2. Why were the Indians outraged by the Rowlatt Act? Explain

The Rowlatt Act, also known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, was a law enacted by the British colonial government in India during the First World War. It was passed in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar in 1919, where British troops under General Dyer fired on unarmed civilians, killing hundreds.

The Rowlatt Act aimed to give the British colonial government in India sweeping powers to arrest and detain individuals suspected of being involved in revolutionary activities without trial. It effectively suspended the right to habeas corpus and allowed for detention without trial for an indefinite period.

Indians were outraged by the Rowlatt Act for several reasons:

1. Violation of Civil Liberties: The Act was seen as a severe violation of the basic civil liberties of Indian citizens. It allowed the British authorities to arrest and detain individuals without any evidence or due process, essentially stripping away their rights.

2. Absence of Judicial Oversight: The Act empowered the British government to detain individuals without trial, denying them the opportunity to defend themselves in a court of law. This lack of judicial oversight was deeply concerning to Indians, as it meant that anyone could be arbitrarily arrested and imprisoned.

3. Anger over Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: The Rowlatt Act came shortly after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where British troops had indiscriminately opened fire on a crowd of unarmed civilians. The Act was seen as another oppressive measure by the British government, further inflaming tensions and resentment among the Indian population.

4. Lack of Consultation with Indian Leaders: The Act was passed without any consultation with Indian leaders or representatives. This disregard for the aspirations and concerns of the Indian people fueled the sense of injustice and alienation.

5. Escalation of Anti-British Sentiment: The Rowlatt Act intensified anti-British sentiment across India. It led to widespread protests, strikes, and civil disobedience movements, with Indians demanding the repeal of the Act and greater autonomy for their country.

Overall, the Rowlatt Act deepened the rift between the British colonial government and the Indian population, paving the way for more intense nationalist movements and ultimately contributing to the push for independence.