Who was the Viceroy of India when the Rowlatt Act was Passed?

Q. Who was the Viceroy of India when the Rowlatt Act was Passed?

(a) Lord Irwin

(b) Lord Reading

(c) Lord Chelmsford

(d) Lord Wavell

Ans: (c) Lord Chelmsford

The correct answer is (c) Lord Chelmsford.

Explanation:

Lord Chelmsford was the Viceroy of India when the Rowlatt Act was passed.

The Rowlatt Act, officially known as the Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes Act of 1919, was a controversial law enacted by the British colonial government in India during World War I. It gave the British authorities extensive powers to suppress political dissent, curtail civil liberties, and detain individuals without trial.

Lord Chelmsford served as the Viceroy and Governor-General of India from 1916 to 1921. During his tenure, the Rowlatt Act was passed in 1919 as a response to growing nationalist unrest and the threat of revolutionary activities.

The Rowlatt Act triggered widespread protests and opposition across India, leading to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar, where British troops under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer fired upon a peaceful gathering of Indians.

Therefore, the correct answer is (c) Lord Chelmsford.