Correct option is B
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred on 13th April 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab, under the viceroyalty of Lord Chelmsford. During this period, India was experiencing significant unrest due to the repressive Rowlatt Act, which curtailed civil liberties. On the day of the massacre, a peaceful gathering of people at Jallianwala Bagh to protest against the Rowlatt Act and demand the release of imprisoned leaders was brutally suppressed by British Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer, who ordered his troops to fire indiscriminately on the crowd. This event resulted in the deaths of hundreds of unarmed civilians, including women and children. The massacre had profound repercussions, galvanizing the Indian independence movement and drawing global condemnation. Lord Chelmsford, as the Viceroy, was criticized for his administration's handling of the situation.
Information Booster
· Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: Took place on 13th April 1919 in Amritsar, Punjab.
· Viceroy at the Time: Lord Chelmsford (1916–1921).
· Reason for Gathering: Protest against the Rowlatt Act and demand for civil rights.
· Casualties: Hundreds killed and over a thousand injured as per estimates.
· Impact:
1. Triggered nationwide protests and discontent.
2. Strengthened the Indian independence movement.
3. Exposed British colonial brutality to the global audience.
Additional Knowledge
Lord Curzon
· Lord Curzon served as Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, long before the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Lord Chelmsford
· Lord Chelmsford was the Viceroy of India during the massacre (1916–1921).
· His administration was heavily criticized for endorsing repressive measures like the Rowlatt Act and failing to hold Brigadier-General Dyer accountable for his actions.
Lord Irwin
· Lord Irwin served as Viceroy of India from 1926 to 1931, well after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.