Arrange the following events in chronological order :
(i) Surat Split
(ii) Lucknow Pact
(iii) Chauri-Chaura incident
(iv) Rowlatt Bills
A(i), (ii), (iii), (iv)
B(i), (ii), (iv), (iii)
C(i), (iv), (ii), (iii)
D(ii), (iv), (i), (iii)
Answer:
B. (i), (ii), (iv), (iii)
Read Explanation:
Key Events in the Indian Independence Movement
Surat Split (1907)
The Surat Split occurred at the Surat session of the Indian National Congress in 1907.
It marked a significant division between the Moderates (led by Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Dadabhai Naoroji) and the Extremists (led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal, collectively known as 'Lal-Bal-Pal').
The primary cause of the split was disagreements over the methods of agitation, the aims of the Congress, and the election of the Congress President. The Extremists favored Lala Lajpat Rai, while the Moderates preferred Rash Behari Ghosh.
This division significantly weakened the Congress and impacted the national movement for a period.
Lucknow Pact (1916)
The Lucknow Pact was an agreement reached between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League at their joint session held in Lucknow in December 1916.
It represented a crucial moment of unity, largely facilitated by the efforts of leaders like Muhammad Ali Jinnah (from the Muslim League) and Bal Gangadhar Tilak (from the Congress).
The pact put forth common demands to the British government, including provisions for self-government, separate electorates for Muslims, and increased Indian representation in legislative councils.
This pact is historically significant as it demonstrated a rare instance of Hindu-Muslim unity in advocating for constitutional reforms.
Rowlatt Bills / Rowlatt Act (1919)
The Rowlatt Committee, headed by Sir Sidney Rowlatt, was appointed in 1917 to assess revolutionary activities and recommend measures.
Based on its recommendations, the British government introduced the Rowlatt Bills in early 1919, which were subsequently passed as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, popularly known as the Rowlatt Act.
This act granted the British government immense powers to suppress political activities, allowing for arrest without warrant, indefinite detention without trial, and trials without jury.
Mahatma Gandhi termed this act the "Black Act" and launched a nationwide Satyagraha (non-violent civil disobedience) against it, which escalated into widespread protests and eventually led to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Chauri-Chaura Incident (1922)
The Chauri-Chaura incident occurred on February 5, 1922, in Chauri Chaura, Gorakhpur district, United Provinces (present-day Uttar Pradesh).
During a large procession of Non-Cooperation Movement volunteers, some police officers fired upon the protestors. In retaliation, the protestors set fire to a police station, resulting in the deaths of 22 policemen.
This act of violence deeply distressed Mahatma Gandhi, who staunchly believed in strict adherence to non-violence (Ahimsa).
As a direct consequence of this incident, Mahatma Gandhi decided to call off the Non-Cooperation Movement on February 12, 1922, despite opposition from some prominent Congress leaders