Question

Which of the following committees was set up to investigate into the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre?

• A. Sadlar Committee
• B. Hunter Committee
• C. Henry Fowler Committee
• D. Butler Committee

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Hunter Committee

The Hunter Committee (1919)

• Official Name: The Indian Disorders Enquiry Committee.
• Purpose: Constituted by the Government of India to inquire into the disturbances that occurred in Punjab and other parts of India in 1919, most notably the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
• Formation: Appointed on 14 October 1919.
• Composition: Headed by Lord William Hunter, a Scottish judge. The committee included three other British members and three Indian members (Sir Chimanlal Setalvad, Sir Sankaran Nair, and M.R. Jayakar).
• Findings:
  • The committee found General Dyer's actions to be "mistaken" and "unmilitary", and recommended his dismissal from the army.
  • It absolved the Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab, Sir Michael O'Dwyer, of any responsibility.
  • The committee acknowledged that the Jallianwala Bagh incident was a "horrible event" but did not declare it a premeditated massacre.
• Indian Reactions: The Indian members of the committee submitted a separate report, expressing strong disapproval of Dyer's actions and calling for harsher penalties and official apologies. They felt the majority report was too lenient towards the British officials involved.
• Significance: Despite its shortcomings in the eyes of many Indians, the Hunter Committee's report brought national and international attention to the brutality of British rule. It fueled further nationalist sentiments and demands for self-rule.

Background: Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (13 April 1919)

• A large unarmed crowd had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, to protest the arrest and deportation of two prominent leaders, Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal.
• Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on the crowd without warning.
• Official estimates stated 379 people were killed and about 1,200 wounded. Unofficial estimates were significantly higher.
• The massacre occurred on the day of Baisakhi, a significant Punjabi festival.