Introduction:
let’s unravel the intriguing story behind The Indian Act of 1935. We’re stepping into a time when India was in the midst of some serious changes. Today, we’re going to explore the events that paved the way for this act, and you can relax because we’re breaking it down into simple terms for everyone to understand.
- The Simon Commission and Protests: So, imagine back in 1927, the British government thought, “Let’s check on how we’re doing in India,” and they sent the Simon Commission. The catch? No Indian representation. This sparked protests, especially in Bombay, and the folks were not happy about it.
- The Nehru Report and ‘Purna Swaraj’: Moving forward to 1928, Motilal Nehru and his committee presented the Nehru Report with some big demands like Dominion Status and protecting minorities. When the government didn’t respond, the Indian National Congress shouted, “We want complete freedom!” at a session in Lahore.
- Civil Disobedience and Dandi March: Jump to 1930, Gandhi enters the scene with the Civil Disobedience Movement. The Dandi March was like a rebellion against the Salt Act, and it got everyone involved. But, the government was like, “Not on our watch!” arresting Gandhi and suppressing the movement.
- Gandhi-Irwin Pact and Round Table Conferences: In 1931, Gandhiji signed the Gandhi-Irwin Pact, getting some relief for satyagrahis and political prisoners. He agreed to chill on the civil disobedience movement and attend a conference. But, things didn’t work out, and the movement restarted.
- Communal Award, Poona Pact, and the Calm After the Storm: Next up, the Communal Award added more voices, but the Poona Pact brought everyone together. Slowly, the civil disobedience movement cooled down.
Conclusion:
In a nutshell, these events, like pieces of a puzzle, put immense pressure on the British government. They played a huge role in setting the stage for The Indian Act of 1935, a turning point in India’s history. And that, my friends, is how a series of events shaped the political landscape and led to a significant chapter in our past.