There can be no commemoration of the freedom struggle in India without mentioning the contribution of the British rulers to it. On the other hand, there can also be no discussion of any aspect of British rule in India without mentioning the two historic events that took place in the past: The Quit India Movement and the freedom struggle led by Gandhi. In this article we shall deal with the contribution made by the British during the Quit India Movement. Simon Commission is the name that is associated with this era and its significance can never be overemphasized. Without going into the detailed history, let us just say that Simon Commission changed the course of history of India and led to the formation of independent India.
Let us first glance over the background of Simon Commission. On the one hand, there were many meetings and discussions held by different organizations, which resulted in the formation of Simon Commission. It is very interesting to note here that this commission was actually a vehicle used by various sections of Indian society to attack the British rule. On the other hand, the events that took place during the Quit India Movement make this period also known as the Freedom Movement. The first major question that arises in the mind when one tries to understand this period is How did the independence movement started?
Simon Commission set-up and the formation of Indian Freedom Movement: Many would be surprised to know that the first phase of the freedom movement was planned and executed by Dr. King. However, the real story starts after the formation of Simon Commission. Initially, the Congress called for a general strike, which was later adopted by the mass uprising. Simultaneously, the British were informed about the date of Gandhi’s approach to the British rulers “You can have my cake and eat it too!”
Immediately after the launch of the Indian National Congress (INDC), it was realized that the British rule was coming to an end. However, the Congress was not able to come to a conclusion as to how the freedom movement would continue. Mahatma Gandhi and the cadres maintained that they will carry on the struggle until the British are removed from India. Simultaneously, it was decided that the Congress must take up a struggle against the evil practice of “ooparas” or luxurious life style of British. These O Paranas or lavish life styles were termed as “deserving poverty.”
The main reason leading to the popularity of this idea was the fierce resistance that the people gave to the British rule in India. This gave rise to the basic concept of “Indianization of British rule.” The basic idea behind this idea is that, to remove the British influence, the Indian masses should be rejuvenated by throwing off the old methods and mindset and adopt new revolutionary ideas like “cooperation as a model of social relationship between people.” “ipation of the vast unutilized productive forces through co-operative activity of the working class of the country” was another reason for its immense popularity. “Reintroduction of legal practices of British administration,” “abolition of Indian land laws,” “reorganization of Indian economy through rational economic policies” and introduction of “people’s economic policies” were some other important points raised at the first session of the Indian national congress.
The second session of the Indian National Congress gave more depth to the idea of “Indians against British rule in India.” It began with question 8 which is to be: “whether or not the British rule in India was legalized?” The affirmative answer is given by Simon Commission. On the other hand, the other answer is rejected by the Indian people as in the words of Tilak, “We are not bound by the decisions of the legislative councils of our August and wise fathers…we have our own independent judgment to rely on.”
Simons commission again gives its verdict on the first round of voting but then concludes with the opinion, “No political party can succeed without the support of the people at large.” This was opposed by the Congress, which preferred to give preference to the “others” (i.e., the peasantry) at the end of this session. But in the end, it accepted the results of the vote and accepted the constitution recommended by the legislative councils. The government came to power on the basis of the popular mandate. The British rule in India was over after independence. Thereafter, the whole episode was covered by the famous British comedy, “Oxford English Dictionary.”
The British rule in India was a period of intense military and economic hardships for the people. Though the British were not at all interested in gaining wealth for themselves, their rulers used every opportunity available to exacerbate the misery of the masses. The rise of the freedom fighters is perhaps one of the biggest events in the history of Independent India.