Purpose of Simon Commission
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The Simon Commission, officially known as the Indian Statutory Commission, was sent by the British government to India in 1928 to assess the political situation and recommend changes in the Government of India Act of 1919. The main purpose of the Simon Commission was to review how the 1919 Act had worked and to suggest reforms for better governance under British rule. However, the commission sparked widespread anger across India even before its arrival. Why? Because not a single Indian was included in this 7-member all-British panel, led by Sir John Simon. This insulted the Indian leaders and common people, as they believed that their future was being discussed without their representation.
The political atmosphere in India at that time was already intense, with rising demands for Swaraj (self-rule). The Simon Commission's exclusion of Indians was seen as a denial of their right to participate in decision-making. In response, major Indian political parties including the Indian National Congress, the Muslim League, and others decided to boycott the commission completely. When the Simon Commission landed in Bombay (now Mumbai) in February 1928, they were met with massive protests, black flags, and the slogan: “Simon Go Back!” One of the most tragic events occurred during a protest in Lahore, where police lathi-charged peaceful protestors, and Lala Lajpat Rai was badly injured. He later died from those injuries, which further fueled nationalist anger.
Though the Simon Commission did submit its report later, suggesting some constitutional reforms, it had already lost all credibility in the eyes of Indians. Its failure became a major reason for the demand for complete independence (Purna Swaraj), which was declared by the Indian National Congress in 1929 at the Lahore Session. The Simon Commission, instead of calming the situation, strengthened the Indian freedom movement, showing that Indians could no longer tolerate being ruled without their voice.
Members of Simon Commission (All British):
1.Sir John Simon (Chairman)
2.Clement Attlee (later became Prime Minister of Britain)
3.Edward Cadogan
4.Vernon Hartshorn
5.George Lane-Fox
6.Donald Howard
7.W.A. Holdsworth
Note: Indians were completely excluded.
Reactions from Indian Political Groups:
-Indian National Congress: Full boycott, called it an insult to Indians.
-Muslim League (Jinnah's group): Boycotted the commission.
-Hindu Mahasabha: Opposed it.
-Liberals: Initially willing to cooperate, but later joined the boycott.
-Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Appeared before the commission to represent Dalit concerns.
Important Points about Simon Commission
Year Formed: 1927 (arrived in India in 1928)
Headed By: Sir John Simon
Members: 7 British members, 0 Indians
Objective: Review Government of India Act 1919 and suggest reforms
Public Reaction: Total boycott and nationwide protests
Slogan: “Simon Go Back!”
Tragic Incident: Death of Lala Lajpat Rai after police beating
Aftermath: Strengthened demand for complete independence
Long-term Impact of Simon Commission:
-United Indian political parties in protest.
-Led to the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, creating national outrage.
-Triggered the launch of Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) demand in 1929.
-Forced British to realize that reforms without Indian participation won’t work.
-Inspired youth movements and revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, who took revenge for Lala Lajpat Rai’s death.
Related Major Events:
Lahore Protest: Violent police crackdown during Simon Commission protest led to Lala Lajpat Rai's death.
Bhagat Singh’s Revenge: Bhagat Singh and his associates killed British officer Saunders, mistaking him for Scott who ordered the lathi charge.
FAQs about Simon Commission
Q1. What was the main purpose of Simon Commission?
To review the functioning of the 1919 Government of India Act and recommend reforms for future governance under British rule.
Q2. Why did Indians oppose the Simon Commission?
Because no Indian was included in the commission, and Indians were not consulted about their own future.
Q3. What slogan was used during the protest?
The famous slogan “Simon Go Back” became a symbol of resistance.
Q4. What happened to Lala Lajpat Rai?
He was injured during a protest against the commission and died later due to police brutality.
Q5. Did the Simon Commission succeed?
No. It failed to gain Indian support and instead fueled the freedom struggle, leading to stronger demands for independence.
