Why did the Indians organise the 'hartal'?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Explanation

The hartal was a nationwide non-violent strike organized as a form of Satyagraha (civil disobedience) to protest the repressive Rowlatt Act of 1919.
This Act, known as the 'Black Act', authorized the British government to arrest and imprison any person for up to two years without a trial, severely curtailing civil liberties.
The protest was called by Mahatma Gandhi and was a direct and widespread expression of the Indian people's anger and opposition to this legislation.
It demonstrated a unified national sentiment against the colonial government's unjust laws.

Option A: The hartal was a voluntary protest organized by Indian leaders against the Act. The Act itself was a repressive law and did not contain any provision mandating a hartal.
Option B: The hartal was an act of non-cooperation and opposition. Its purpose was to challenge and resist the British Government's authority, not to provide assistance.
Option C: Participation in the hartal was a voluntary act of civil disobedience. There was no punishment for not participating. In contrast, those who did participate risked arrest and imprisonment by the British authorities.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Indian nationalist response to the Rowlatt Act of 1919 as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This is a General Knowledge question testing awareness of major events in India's freedom struggle, which is a common component of competitive examinations.
For healthcare professionals, understanding the historical and social context of the nation can foster better communication, cultural sensitivity, and empathy with patients.
The concept of 'Satyagraha' (non-violent resistance) is a significant part of India's heritage and understanding it provides insight into the nation's socio-political fabric.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'hartal' and its historical context (implied to be the Indian freedom struggle).
Recall or deduce that 'hartal' is a form of mass protest, specifically a strike or shutdown.
Analyze the options to find the most logical reason for a nationwide protest against the British.
The 'Rowlatt Act' is a well-known repressive law from that era. A protest ('hartal') against a hated 'legislation' is a very strong and logical connection.
Evaluate the other options for their plausibility. A mandatory protest (Option A), helping the oppressor (Option B), or being jailed for not protesting (Option C) are all illogical and counter-intuitive in the context of a freedom movement.
Conclude that the hartal was a reaction against the Rowlatt Act.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QY6_qS3aIONPxAM-iEQTYf

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-2)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.