Simon Commission and the Nehru Report

1.Appointment of the Indian Statutory Commission

• Appointment and Composition of the Simon CommissionImportance 5/5
  Which provision of the Government of India Act, 1919 led to this commission? Remember its official and popular names, the date, and the British prime minister at the time. Remember its members (how many, their race, their party make-up), and which member later became Britain's prime minister. Understand what it was asked to recommend.
• Why the Commission Was Appointed EarlyImportance 4/5
  Why was a review due in 1929 brought forward to 1927? Explain the fear of the Conservative government. Understand how the failure of the 1919 Act formed the background. Remember the part played by Lord Birkenhead and what he repeatedly said about Indian politicians.
• Enquiries of the Mid-1920s (Lee Commission, Muddiman Committee, Linlithgow Commission)Importance 3/5UPSC 1997
  For each of the three bodies, remember the year, the official name, the subject it examined and its main finding. For the Muddiman Committee, know how the majority and the minority differed.
• Why Indians Opposed the CommissionImportance 4/5UPSC 1998, 2013
  What angered Indians most about the commission? Understand the idea behind the exclusion of Indians from it. Which principle did Indians feel was violated, and why was it also seen as an insult?
• Congress Response at the Madras Session (1927)Importance 4/5
  Remember the date, place and president of the session, and its decision on the commission. Which separate resolution on the goal of the Congress did Nehru get passed? Be clear how that goal differs from the aim of the Nehru Report.
• Response of Other GroupsImportance 3/5
  Which groups supported the boycott, and which did not? Remember the two Muslim League sessions of 1927, with their places, leaders and stands. Know examples of regional parties that stayed out of the boycott.
• Public Protests and the 'Simon Go Back' SloganImportance 4/5UPSC 1997
  Where and when did the commission land, and what happened that day? Remember the forms of protest during its tour. Who is credited with the slogan 'Simon Go Back'? Understand that this is disputed and that two names are put forward.
• Youth Upsurge and Radical GroupsImportance 3/5
  What part did young people play in the protests? Know which two leaders rose among them. Remember the radical groups that gained strength in this period (Punjab Naujawan Bharat Sabha, Workers' and Peasants' Parties, Hindustani Sewa Dal) and the ideas behind them.
• Dr Ambedkar and the Simon CommissionImportance 4/5
  Remember who appointed Dr Ambedkar to work with the commission, when he appeared before it, and which organisation he spoke for. How did he see the depressed classes in relation to the Hindus? Understand what representation he demanded if adult franchise was granted, and what he demanded if it was not. Why did he say they needed more protection than other minorities? How did the report answer him, and why was he displeased?
• Police Repression and the Death of Lala Lajpat RaiImportance 4/5
  How did the police deal with the demonstrators? Remember which leaders were beaten at Lucknow, and when Lala Lajpat Rai was injured and when he died. Which remark of his is remembered?

2.Impact of Appointment of Simon Commission on the National Movement

• Two-Fold Impact of the Commission's AppointmentImportance 4/5
  Understand the two effects of the appointment on Indian politics. How did it affect radical forces, and what did it give the Congress? How was Birkenhead's challenge taken up, and what did that do to hopes of unity?
• Publication and Fate of the Simon Commission ReportImportance 3/5
  In which year was the report published, and in how many volumes? Understand why it had lost its importance by the time it came out.
• Simon Commission Recommendations on the ProvincesImportance 5/5UPSC 2010
  Remember what the report proposed for dyarchy and for the form of provincial government. Which powers did it still give the governor, and for what purposes? Know what it said about the size of the provincial legislative councils.
• Simon Commission Recommendations on the Centre and FederalismImportance 4/5UPSC 2010
  Did the report accept responsible government at the centre? Who was to appoint the cabinet? Understand its position on federalism, and what the Consultative Council of Greater India was meant to include.
• Simon Commission Recommendations on Electorates and FranchiseImportance 4/5
  Did the report keep or end separate electorates, and did it extend them to other communities? Understand the condition attached. What did it say about universal franchise?
• Simon Commission Recommendations on Sindh, Burma, the Frontier Provinces and the ArmyImportance 3/5
  Remember the recommendations for the North-West Frontier Province and Baluchistan, for Sindh, and for Burma (with the reason given for Burma). What did the report say about the Indian army?

3.Nehru Report

• All Parties Conference and the Nehru CommitteeImportance 5/5
  Whose challenge was the Nehru Report an answer to? Remember when the All Parties Conference met, who chaired the committee, some of its members, and when the report was finalised. Understand why it is seen as the first major Indian attempt to draft a constitution. On what one point did the committee differ, and how was it handled?
• Scope of the Nehru Report and the Form of Government It SoughtImportance 5/5UPSC 2011
  Did the report cover British India only, or the princely states as well? Understand how it saw the future link between the two. Which form of government did it recommend, and how did the younger, militant section react?
• Electorates and Reservation of Seats in the Nehru ReportImportance 5/5UPSC 2011
  Did the report keep separate electorates? Understand what it proposed instead. For whom were seats reserved, where were they reserved and where not, and on what basis? Could they contest other seats as well?
• Provinces and Fundamental Rights in the Nehru ReportImportance 5/5UPSC 2011
  On what basis did the report want provinces formed? How many fundamental rights did it list? Remember examples such as equal rights for women, the right to form unions and universal adult suffrage.
• Responsible Government at the Centre and in the ProvincesImportance 4/5
  Remember the two houses of the proposed central parliament: their size, how members were chosen and their terms. Understand the position of the governor general (who appointed him, who paid him, whose advice he followed). How were provincial councils and governors meant to work?
• Religion, Culture and the State in the Nehru ReportImportance 3/5
  What protection did the report offer to the cultural and religious interests of Muslims? What relation between the State and religion did it propose?
• Delhi Proposals of the Muslim LeagueImportance 4/5
  What did the four Delhi Proposals ask for on electorates, on the centre, on Punjab and Bengal, and on new provinces? Which Congress session accepted them? Be clear how they differ from Jinnah's later amendments and the Fourteen Points.
• Hindu Mahasabha DemandsImportance 3/5
  What did the Hindu Mahasabha oppose, and what kind of structure did it demand? Understand how its stand made the drafting harder.
• The Drafters' Dilemma and the Compromises in the Nehru ReportImportance 3/5
  Why did the Muslim League's withdrawal from the All Parties Conference leave the drafters in a dilemma? Explain both sides of it. Remember the three concessions made to Hindu communalists, on electorates and reservation, on Sindh, and on the structure of government.
• Jinnah's Amendments at the Calcutta All Parties Conference (1928)Importance 3/5UPSC 1997
  Remember the month and place of the conference, and for whom Jinnah spoke. What were his three amendments (on the centre, on Bengal and Punjab, and on residual powers)? What happened to them?
• Jinnah's Fourteen PointsImportance 5/5
  When did Jinnah issue the Fourteen Points, and at which Muslim League session were they put forward? Understand what role they played in the League's later politics. Understand the main themes: federal structure, representation and cabinets, electorates, protection against majority votes, Sindh and the frontier, and religious and cultural protection. Which points repeat the Delhi Proposals or the Calcutta amendments?
• Opposition to the Nehru Report and the Independence for India LeagueImportance 4/5UPSC 1995
  Which groups were unhappy with the report? Why did the younger section of the Congress see its aim as a step backward? Remember the organisation Nehru and Bose set up in response.

1. 1.

   Consider the following statements:
   Statement-I: The Indian response to the Simon Commission was immediate and nearly unanimous opposition.
   Statement-II: No Indian was included in the Simon Commission.
   Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

   1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
   2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
   3. CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
   4. DStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
2. 2.

   Consider the following statements about the Simon Commission:
   1. The Government of India Act, 1919 provided for a commission to be appointed ten years later to study the progress of the governance scheme.
   2. The commission had seven members.
   3. It included two Indian members nominated by the Central Legislative Assembly.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1 and 2 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
3. 3.

   Consider the following statements about the response to the Simon Commission:
   1. The Congress decided to boycott it "at every stage and in every form".
   2. The Unionists in Punjab and the Justice Party in the south also boycotted it.
   3. At the Madras session, Nehru got a snap resolution passed declaring complete independence as the Congress goal.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1, 2 and 3
   4. D1 and 3 only
4. 4.

   Consider the following statements about Dr Ambedkar and the Simon Commission:
   1. He argued for universal adult franchise for men and women alike.
   2. He submitted a memorandum on behalf of the Bahishkrita Hitakarini Sabha.
   3. He wanted reserved seats for the depressed classes if universal adult franchise was granted.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 and 2 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
5. 5.

   Consider the following recommendations:
   1. Abolition of dyarchy and representative government in autonomous provinces
   2. Parliamentary responsibility at the centre
   3. Separation of Sindh from Bombay
   4. Universal adult franchise
   How many of the above were recommended by the Simon Commission?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. COnly three
   4. DAll four
6. 6.

   As an answer to Lord Birkenhead's challenge, the All Parties Conference appointed a sub-committee under the chairmanship of Motilal Nehru to draft a constitution. When did this conference meet?

   1. ADecember 1927
   2. BFebruary 1928
   3. CAugust 1928
   4. DDecember 1928
7. 7.

   Consider the following statements about the Nehru Report (1928):
   1. It recommended dominion status as the form of government.
   2. It retained separate electorates for Muslims.
   3. It recommended linguistic provinces.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
8. 8.

   Consider the following statements about the central legislature proposed in the Nehru Report:
   1. A 500-member House of Representatives was to be elected on the basis of adult suffrage.
   2. A 200-member Senate was to be elected by provincial councils.
   3. The Senate was to have a tenure of 5 years and the House of Representatives 7 years.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   1. A1 and 2 only
   2. B1 only
   3. C2 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
9. 9.

   Consider the following:
   1. Joint electorates in place of separate electorates, with reserved seats for Muslims
   2. One-third representation to Muslims in the Central Legislative Assembly
   3. Representation to Muslims in Punjab and Bengal in proportion to their population
   4. Formation of Sindh, Baluchistan and NWFP as new Muslim-majority provinces
   How many of the above were among the 'Delhi Proposals' of the Muslim leaders?

   1. AOnly one
   2. BOnly two
   3. COnly three
   4. DAll four
10. 10.

    Consider the following statements about Jinnah's amendments at the All Parties Conference in Calcutta (December 1928):
    1. He demanded one-third representation to Muslims in the central legislature.
    2. He demanded residual powers for the provinces.
    3. The conference accepted his amendments.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B1 and 2 only
    3. C2 and 3 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
11. 11.

    Consider the following:
    1. Separate electorates
    2. Federal constitution with residual powers to the provinces
    3. One-third Muslim members in any central or provincial cabinet
    4. Joint electorates with reservation of seats
    How many of the above were among Jinnah's Fourteen Points (March 1929)?

    1. AOnly one
    2. BOnly two
    3. COnly three
    4. DAll four
12. 12.

    Consider the following statements:
    Statement-I: Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose were angered by the Nehru Report.
    Statement-II: The younger section of the Congress regarded the Report's idea of dominion status as a step backward.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
    2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
    3. CStatement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
    4. DStatement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
13. 13.

    Consider the following statements about the concessions to Hindu communal opinion in the Nehru Report:
    1. Reservation for Muslims was proposed only where they were in a minority.
    2. Sindh was to be detached from Bombay only after dominion status was granted.
    3. Residual powers were to rest with the provinces.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. A1 only
    2. B2 and 3 only
    3. C1 and 2 only
    4. D1, 2 and 3
14. 14.

    Match List I with List II:

    List I (Body)	List II (Year appointed)
    A. Lee Commission	1. 1926
    B. Muddiman Committee	2. 1923
    C. Linlithgow Commission	3. 1927
    D. Simon Commission	4. 1924

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    1. AA-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
    2. BA-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
    3. CA-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
    4. DA-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
15. 15.

    Which of the following recommendations about the depressed classes in the Simon Commission's report displeased Dr Ambedkar?

    1. AAbolition of all reserved seats for them
    2. BA separate electorate with a double vote
    3. CMerger into the general electorate without reservation
    4. DReserved seats, subject to the governor endorsing each candidate

1. 1.

   UPSC 1997

   Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists:
   List I (Events)
   I. Morley Minto Reforms
   II. Simon Commission
   III. The Chauri-Chaura incident
   IV. The Dandi March
   List II (Results) A) Country-wide agitation B) Withdrawal of a movement C) Communal Electorates D) Communal outbreaks E) Illegal manufacture of salt
   Codes:

   1. AI-C, II-D, III-E, IV-B
   2. BI-D, II-A, III-B, IV-C
   3. CI-B, II-C, III-D, IV-E
   4. DI-C, II-A, III-B, IV-E
2. 2.

   UPSC 1997

   Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the Lists:
   List I
   I. Surat Split
   II. Communal Award
   III. All-Party Convention
   IV. Poorna Swaraj Resolution
   List II A) 1929 B) 1928 C) 1932 D) 1907 E) 1905
   Codes:

   1. AI–D, II–C, III–A, IV–E
   2. BI–D, II–C, III–B, IV–A
   3. CI–B, II–E, III–D, IV–A
   4. DI–A, II–D, III–E, IV–C
3. 3.

   UPSC 2013

   The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission because

   1. AIndians never wanted the review of the working of the Act of 1919
   2. BSimon Commission recommended the abolition of Dyarchy in the Provinces
   3. Cthere was no Indian member in the Simon Commission
   4. Dthe Simon Commission suggested the partition of the country
4. 4.

   UPSC 2011

   With reference to the period of Indian freedom struggle, which of the following was/were recommended by the Nehru report?
   1. Complete Independence for India.
   2. Joint electorates for reservation of seats for minorities.
   3. Provision of fundamental rights for the people of India in the Constitution.
   Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

   1. A1 only
   2. B2 and 3 only
   3. C1 and 3 only
   4. D1, 2 and 3
5. 5.

   UPSC 2010

   With reference to Simon Commission’s recommendations, which one of the following statements is correct?

   1. AIt recommended the replacement of diarchy with responsible government in the provinces
   2. BIt proposed the setting up of inter-provincial council under the Home Department
   3. CIt suggested the abolition of bicameral legislature at the Centre
   4. DIt recommended the creation of Indian Police Service, with a provision for increased pay and allowances for British recruits as compared to Indian recruits
6. 6.

   UPSC 1998

   Simon Commission of 1927 was boycotted because

   1. AThere was no Indian member in the Commission
   2. BIt supported the Muslim League
   3. CCongress felt that the people of India are entitled to Swaraj
   4. DThere were differences among the members
7. 7.

   UPSC 1997

   Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists:
   List I
   I. Butler Committee
   II. Hurtog Committee Report
   III. Hunter Inquiry Committee Report
   IV. Muddiman Committee Report
   List II A) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Report B) Relationship between the Indian States and Paramount Power C) Working of Dyarchy as laid down in the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms D) The growth of education in British India and potentialities of its further progress
   Codes:

   1. AI-C, II-B, III-A, IV-D
   2. BI-A, II-D, III-B, IV-C
   3. CI-B, II-A, III-C, IV-D
   4. DI-B, II-D, III-A, IV-C
8. 8.

   UPSC 1995

   The radical wing of the Congress Party, with Jawaharlal Nehru as one of its main leaders, founded the ‘Independence for India League’ in opposition to

   1. Athe Gandhi Irwin Pact
   2. Bthe Home Rule Movement
   3. Cthe Nehru Report
   4. Dthe Montford Reforms