Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy – UPSC Modern History Notes

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which took place on April 13, 1919, was a horrific incident that unfolded in Amritsar, Punjab during the time of the Rowlatt Satyagraha. A large gathering of peaceful protesters, including men, women, and children, had assembled at Jallianwala Bagh to voice their opposition against the oppressive Rowlatt Act and the arrest of Indian leaders Dr Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr Satya Pal.
Brigadier General Reginald Edward Harry Dyer, a British officer, ordered his troops to open fire on the unarmed crowd without any warning or provocation. The narrow entrance to the Jallianwala Bagh was deliberately blocked by the troops, leaving the people trapped inside with no means of escape. The firing continued for about ten minutes, and even when the panicked crowd tried to flee, they were met with bullets.
The exact number of casualties remains disputed, but it is estimated that hundreds of innocent people were killed and thousands injured in this brutal and indiscriminate act of violence. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre sent shockwaves throughout India and sparked widespread outrage and condemnation against British rule.
The incident exposed the ruthless and repressive nature of colonial rule and deepened the resolve of Indians to fight for their freedom. It became a turning point in India’s struggle for independence, further galvanizing the nationalist movement and strengthening the demand for self-rule.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre stands as a tragic reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for India’s freedom and serves as a symbol of the brutalities of colonialism. It continues to be remembered as a significant event in India’s history, highlighting the need for justice, remembrance, and a commitment to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated.

Table of Contents

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre – Background:

During World War I (1914–18), the British colonial government in India implemented a series of oppressive emergency measures to suppress perceived subversive activities.
As the war came to an end, there was widespread anticipation among the Indian population that these restrictions would be lifted and that India would be granted greater political autonomy.
The Montagu-Chelmsford Report of 1918, presented to the British Parliament, recommended limited local self-government for India, further fueling these hopes.
However, in early 1919, the British government in India passed the Rowlatt Acts, which effectively prolonged the repressive measures that had been in place during the war.
These acts caused significant outrage and discontent among Indians, particularly in the Punjab region. In early April, Mahatma Gandhi called for a nationwide one-day general strike known as the Rowlatt Satyagraha.
The arrest and deportation of prominent Indian leaders, Satya Pal and Saifuddin Kitchlew triggered violent protests in Amritsar on April 10. During these demonstrations, British soldiers fired upon unarmed civilians, resulting in the deaths of several foreign nationals as well.
In an attempt to restore order, Brigadier General Reginald Edward Harry Dyer was put in charge of a contingent of troops. One of the measures he imposed was a ban on public gatherings.

Response of the Indians:

The response of the Indians to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre was one of shock, anger, and a loss of faith in the British system of justice. National leaders unequivocally condemned the act and expressed their outrage towards General Dyer. Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, in a letter of protest, renounced the knighthood that had been conferred upon him by the British, denouncing the brutal actions of the British authorities.
In a further act of protest against the massacre and the British government’s failure to deliver justice to the victims, Mahatma Gandhi relinquished his title of ‘Kaiser-e-Hind,’ which had been bestowed upon him by the British for his service during the Boer War in South Africa.
The impact of the massacre was significant, as it reverberated throughout the Indian nationalist movement. In December 1919, the Indian National Congress held its session in Amritsar, which attracted a large number of attendees, including peasants. The incident at Jallianwala Bagh served as a catalyst, bringing together the Indian populace in their opposition to British rule and strengthening their resolve to fight for independence.

British and Government of India Response:

The response of the British and the Government of India to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre was mixed. While General Dyer received appreciation from many in Britain and the British community in India, there were also individuals within the British government who were quick to criticize his actions.
The massacre was seen as a calculated act by Dyer, who expressed pride in his actions, stating that he intended to produce a “moral effect” on the people. He openly declared that he had made up his mind to shoot down all the men if the meeting continued.
In response to public outcry, the government established the Hunter Commission to investigate the massacre. The commission condemned Dyer’s act, recognizing it as one of the bloodiest massacres in modern history. However, the commission did not impose any disciplinary action against Dyer.
Although no formal disciplinary action was taken against him, General Dyer was relieved of his duties in the army in 1920. This can be seen as a response to the public outrage and the need to address the consequences of the incident.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the subsequent reactions highlighted the divisions within British society and the government’s mixed response to the atrocity. While some individuals appreciated Dyer’s actions, some condemned the act and recognized its severity. The incident has since been widely criticized as a brutal and unjustifiable act of violence.

One of the worst acts of violence:

One of the worst acts of violence occurred during a large gathering of 15,000-20,000 people, predominantly Sikhs, who had assembled to celebrate the Punjabi harvest festival of Baisakhi at Jallianwala Bagh.
The gathering also served as a platform for people to express their opposition to the oppressive Rowlatt Act, which imposed strict controls on the press, allowed arrests without warrants, and permitted indefinite detention without trial.
Despite the unarmed nature of the crowd, the British forces surrounded them and unleashed brutal gunfire.
The British response to the incident was marked by continued repression and cruelty.
Satyagrahis, individuals practicing nonviolent resistance, were subjected to degrading acts such as being forced to rub their noses on the ground and crawl on the streets while being compelled to salute the British sahibs.
People were subjected to flogging, and villages around Gujranwala in Punjab were bombed.
These acts of violence further fueled the fire of resistance among Indians, leading to a more intensive and unified national movement.
Indian leaders strongly criticized the government’s actions, with Rabindranath Tagore renouncing his knighthood in protest.
The incident catalyzed nationwide protests against British rule, bringing together the entire nation in their struggle for freedom and unity, which became essential for the larger freedom movement.

Turning point in the Indian national movement:

By the late 19th century, British rule in India and worldwide had gained a degree of legitimacy even among the subjugated population.
At that time, many Indians had accepted the notion of progressive colonial rule.
However, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre shattered the people’s faith in the British sense of justice and fairness.
The unarmed massacre was seen as a betrayal of the trust that Indians had placed in the British to govern them wisely, justly, and with fairness.
In the eyes of the Indian population, the supposedly just, fair, and liberal British suddenly revealed themselves as ruthless, bloodthirsty tyrants who couldn’t be trusted. Jallianwala Bagh exposed the dark side of the so-called enlightened empire.
From that point on, British rule in India gradually declined. The massacre was a turning point that eroded the legitimacy of British authority.
Mahatma Gandhi, recognizing this sense of betrayal, built his mass movement around breaking the laws imposed by the rulers.
As people began to actively disobey the laws of the state, the very legitimacy of the state itself was called into question.
This led to a demand for purna swaraj, complete independence, as people realized that true self-rule was necessary to escape the oppressive grip of the British Empire.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre – Key Events:

The implementation of the oppressive Rowlatt Act and the widespread mobilization during the Rowlatt Satyagraha created a volatile situation in the Punjab province, posing a significant challenge for the British government.
In response, the imperial government declared Martial Law, which prohibited gatherings of more than four individuals in one place.
These events unfolded under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, Michael O’Dwyer, and Viceroy of India, Lord Chelmsford.
On April 13, 1919, during the festival of Baisakhi, a peaceful protest took place at Jallianwala Bagh, where a large crowd had gathered, including those who had come to celebrate the festival.
Frustrated by the ongoing protests and unrest, the British government ordered General Dyer to open fire on the unarmed and peaceful crowd in the park.
The relentless firing lasted for about 10 minutes, resulting in the deaths of thousands of men, women, children, and people of all ages.
Additionally, nearly 1,500 people sustained severe injuries after approximately 1,650 rounds of ammunition were expended.
This brutal tragedy deeply traumatized the Indian population and sparked widespread condemnation of British authority.
While there were some individuals in Britain, such as Winston Churchill and former Prime Minister H.H. Asquith, who criticized the British government’s actions, the overall sentiment among Indians was one of outrage and anger.
In response to public outcry, the British government established the Hunter Commission to investigate the massacre, leading to General Dyer’s removal from his military position in 1920.
Later, in 1940, Lieutenant Governor Michael O’Dwyer was assassinated in London by Udham Singh, who had witnessed the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre as a child. Singh targeted O’Dwyer due to his approval of General Dyer’s actions.

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre – Consequences

On May 22, 1919, Rabindranath Tagore became aware of the massacre and initially attempted to organize a protest meeting in Calcutta. However, he ultimately decided to resign his British knighthood as a symbolic act of protest against the atrocity.
In response to public outcry, the Disorders Inquiry Committee, later known as the Hunter Commission, was established on October 14, 1919, to investigate the massacre. The commission was tasked with determining the justification, or lack thereof, for the government’s actions.
During the proceedings, all British officials involved in the administration of the Amritsar disturbances, including General Dyer and Mr Irving, were interrogated.
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre deeply angered the Indian populace, leading Mahatma Gandhi to initiate the Non-Cooperation Movement. This campaign, which lasted from 1920 to 1922, marked Gandhi’s first large-scale and sustained nonviolent protest (satyagraha) movement.
In response to mounting pressure, the Government of India ordered an investigation into the incident, resulting in the Hunter Commission’s findings. The commission censured General Dyer and demanded his resignation from the military in 1920.

Conclusion

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre stands as a significant turning point in Indian history, leaving a lasting impact on the relationship between Indians and the British. It marked the beginning of a dark chapter in which the government imposed martial law in Punjab, leading to a series of brutal atrocities. People were subjected to public floggings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, censorship of communication, the creation of open cages for confinement, and other cruel punishments. These horrific acts carried out by the authorities fueled widespread condemnation and further intensified the resentment and resistance against British rule in India. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre serves as a stark reminder of the deep scars left by colonial oppression and the determination of the Indian people to strive for independence and justice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the significance of Jallianwala Bagh in Indian history?

Answer: Jallianwala Bagh holds immense historical significance as the site of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919. This tragic event, where British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering, marked a turning point in India’s struggle for independence and fueled the nationalist movement.

Q: How many people were killed in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?

Answer: The exact number of casualties is a subject of historical debate, but it is estimated that around 379 people were killed and over a thousand were injured during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Q: What led to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?

Answer: The massacre was a result of the implementation of martial law in Amritsar by the British authorities, who sought to suppress public gatherings and perceived acts of defiance against colonial rule. The tragic incident occurred when Brigadier General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on a crowd gathered at Jallianwala Bagh.

Q: What was the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?

Answer: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre had profound consequences. It intensified the demand for India’s independence, led to widespread protests, and marked a turning point in Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance. The event also eroded public support for British rule in India, both nationally and internationally.

Q: Are there memorials at Jallianwala Bagh commemorating the massacre?

Answer: Yes, there is a memorial at Jallianwala Bagh that commemorates the lives lost during the massacre. The memorial includes a preserved section of the bullet-riddled wall, a flame of liberty, and a well into which many people jumped to escape the gunfire. The site serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during India’s struggle for independence.

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