Question

Gandhiji requested Indians to observe ______ as a day of non-violent opposition to the Rowlatt Act.
1. 9 August 1920
2. 19 March 1920
3. 26 September 1919
4. 6 April 1919

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 4 : 6 April 1919

The correct answer is 6 April 1919.

• Gandhiji requested Indians to observe 6 April 1919 as a day of non-violent opposition to the Rowlatt Act. 
• The Rowlatt Act was the popular name for the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919 passed by the British Indian government.
  • This Act was termed the ‘Black Act’ by the Indian public because of its unjust and restrictive nature.
  • The Act was passed by the Imperial Legislative Council on 18th March 1919.
  • It basically extended the emergency provisions imposed by the 1915 Defence of India Act that was passed during the First World War.
  • This act which gave the police huge powers was opposed by the people.
  • The Act was described as “No Dalil, No Vakil, No Appeal”.
  • In March 1922, the Rowlatt Act and 22 other acts were repealed by the government.

• In 1919, Gandhi launched Satyagraha against the Rowlatt Act passed by the British which restricted the freedom of expression and strengthened police power.
• All Indian leaders opposed the act.
  • While the government was adamant about passing the bill, Gandhi thought that constitutional measures would be in vain and so he proposed a nationwide hartal in protest.