Why did Gandhiji decide to launch a nationwide satyagraha against the proposed Rowlatt Act 1919? How was it organized? Explain. (CBSE 2016)
1. The Rowlatt Act of 1919 passed by the colonial rulers gave immense power to the government. Despite opposition from Indian members, this act allowed the government to repress political activities and detention of political prisoners without trial for two years.
2. Mahatma Gandhi wanted to launch a nationwide satyagraha against such unjust laws in order to bring the masses together in their fight against colonial rule.
3. The non-violent campaign began with a hartal on 6 April. Rallies were organized in various cities, workers went on a strike in railway workshops and most of the shops in markets closed down.
4. The British Administration clamped on the satyagrahis and nationalists out of fear of disruption of the lines of communication (railways and telegraph). Many local leaders were picked up from Amritsar and Mahatma Gandhi was also barred from entering Delhi.
5. The non-violent movement proved to be successful to a great extent. People, as they stood united in their struggle for independence, were able to shake the foundations of British Raj as there were widespread attacks on banks, post offices, and railway stations.
NOTE – Mahatma Gandhi wanted to launch a satyagraha on a large scale against the unjust Rowlatt Act. After the success of three satyagraha’s in Champaran, Kheda district, and Ahmedabad, he saw the powerful weapon of ahimsa as the means to overthrow British Rule.
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