Know all about the Rowlatt Act (1919): its causes, features, impact on Indian nationalism, Gandhi's Rowlatt Satyagraha, and the road to Jallianwala Bagh tragedy.
theIASHub | 14 May, 2025 | 3793
The Rowlatt Act, also known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, was a highly controversial and repressive law passed by the British colonial government in India.
|
CAUSES AND OBJECTIVE |
KEY FEATURES |
|
The act was passed in response to the potential threat posed by revolutionary nationalists against the British Empire. |
It authorized the government to imprison any person without trial and conviction in a court of law. |
|
It aimed to give the British authorities increased power to suppress political opposition and control dissent by cracking down on the political opposition. |
It enabled the government to suspend the right of Habeas Corpus which had been the foundation of civil liberties in Britain. |
|
The British were fearful of the spread of revolutionary activity and saw the Rowlatt Act as a way of controlling it. |
It placed severe restrictions on the freedom of the press. |
|
The Act was influenced by the recommendations of the Rowlatt Committee, which was set up to investigate revolutionary movements in India. |
It empowered the authorities to conduct searches and seizures without a warrant. |
|
It was part of the British government's broader strategy to maintain control over its colonial possessions in the aftermath of World War I. |
The act also allowed the government to ban public meetings and gatherings. |
|
The act was also a response to the growing nationalist movement in India, which was gaining momentum and posing a challenge to British rule. |
It gave the police extensive powers to monitor and control the activities of individuals and organizations deemed to be a threat to the state. |
|
It was intended to send a strong message to Indian nationalists that the British government would not tolerate any form of dissent or opposition to its authority |
The act was applicable to the entire country, including areas where there was no evidence of revolutionary activity. |
In response to the Rowlatt Act of 1919, Gandhiji founded the Rowlatt Satyagraha Sabha. This marked a shift in the nationalist movement from agitation to active resistance through non-cooperation and civil disobedience.
The limited Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms and the repressive Rowlatt Act, which Gandhiji called the "Black Act," were seen as a betrayal to Indians who expected progress toward self-rule for their support in World War I.
UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (PYQs)
|
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.
IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.
Here are some important services provided by IAShub:
The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:
This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.
IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.
Detailed Solutions & Explanations
Improve Your Answer Writing & Strategy
