Explanations:The Rowlett Act, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, was a significant piece of legislation passed by the British colonial government in India. This act was designed to extend the emergency measures of preventive indefinite detention and trial without jury, which were originally intended to be temporary during World War I. The act was named after Sir Sidney Rowlatt, a judge who chaired the committee that recommended these measures.
The Rowlett Act was met with widespread opposition across India, as it was seen as a violation of civil liberties and a means to suppress political dissent. In Punjab, the act was particularly resented, leading to significant protests and strikes. The people of Punjab announced strikes on 30th March and 6th April 1919 to express their opposition to the act. These strikes were part of a broader movement of resistance against the British colonial government's repressive measures.
The Non-Cooperation Movement, which began in 1920, was a broader movement that included opposition to the Rowlett Act, but the strikes in Punjab were specifically against the Rowlett Act itself. The movement was led by Mahatma Gandhi and aimed to achieve Indian independence through non-violent means. The movement included a boycott of British goods, institutions, and titles, and it was a significant phase in the Indian independence struggle.
The Khilafat Movement, on the other hand, was a separate movement that focused on the protection of the Ottoman Caliphate and was primarily supported by Muslims in India. While it was contemporaneous with the Non-Cooperation Movement, it was not directly related to the strikes in Punjab against the Rowlett Act.
The Simon Commission, which was established in 1927, was a later event and did not directly cause the strikes in Punjab in March and April 1919. The commission was tasked with reviewing the working of the Government of India Act 1919 and recommending changes, but it was boycotted by Indian political leaders due to the absence of Indian representation.
In summary, the strikes in Punjab on 30th March and 6th April were specifically against the Rowlett Act, which was a significant cause of unrest and opposition to the British colonial government's repressive measures. Understanding the historical context and the specific events leading to these strikes is crucial for comprehending the broader Indian independence movement.