by Muslims?
It seemed to ignore the views of Muslims and the Congress was perceived to be turning its back on the Lucknow Pact.
Many Muslims felt that the report demanded too many sacrifices from them.
What proposal did Jinnah make to make the Nehru Report more acceptable to Muslims?
- One-third representation for Muslims in the central legislature.
- Residuary powers to be held by provinces, not the center.
- Muslim representation in Punjab and Bengal based on population.
Why did Muslims oppose Hindi being made the official language of India?
It was seen as a cultural and economic blow, threatening their connection to Urdu and job opportunities.
Many Muslims were closely attached to Urdu as a second official language.
What was the outcome of the All India Muslim Conference regarding the Nehru Report?
The report was rejected on January 21, 1929.
Many Muslims were horrified by the proposals, feeling their interests were overlooked.
What did Jinnah describe as ‘the parting of the ways’?
The failure of Congress to accept the proposals made by him on behalf of Muslims.
This marked a significant shift in the political landscape leading toward the partition of India.
What event did the All-India Muslim League hold in January 1929?
A conference in Delhi where Jinnah presented his Fourteen Points.
What were the Fourteen Points of Jinnah intended to establish?
The basis of Muslim demands from this time to the creation of Pakistan.
What was the outcome of the conference in March 1929 regarding Jinnah’s Fourteen Points?
They were formally accepted by the conference.
