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Question

_________ commission had investigated the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

The correct answer is

Hunter

Understanding the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Investigation

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, which occurred on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar, was a brutal incident where British troops, under the command of Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer, fired upon a large, unarmed crowd of Indians gathered in Jallianwala Bagh. This tragic event led to widespread outrage both in India and Britain.

Following intense public pressure and condemnation, the British government initiated an investigation into the massacre to understand the circumstances and assign responsibility.

Identifying the Investigating Commission

To investigate the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the British government appointed a committee. This committee was officially known as the Disorders Inquiry Committee. However, it is more commonly known by the name of its chairman.

  • The committee was headed by Lord William Hunter, a former Solicitor-General for Scotland.
  • Therefore, the commission that investigated the Jallianwala Bagh massacre is widely referred to as the Hunter Commission.

The Hunter Commission submitted its report in 1920. While it criticized General Dyer for his actions, it did not impose any penal or disciplinary action against him beyond relieving him of his command.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the provided options and determine which one correctly identifies the commission that investigated the Jallianwala Bagh massacre:

  1. Hunter: As discussed, the Hunter Commission was appointed to investigate the Punjab disturbances, including the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
  2. Simon: The Simon Commission (Indian Statutory Commission) was appointed much later, in 1927, to review the constitutional progress of India under the Government of India Act 1919. It had no connection with the Jallianwala Bagh investigation.
  3. Morley: This likely refers to John Morley, one of the architects of the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, which introduced changes to the legislative councils in India. This was long before the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and unrelated to its investigation.
  4. Crawford: There is no widely known commission related to major Indian historical events of this period called the Crawford Commission that investigated the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Based on the historical facts, the correct commission is the one chaired by Lord Hunter.

Key Commissions and Events in Indian History
Commission/Report Year Primary Purpose/Event
Hunter Commission 1919-1920 Investigation of Punjab disturbances, including Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Morley-Minto Reforms 1909 Constitutional reforms in India
Simon Commission 1927 Review of the working of the Government of India Act 1919
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre 1919 Tragic event in Amritsar leading to mass casualties

Conclusion on Jallianwala Bagh Investigation

Therefore, the commission that investigated the Jallianwala Bagh massacre was the Hunter Commission.

Revision Table: Key Facts about Hunter Commission and Jallianwala Bagh

  • Event Investigated: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (part of Punjab disturbances).
  • Year of Appointment: 1919.
  • Chairman: Lord William Hunter.
  • Official Name: Disorders Inquiry Committee.
  • Outcome: Criticized Dyer but no severe punishment from the British government's perspective.

Additional Information: Impact of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre had a profound impact on the Indian freedom movement. It significantly increased anti-British sentiment and galvanized nationalist leaders and the public. Mahatma Gandhi called for a non-cooperation movement partly in response to this atrocity and the inadequate response by the British government.

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Important Questions from National movement (1885 - 1919)

  1. Who was elected to the House of Commons to speak for Indian interests in the 1890s?

  2. The Swadeshi Movement started as a reaction to the ________

  3. Who among the following was among the founders of the Jugantar Party?

  4. With reference to Madanapalle of Andhra Pradesh, which one of the following statements is correct?

  5. Who among the following was associated as Secretary with Hindu Female School which ‘later came to be known as Bethune Female School?

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