The Road to Purna Swaraj: Simon Commission, Nehru Report & Complete Independence

Introduction: Setting the Stage for Self-Rule

The late 1920s marked a crucial phase in India's freedom struggle, characterized by renewed political activism and a significant radicalization of nationalist demands. The appointment of the all-white Indian Statutory Commission (Simon Commission) in 1927 to review the constitutional framework sparked widespread outrage and a near-unanimous boycott across India, epitomized by the slogan "Simon Go Back." In response to the British challenge to produce an agreed constitution, the All Parties Conference led to the formulation of the Nehru Report (1928), which proposed Dominion Status and a federal structure. However, the report failed to satisfy all sections, particularly younger nationalists demanding complete independence and certain minority groups seeking stronger safeguards. This ferment culminated in the historic Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (December 1929), where, under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru, Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) was declared as the goal, setting the stage for the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Core Content: Milestones on the Path to Freedom

9.4.1 Simon Commission: The Unacceptable Oversight

Purpose & Timing:

Appointed by the British Conservative government under Stanley Baldwin, two years ahead of schedule (due in 1929 as per the Government of India Act, 1919).
To review the working of the Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms) and suggest further constitutional reforms.

Composition & Outrage:

Consisted of seven members, all British Members of Parliament, chaired by Sir John Simon.
Crucially, no Indian members. This exclusion was seen as a gross insult and a denial of Indian rights.
Widespread Boycott: Indian National Congress (Madras session, 1927, M.A. Ansari), a section of Muslim League (Jinnah), Liberals (Sapru), Hindu Mahasabha.
"Simon Go Back": Slogan echoing nationwide hartals and black flag demonstrations upon its arrival in Feb 1928.

Police Repression & Martyrdom:

The British government responded with severe repression. In Lahore, Lala Lajpat Rai, while leading a demonstration against the Simon Commission, was severely injured in a police lathi charge (by police superintendent Scott) and succumbed to his injuries on November 17, 1928. His death further inflamed nationalist sentiments.

9.4.2 The Nehru Report: India's Own Constitutional Blueprint

The British challenge to Indians to draft their own constitution led to a significant indigenous effort.

The Challenge & The Committee:

Lord Birkenhead (Secretary of State for India) challenged Indian leaders to produce a universally acceptable constitution.
All Parties Conference (Feb & May 1928): Convened in response.
A sub-committee was appointed under the chairmanship of Motilal Nehru to draft a constitution.
Key Members: Tej Bahadur Sapru, Subhas Chandra Bose, M.S. Aney, Ali Imam, G.R. Pradhan, Shoaib Qureshi, Sardar Mangal Singh. (Jawaharlal Nehru acted as its secretary).

Key Recommendations (Published August 1928):

Dominion Status for India as the immediate objective.
Federal Structure with residuary powers vested in the centre.
Bicameral Legislature at the centre.
Responsible Government at both centre and provinces.
Nineteen Fundamental Rights (universal adult suffrage, freedom of conscience/religion, speech/association, equality before law).
Rejection of Separate Electorates: Proposed joint electorates with reservation of seats for Muslims in minority provinces and at the centre. No reservation in Punjab & Bengal.
Linguistic Reorganization of Provinces.
Full protection to cultural and religious interests of minorities.
No state religion.

9.4.3 Reactions to the Nehru Report

The Nehru Report, despite being a significant achievement, failed to satisfy all sections.

Younger Section of Congress Dissatisfied

The younger, more radical wing of the Congress, led by Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose, advocated for Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) as the immediate goal.
They formed the Independence for India League in 1928 to press for this demand.

Objections from Communal Organizations

Muslim League under Jinnah: Found the rejection of separate electorates and proposals for Muslim representation unacceptable.
Hindu Mahasabha: Objected to certain provisions related to Muslim representation.
Sikh League: Also raised objections regarding their representation.

Jinnah's Fourteen Points (March 1929)

In response to the Nehru Report, Muhammad Ali Jinnah presented his "Fourteen Points" as the minimum demands of Muslims for any future constitutional settlement.

Key Demands:

Federal constitution with residuary powers to provinces.
Provincial autonomy.
Continuation of separate electorates.
One-third Muslim representation in the central legislature and central cabinet.
Representation in services.
Protection of Muslim religion, culture, and language.

These points marked a growing divergence between the Congress and the Muslim League.

9.4.4 Calcutta Session (1928): The Ultimatum

Compromise Resolution: To bridge the gap between older leadership (Dominion Status) and younger radicals (Purna Swaraj), a compromise was reached, largely due to Mahatma Gandhi's intervention.
The Congress approved the Nehru Report but gave an ultimatum to the British government: accept its recommendations (Dominion Status) within one year (by December 31, 1929).
Consequence of Failure: If the government failed to do so, the Congress resolved to launch a Civil Disobedience Movement with the goal of Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence).

9.4.5 Irwin's Declaration: A Vague Promise

Viceroy Lord Irwin made a declaration in an attempt to placate rising nationalist tempers.

Vague Promise of Dominion Status: Irwin stated that the "natural issue of India's constitutional progress... is the attainment of Dominion Status" as the ultimate goal. No timeframe was given.
Round Table Conference (RTC): Announced that an RTC would be convened in London after the Simon Commission submitted its report.
Did Not Satisfy Nationalists: The declaration was considered too vague and insincere.
Delhi Manifesto (November 1929): Prominent nationalist leaders issued this, stating conditions for attending the RTC, including a commitment that the RTC's purpose would be to formulate a scheme for implementing Dominion Status. Irwin rejected these conditions.

9.4.6 Lahore Session (1929): The Declaration of Complete Independence

This session, held on the banks of the Ravi river, was a historic turning point.

President: Jawaharlal Nehru. His election symbolized the growing influence of the younger, radical wing within the Congress.
Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) Declared as the Goal: With the one-year ultimatum from Calcutta expired, the Congress formally declared Purna Swaraj as its ultimate goal, rejecting Dominion Status.
Resolution to Boycott RTCs and Launch Civil Disobedience Movement:
- The session resolved to boycott the upcoming Round Table Conferences.
- Authorized the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to launch a programme of Civil Disobedience, including non-payment of taxes.
26 January 1930 Fixed as First Independence Day (Purna Swaraj Day): The Congress decided that this day should be observed all over India with a pledge to attain complete independence. This date was later chosen for the adoption of the Indian Constitution (Republic Day).

Summary Table: Key Events & Outcomes

Event/Report	Year(s)	Key Aspects	Significance/Outcome
Simon Commission Appointment	Nov 1927	Purpose: Review GoI Act 1919. Composition: All-white, no Indian members.	Widespread Indian outrage, "Simon Go Back" protests, boycott. Police repression (Lala Lajpat Rai's death).
Nehru Report	Aug 1928	Chaired by Motilal Nehru. Recs: Dominion Status (immediate), federal, bicameral, responsible govt., fundamental rights, joint electorates with reserved seats for Muslims, linguistic provinces. Rejection of separate electorates.	Significant attempt at Indian consensus-building. Failed to satisfy younger nationalists (J. Nehru, S. Bose who wanted Purna Swaraj) & some communal groups (Muslim League, Hindu Mahasabha). Jinnah's Fourteen Points (1929) as a reaction.
Independence for India League	1928	Formed by Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose.	Advocated for complete independence, dissatisfied with Dominion Status demand of Nehru Report.
Calcutta Session of Congress	Dec 1928	Approved Nehru Report but gave one-year ultimatum to British for acceptance, failing which Civil Disobedience for Purna Swaraj would be launched.	Compromise between older and younger wings of Congress. Set deadline for British response.
Irwin's Declaration	Oct 1929	Vague promise of Dominion Status as ultimate goal; RTC to discuss Simon Commission report.	Failed to satisfy nationalists; Delhi Manifesto issued by leaders.
Lahore Session of Congress	Dec 1929	President: Jawaharlal Nehru. Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) declared as goal. Resolution to boycott RTCs and launch Civil Disobedience. January 26, 1930, fixed as first Independence Day (Purna Swaraj Day).	Historic turning point. Marked a radical shift in Congress's goal. Paved the way for Civil Disobedience Movement.

Prelims-Ready Notes

Simon Commission (1927): All-white, to review GoI Act 1919. Led to "Simon Go Back" protests.
Lala Lajpat Rai's Death: Injured during anti-Simon Commission protest lathi charge (1928).
Nehru Report (1928): Chaired by Motilal Nehru.
- Demanded: Dominion Status.
- Rejected: Separate Electorates (proposed joint electorates with reserved seats for Muslims).
- Other Recommendations: Federal structure, fundamental rights, universal adult suffrage.
Independence for India League (1928): Founded by Jawaharlal Nehru & Subhas Bose (demanded Purna Swaraj).
Jinnah's Fourteen Points (March 1929): Muslim League's counter-proposals, demanded separate electorates.
Calcutta Congress Session (1928): Ultimatum to British (1 year to accept Nehru Report or face Civil Disobedience for Purna Swaraj).
Irwin's Declaration (Oct 1929): Vague promise of Dominion Status.
Lahore Congress Session (Dec 1929):
- President: Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Resolution: Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) as the goal.
- Decision: Boycott Round Table Conferences, launch Civil Disobedience Movement.
- Purna Swaraj Day / First Independence Day: January 26, 1930.

Mains-Ready Analytical Notes

1. Simon Commission: A Catalyst for Unity and Renewed Agitation:

The all-white composition was a blatant affront to Indian self-respect and intelligence. It acted as a powerful catalyst, uniting diverse political groups in India (Congress, a section of Muslim League, Liberals, Hindu Mahasabha) in a common boycott.
The widespread "Simon Go Back" protests, despite facing brutal police repression, revitalized the nationalist movement after the post-NCM lull and demonstrated the growing mood of defiance. Lala Lajpat Rai's death further radicalized the youth.

2. Nehru Report: A Landmark in Indian Constitutional Effort, Yet Flawed:

Significance: The Nehru Report was the first major attempt by Indians themselves to draft a constitutional framework for a self-governing India. It showcased a high degree of political consensus on many issues (Dominion Status, federalism, fundamental rights, universal suffrage).
Key Achievement: Its proposal for fundamental rights and a secular state was forward-looking.
Major Flaw/Point of Contention: Its rejection of separate electorates for Muslims, while principled from a secular nationalist viewpoint, failed to assuage the fears of a significant section of Muslim leadership, leading to Jinnah's Fourteen Points and widening the communal divide. The demand for Dominion Status also alienated younger, more radical nationalists.

3. The Lahore Congress (1929): The Definitive Shift to Purna Swaraj:

The Lahore session was a watershed moment. The declaration of Purna Swaraj as the Congress's goal marked a decisive shift from the earlier objective of Dominion Status. It signified a radicalization of the nationalist movement and a clear break from the politics of seeking concessions within the imperial framework.
The call for Civil Disobedience and the decision to observe January 26th as Independence Day infused a new spirit of militancy and determination into the freedom struggle, setting the stage for the next major phase of mass agitation.
Jawaharlal Nehru's presidentship symbolized the ascendancy of the younger, socialist-leaning, and more radical wing within the Congress.

4. The Communal Tangle:

This period saw the communal problem becoming more intractable. The Nehru Report's attempt to solve the communal issue through joint electorates with reserved seats was rejected by Jinnah and other Muslim leaders who insisted on separate electorates and stronger safeguards.
Jinnah's Fourteen Points became the basis for future Muslim League demands, highlighting the growing divergence that would eventually lead to partition. The British policy of encouraging communal divisions continued to play a significant role.

Contemporary Relevance/Significance/Impact:

Purna Swaraj Day (January 26th): The decision at Lahore to observe January 26th as Independence Day imbued this date with historical significance, leading to its choice as India's Republic Day, when the Constitution came into effect in 1950.
Constitutionalism and Fundamental Rights: The Nehru Report's articulation of fundamental rights and a federal structure had a significant influence on the framers of the Indian Constitution.
Challenges of Consensus Building: The experience with the Nehru Report and Jinnah's Fourteen Points highlights the enduring challenges of building consensus among diverse groups in a pluralistic society, especially on issues of representation and minority rights.

Current Affairs & Enduring Legacy

Republic Day (January 26th): The annual celebration of Republic Day directly links back to the Lahore Congress's declaration of Purna Swaraj Day, serving as a reminder of this pivotal moment in the freedom struggle.
Debates on Federalism and States' Rights: The Nehru Report's proposals on federal structure and residuary powers are historically relevant to ongoing discussions about Centre-State relations in India.
Minority Rights and Representation: The historical debates surrounding separate electorates vs. joint electorates with reservations (as in Nehru Report) continue to inform contemporary discussions on ensuring fair representation and protecting minority rights within a democratic framework.

UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims MCQs

UPSC Prelims 2012

The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress (1929) is very important in history, because:

The Congress passed a resolution demanding complete independence.
The rift between the extremists and moderates was resolved in that Session.
A resolution was passed rejecting the two-nation theory in that Session.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None of the above

Answer: (a)

Hint: Statement 1 is correct; Purna Swaraj was declared. Statement 2 is incorrect; the major Moderate-Extremist reunion was at Lucknow in 1916. Statement 3 is incorrect; the two-nation theory became prominent later, and its rejection was an ongoing process, not a specific resolution at Lahore in this manner.

UPSC Prelims 2014

The Nehru Report (1928) had recommended:

Dominion Status for India.
Separate electorates for Muslims.
A federal system of government.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Hint: The Nehru Report recommended Dominion Status (1) and a federal system (3). It crucially rejected separate electorates for Muslims (2), proposing joint electorates with reservations instead.

Mains Questions

UPSC Mains 2018

Why was the Simon Commission boycotted by the Indians? Assess its impact on the Indian National Movement.

Direction:

Reasons for Boycott: All-white composition, seen as an insult, denial of India's right to self-determination.
Impact on National Movement: Revitalized political activity, united diverse political groups, led to All Parties Conference and Nehru Report, intensified demand for self-rule, tragic death of Lala Lajpat Rai radicalized youth, set stage for Civil Disobedience.

UPSC Mains 2015

The Nehru Report of 1928 was an attempt to draft a constitution for India by Indians themselves. Discuss its major recommendations and the reasons for its non-acceptance by various sections.

Direction:

Major Recommendations: Dominion Status, federalism, bicameral legislature, fundamental rights, joint electorates with reservations for Muslims (rejecting separate electorates), linguistic provinces.
Reasons for Non-Acceptance:
- Younger Congress leaders (Nehru, Bose): Demanded Purna Swaraj, not Dominion Status.
- Muslim League (Jinnah): Objected to rejection of separate electorates, demanded more safeguards (leading to Jinnah's 14 Points).
- Hindu Mahasabha & Sikh League: Had their own reservations on representation.
- British Government: Ignored it.

Original MCQs for Prelims

1. The primary reason for the widespread boycott of the Simon Commission (1927) by Indian political parties was:

(a) It recommended the continuation of diarchy in the provinces.
(b) It did not include any Indian members.
(c) It proposed the immediate grant of Dominion Status, which was opposed by radical nationalists.
(d) It suggested the further division of Bengal along communal lines.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: The complete exclusion of Indians from the Simon Commission, which was tasked with deciding India's constitutional future, was seen as a grave insult and a denial of India's right to self-determination, leading to its widespread boycott.

2. Jinnah's "Fourteen Points" (1929) were primarily formulated in response to:

(a) The recommendations of the Simon Commission.
(b) The proposals of the Nehru Report.
(c) The Irwin Declaration.
(d) The resolutions passed at the Lahore Congress session.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Jinnah's Fourteen Points were a set of demands put forth by the Muslim League as a reaction to the Nehru Report, particularly its rejection of separate electorates and its proposals for Muslim representation, which Jinnah found unsatisfactory.

Original Descriptive Questions for Mains

1. "The period from the appointment of the Simon Commission to the Lahore Congress of 1929 witnessed a significant radicalization of the Indian nationalist movement." Analyze the key events and factors that contributed to this transformation.

Key Points/Structure:

Introduction: Briefly state that this period was indeed marked by a shift towards more radical goals and methods.
Factors Contributing to Radicalization:
- Simon Commission Boycott (1927-28): The all-white composition and the unified Indian protest (hartals, "Simon Go Back") re-energized the movement. Police repression (Lala Lajpat Rai's death) further angered nationalists.
- Nehru Report (1928) and its Aftermath:
  - While a step towards self-constitution, the demand for Dominion Status was seen as insufficient by younger leaders (J. Nehru, S. Bose), leading to the formation of the Independence for India League.
  - Failure to achieve consensus, especially on communal representation (Jinnah's 14 Points), highlighted divisions but also pushed Congress towards a more assertive stance.
- Growing Influence of Youth and Left Wing: Increased activism among students, workers, and peasants; rise of socialist ideas.
- Calcutta Congress Ultimatum (1928): The one-year ultimatum for Dominion Status showed growing impatience.
- Irwin's Vague Declaration (1929): Perceived as insincere, further disillusioning nationalists.
Culmination at Lahore Congress (1929):
- Declaration of Purna Swaraj as the goal.
- Decision to launch Civil Disobedience.
- Observance of January 26 as Independence Day.
- Jawaharlal Nehru's presidentship symbolizing the shift.
Conclusion: Conclude that the British government's insensitivity (Simon Commission), the internal dynamics within Congress (rise of younger, radical leaders), and the failure of moderate approaches like the Nehru Report to satisfy all sections, collectively pushed the nationalist movement towards the more radical goal of Purna Swaraj and mass civil disobedience.

2. Evaluate the Nehru Report (1928) as an indigenous attempt at constitution-making. What were its main strengths and weaknesses, and why did it fail to achieve broader acceptance?

Key Points/Structure:

Introduction: Context of Birkenhead's challenge and the All Parties Conference leading to the Nehru Report.
Indigenous Attempt at Constitution-Making (Significance):
- First major collective effort by Indians to draft a constitution.
- Demonstrated Indian political maturity and ability to formulate a coherent framework.
Main Strengths (Key Recommendations):
- Demand for Dominion Status (a step towards self-rule).
- Proposal for a federal structure with a strong centre.
- Advocacy for responsible government at centre and provinces.
- Inclusion of a comprehensive list of Fundamental Rights (universal adult suffrage, freedom of religion, equality).
- Secular vision (no state religion).
- Proposal for linguistic reorganization of provinces.
Main Weaknesses and Reasons for Failure to Achieve Broader Acceptance:
- Dominion Status vs. Purna Swaraj: Dissatisfied younger/radical nationalists (J. Nehru, S. Bose) who wanted complete independence.
- Communal Representation:
  - Rejection of separate electorates for Muslims and proposal for joint electorates with reserved seats did not satisfy the Muslim League under Jinnah (leading to his 14 Points).
  - Hindu Mahasabha and Sikh League also had reservations about specific provisions.
- Federal Structure Details: Debates over residuary powers (centre vs. provinces).
- Lack of Universal Consensus: Despite efforts, it couldn't reconcile all conflicting interests, especially communal ones.
- British Indifference: The British government largely ignored the report.
Conclusion: The Nehru Report was a landmark achievement in demonstrating Indian political capability and articulating a vision for self-governing India with many progressive features. However, its failure to fully resolve the complex issue of communal representation and to satisfy the growing demand for complete independence limited its acceptance and immediate impact, though its ideas profoundly influenced the future Constitution of India.