The Simon Commission: A Controversial Visit to India.

The Simon Commission, officially known as the Indian Statutory Commission, was a group set up by the British Government to look into and propose constitutional reforms in India. It was named after its chairman, Sir John Simon, and was established in November 1927. The establishment of the Commission was in response to growing demands for constitutional reform in India, particularly for increased Indian participation in governance.

Background of the Simon Commission:

The Government of India Act 1919 had introduced some reforms, but they were considered insufficient by many in India. There were calls for greater Indian representation and more autonomy in governing the country. In 1927, the British Government decided to appoint a commission to look into the matter and make recommendations for future constitutional reforms.

Composition of the Simon Commission:

The Simon Commission was composed entirely of British members, with no Indian representation. This decision was met with widespread criticism and opposition in India. The absence of any Indian members on the Commission was seen as a deliberate snub to Indian aspirations for self-governance.

Reaction in India:

The announcement of the Simon Commission sparked protests and demonstrations across India. The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, called for a boycott of the Commission. The slogan “Simon Go Back” became popular among the Indian masses, reflecting the widespread sentiment against the Commission.

The Nehru Report:

In response to the Simon Commission, the Indian National Congress convened a meeting to draft a report outlining its vision for future constitutional reforms. This report, known as the Nehru Report, called for dominion status for India within the British Commonwealth. It also proposed a federal structure with strong provincial autonomy.

Failure of the Simon Commission:

The Simon Commission arrived in India in 1928 to a hostile reception. It was met with widespread protests and demonstrations, with demonstrators often clashing with the police. The Commission’s recommendations, when they were eventually published in 1930, failed to satisfy Indian aspirations for self-governance. The report was rejected by both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League.

Legacy of the Simon Commission:

While the Simon Commission itself did not lead to any immediate constitutional reforms, it played a significant role in galvanizing the Indian independence movement. The protests and demonstrations against the Commission helped to unite Indians across different political and social backgrounds in their demand for self-governance.

Key Takeaways:
– The Simon Commission was a British initiative to propose constitutional reforms in India.
– It was composed entirely of British members, leading to widespread opposition in India.
– The Simon Commission’s recommendations failed to satisfy Indian aspirations for self-governance.
– The protests against the Simon Commission played a significant role in the Indian independence movement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Why was the Simon Commission appointed?

2. The Simon Commission was appointed to look into constitutional reforms in India in response to growing demands for increased Indian participation in governance.

3. Why was the Simon Commission boycotted in India?

4. The Simon Commission was boycotted in India because it was composed entirely of British members, with no Indian representation, which was seen as a slight to Indian aspirations for self-governance.

5. What was the Nehru Report in response to the Simon Commission?

6. The Nehru Report was a document drafted by the Indian National Congress outlining its vision for future constitutional reforms in India in response to the Simon Commission.

7. What were the key recommendations of the Simon Commission?

8. The Simon Commission’s recommendations included proposals for constitutional reforms in India, but they failed to satisfy Indian aspirations for self-governance.

9. What was the legacy of the Simon Commission in India’s independence movement?

10. The Simon Commission played a significant role in galvanizing the Indian independence movement by uniting Indians in their demand for self-governance.

In conclusion, the Simon Commission may have been a failed initiative in terms of its immediate objectives, but its legacy in mobilizing Indian public opinion towards self-governance cannot be understated. It served as a catalyst for the Indian independence movement and laid the groundwork for future struggles against British colonial rule.