After the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh, the British colonial government established the Hunter Commission to conduct an inquiry. While the commission denounced General Dyer’s actions, he was hailed as a hero by many in Britain, and many political leaders and the Indian public were outraged and protested. Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood in protest, and the massacre became a rallying cry against British rule.
1. The Immediate Aftermath: Investigations and Reactions
Following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the British government appointed the Hunter Commission to investigate the incident. While the commission condemned General Dyer’s actions, he was still hailed as a hero by many in Britain. In contrast, Indian leaders and the public were enraged, leading to widespread protests. Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood in protest, and the massacre became a rallying cry against British rule.
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2. The Rise of the Independence Movement
The slaughter represented a watershed in the struggle for freedom in India. The moderate leaders were now disillusioned with British reforms and the Indian National Congress also found it difficult to keep its policy of cooperation intact. And in response, Mahatma Gandhi began the Non-Cooperation Movement, which called upon Indians to disregard British institutions. The tragedy, of course, fostered nationalistic feelings, and bolstered the movement for complete independence.
3. Global Impact and Colonial Reforms
On a global level, the massacre tarnished Britain’s image, inciting public rebuke from leaders across the world. The sheer barbarism of British colonial rule was revealed, emboldening the fight for self-rule in India. The British responded by passing the Government of India Act of 1919, which could only provide limited self-governance, and it still fell far short of meeting Indian expectations. The massacre did not soothe the masses; instead, it heightened the demand for freedom which laid the groundwork for India’s process click here for the source
