Question

Why was the Simon Commission setup? How did the Indians react to it?

Answer 1

Hint: Simon Commission had it’s aim set on the provisions stated by the British government. It aimed to check and analyse the constitutional reforms introduced in India and also had to propose the alternative recommendations to the government.

Complete answer:
Simon Commission was sent to India in 1928 and earlier it was to be known as ‘Indian Statutory Commission’. It’s chairman was Sir John Simon and that’s why it was known as Simon Commission. Simon Commission was the group of MP’s which were sent to India, and aimed to check and analyse the constitutional reforms introduced in India and also had to propose the alternative recommendations to the government. Simon Commission constituted 7 MP’s out of which no one was Indian. The Commission had it’s objective set upon the study and analysis of the constitutional reforms which were introduced in India.
The respective Commission received the major back clash from the Indian masses. The protest against the commission mainly stood upon the fact that the members of the Commission were all British and none of them had any Indian origin or were Indians. It was seen as the mockery by the Indian people as it violated the basic principles of political participation and representation. As the commission reached India, the slogans of ‘Simon Go Back’ were raised by Indians as a form of protest against the decision. Indian National Congress and Muslim League opposed the Commission because of it’s exclusionary nature. Justice League also opposed the respective move. At large, the opposition considered such exclusion as the violation of their right to self-determination as the commission aimed to discuss the Indian narratives and plight but not even one Indian was incorporated into the discourse. Due to all these reasons, Simon commission was not welcomed and opposed in India.

Note: While answering the question, don’t confuse yourself with other commissions introduced in India by British government. It will help in the formation of a well structured answer if the unity among the political parties is mentioned in the context of Simon Commission. It’s imperative to elaborate upon the reaction by Indians which should include several political and deep societal factors.