what was simon commission?

The Simon Commission, formally known as the "Indian Statutory Commission," was a commission appointed by the British government in 1927 to review and recommend constitutional reforms for British India. The primary purpose of the commission was to assess the functioning of the Government of India Act 1919 and to propose potential changes to India's constitutional framework.

Key details and events related to the Simon Commission include:

1. Appointment: The Simon Commission was appointed in November 1927 and was led by Sir John Simon, a British lawyer and politician. It consisted of seven members, all of whom were British, with no representation from India.
2. Mandate: The commission's mandate was to review the constitutional arrangements in India and recommend reforms, particularly in light of the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919.
3. Protests and Opposition: The Simon Commission's composition drew strong opposition from Indian political leaders and the public because it lacked Indian representation. Indians viewed it as an affront to their demands for greater self-governance and participation in the decision-making process.
4. Lack of Indian Representation: The absence of Indian members on the commission led to widespread protests and demonstrations throughout British India, with the slogan "Simon Go Back!" becoming a rallying cry for the Indian National Congress and other political organizations.
5. Nehru Report: In response to the Simon Commission's formation, the Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, formed a committee to draft a constitution for India. The Nehru Report, as it came to be known, outlined the demands for complete self-rule, a fully elected central legislature, and the protection of minority rights.
6. Recommendations: The Simon Commission submitted its report in 1930. It recommended some constitutional reforms, but it did not propose complete self-governance or dominion status for India. Instead, it suggested further incremental changes to the existing constitutional framework.
7. Failure and Impact: The Simon Commission's recommendations did not satisfy Indian political leaders or the public. The failure to address Indian demands for self-rule and the absence of Indian representation on the commission deepened political divisions and contributed to the momentum of the Indian independence movement.
8. Round Table Conferences: In the wake of the Simon Commission's report, a series of Round Table Conferences were held in London between 1930 and 1932 to discuss constitutional reforms for India. These conferences ultimately led to the Government of India Act 1935, which introduced significant changes in the governance of British India.

The Simon Commission is significant in the context of India's struggle for independence because it highlighted the need for comprehensive constitutional reforms and led to increased demands for self-governance. It also underscored the importance of Indian participation in shaping India's political future.