Important Events from 1919 to 1929 in the Indian Freedom Struggle

Important Events from 1919 to 1929 in the Indian Freedom Struggle: The decade from 1919 to 1929 marked a big shift in India’s freedom struggle. After World War I, Indians expected reforms and self-rule, but the British responded with repressive laws like the Rowlatt Act and brutal actions like the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. This period saw Gandhi emerging as a mass leader, the rise of revolutionary activities, and the Congress taking a stronger demand for independence. It was a phase of growing unity, mass protests, and new strategies.

Important Events from 1919 to 1929 for UPSC EPFO Exam

For UPSC EPFO exam preparation, the events of 1919–1929 are very important because they highlight the transition of the freedom struggle from early moderate politics to mass movements under Gandhi. This decade also introduced new political ideas, communal tensions, and constitutional reforms that shaped the later phase of the national movement.

1919

This year was a turning point with repressive laws and tragic incidents that deeply shook Indian society.

• Rowlatt Act: Allowed detention without trial.
• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: General Dyer ordered firing on unarmed civilians in Amritsar.
• Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms / Government of India Act 1919: Introduced dyarchy in provinces.

1920

The freedom movement entered a new phase with Gandhi’s leadership and mass participation.

• Khilafat Movement launched by Ali Brothers.
• Non-Cooperation Movement started under Gandhi.
• Boycott of British goods, schools, titles, and law courts.

1921

This year saw mass protests against British rule and regional uprisings.

• Boycott of Prince of Wales’ Visit across India.
• Moplah Rebellion in Malabar: Agrarian revolt with communal violence.

1922

The momentum slowed after a violent incident that changed Gandhi’s approach.

• Chauri Chaura Incident: Protesters set fire to a police station, killing 22 policemen.
• Withdrawal of Non-Cooperation Movement by Gandhi.

1923

The nationalist movement explored new strategies after the suspension of Non-Cooperation.

• Formation of Swaraj Party by C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru to enter councils.

1924

Revolutionary activities gained momentum with bold attempts to challenge British authority.

• Kakori Conspiracy Case: Train robbery by Hindustan Republican Association to fund activities.

1925

Revolutionary sacrifices and new organizations marked this year.

• Executions in Kakori Case: Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and others hanged.
• Foundation of RSS by K.B. Hedgewar in Nagpur.

1927

Widespread anger grew against the British due to unfair policies and commissions.

• Simon Commission Appointed: Boycotted for having no Indian member.
• Meerut Conspiracy Case (roots in 1927): British crackdown on communist and trade union leaders.

1928

The Indian leaders came together to prepare their own constitutional framework.

• All Parties Conference and Nehru Report drafted by Motilal Nehru.
• Death of Lala Lajpat Rai after police lathi charge during Simon Commission protest.

1929

This year was historic as the demand for full independence was officially declared.

• Congress Lahore Session (December 1929): Jawaharlal Nehru presided, demand for Purna Swaraj passed.
• 26 January 1930 declared as Independence Day for future observance.

Questions on Important Events from 1919 to 1929 for UPSC EPFO Exam

1. What was the Rowlatt Act of 1919 and why was it opposed?
2. Who ordered the Jallianwala Bagh firing in 1919?
3. What system did the Government of India Act 1919 introduce?
4. Who started the Khilafat Movement and why?
5. What was the Non-Cooperation Movement and when was it launched?
6. What happened during the Moplah Rebellion of 1921?
7. Why did Gandhi withdraw the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922?
8. Who founded the Swaraj Party and when?
9. What was the Kakori Conspiracy of 1924?
10. Name two revolutionaries executed in the Kakori case.
11. Who founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and when?
12. Why was the Simon Commission boycotted in 1927?
13. What was the Nehru Report of 1928?
14. How did Lala Lajpat Rai die in 1928?
15. Who presided over the Lahore Session of 1929?
16. What resolution was passed in the Lahore Session of 1929?
17. When was 26th January first celebrated as Independence Day?
18. What was the impact of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre on Indian politics?
19. Which leaders were associated with the Hindustan Republican Association?
20. Why is the decade 1919–1929 called a turning point in India’s freedom struggle?

Answer Key

Q.No	Correct Answer
1	A repressive law allowing detention without trial; opposed for curbing freedoms
2	General Dyer
3	Dyarchy in provinces (dual government system)
4	Ali Brothers (Shaukat Ali and Mohammad Ali); to protect Ottoman Caliphate
5	A mass movement launched by Gandhi in 1920; boycott of British goods & institutions
6	Agrarian uprising of Muslim peasants in Malabar with communal overtones
7	After Chauri Chaura violence where 22 policemen were killed
8	C.R. Das and Motilal Nehru in 1923
9	Train robbery near Kakori (1924) by Hindustan Republican Association
10	Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan
11	K.B. Hedgewar, 1925 in Nagpur
12	It had no Indian member
13	Draft constitution recommending dominion status for India
14	Injured in police lathi charge during Simon Commission protest
15	Jawaharlal Nehru
16	Resolution for Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence)
17	26th January 1930
18	It destroyed Indian faith in British justice; mass radicalization
19	Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, Chandrashekhar Azad, others
20	Because it shifted freedom struggle from reforms to mass independence movements

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