The Simon Commission, officially known as the Indian Statutory Commission, was a group of seven British Members of Parliament that came to India in 1928. Headed by Sir John Simon, the commission’s purpose was to review the working of the Government of India Act, 1919, and recommend constitutional reforms for India. However, the arrival of the Simon Commission sparked widespread protests across the country and became a significant turning point in India’s struggle for independence.
But why did the Simon Commission come to India? What were its objectives, and why did it face such strong opposition? Let’s explore the reasons behind the commission’s formation, its mission in India, and the impact it had on India’s freedom movement.
1. Reviewing the Government of India Act, 1919
The Government of India Act, 1919, also known as the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, introduced diarchy in the provinces, where certain powers were transferred to Indian ministers while the British retained control over critical areas. This Act included a provision stating that a commission would be appointed after ten years to assess how the reforms were working and suggest further constitutional changes.
The Simon Commission was formed in 1927, two years ahead of schedule, to fulfill this purpose. The British government wanted to evaluate whether the existing system was effective and what future reforms could be implemented to further involve Indians in governance—while still maintaining British control.
2. British Government’s Strategy to Retain Control
One of the key reasons for sending the Simon Commission to India was the British government’s attempt to control the process of constitutional reforms. The growing demands for self-rule and independence from Indian political leaders, particularly the Indian National Congress, made the British wary.
By appointing an all-British commission with no Indian members, the British aimed to dictate the terms of future reforms without Indian involvement. They believed that excluding Indians from the commission would allow them to manage the pace of reforms and ensure that any constitutional changes would protect British interests.
3. Response to Rising Nationalism in India
During the 1920s, India witnessed a surge in nationalist activities. Movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-22) had shaken British authority, and the demand for self-government was gaining momentum. The Swaraj (self-rule) demand was growing louder, and Indians were no longer satisfied with partial reforms.
The British government, realizing the rising pressure, decided to send the Simon Commission to study Indian governance. However, instead of involving Indians in the process, they chose to send a team of British lawmakers, further fueling resentment and suspicion among Indian leaders.
4. Lack of Indian Representation: The Core Issue
The absence of any Indian member in the Simon Commission was the main reason for its unpopularity. Indians, regardless of their political affiliations, were outraged by this decision. They felt that the future of India’s governance could not be decided without the participation of Indians themselves.
This insult to Indian aspirations united various political factions, including the Indian National Congress, the Muslim League, and even Hindu Mahasabha, in boycotting the commission. The slogan “Simon Go Back” echoed across India, and the arrival of the commission was met with mass protests, hartals (strikes), and demonstrations.
5. British Concerns About Communal Tensions
Another reason for the commission’s formation was the growing communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims in India. The British followed a divide and rule policy, and they believed that constitutional reforms could help manage these divisions. The British government wanted to explore ways to maintain control by addressing communal concerns in a manner that suited their interests.
The Simon Commission was expected to recommend measures that would ensure political stability in India without granting full self-rule, which the British were not yet ready to concede.
6. Impact and Aftermath of the Simon Commission
The Simon Commission’s arrival and subsequent boycott had far-reaching consequences for India’s freedom struggle:
- It united Indian political groups in a common cause against British imperialism.
- The death of Lala Lajpat Rai, who was severely beaten by police during a protest against the commission, further ignited anti-British sentiment.
- The widespread opposition led to the formulation of the Nehru Report (1928), which demanded Dominion Status for India.
- Eventually, the failure of the Simon Commission to address Indian aspirations paved the way for the Civil Disobedience Movement and the call for Purna Swaraj (complete independence) in 1930.
Conclusion
The Simon Commission came to India with the official purpose of reviewing the functioning of the Government of India Act, 1919, and suggesting constitutional reforms. However, its exclusion of Indian members, coupled with the rising tide of nationalism, turned its visit into a national protest movement.
The commission became a symbol of British insensitivity to Indian demands and strengthened the resolve of Indians to achieve self-rule. Although the Simon Commission failed in its mission, it played a crucial role in uniting Indians and accelerating the freedom struggle, bringing India one step closer to independence.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
