Simon Commission (1927) is part of Modern History of India. Below are notes on 8 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers.
All-Parties Conference and the Nehru Report (as a direct consequence)
- Simon Commission (1927): Appointed November 1927, arrived in India February 1928. Composed solely of British members, leading to widespread boycotts.
- Lord Birkenhead's Challenge (1928): Secretary of State for India challenged Indians to draft a constitution acceptable to all parties.
- All-Parties Conference (February 1928, Delhi): Convened in response to Birkenhead's challenge. President: Dr. M. A. Ansari.
- Nehru Committee (May 1928, Bombay): Formed by the All-Parties Conference to draft a constitution for India. Chairman: Motilal Nehru.
- Nehru Report (August 1928): Presented by the Nehru Committee. Key recommendations included: Dominion Status for India, joint electorates, linguistic provinces, nineteen fundamental rights, and universal adult franchise.
- Chronological Order: Death of C.R. Das (1925) → Simon Commission appointed (November 1927) → Nehru Report (August 1928) → Death of revolutionary Jatin Das (September 1929).
Appointment and members of the Simon Commission
- Constituted: November 8, 1927, by British Conservative Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin.
- Official Name: Indian Statutory Commission.
- Purpose: To review the working of the Government of India Act, 1919, and suggest future constitutional reforms for India.
- Chairman: Sir John Simon.
- Members: Seven, all British, leading to its description as an 'all-white commission'.
- Swaraj Party also participated in the 1926 elections.
- Exclusion of any Indian member was the primary reason for its widespread boycott in India.
Arrival and tour of the Commission in India
- Simon Commission arrived in India in 1928.
- Commission landed in Bombay on 3rd February 1928.
Background and genesis of the Commission (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms review)
Genesis: Government of India Act, 1919 1. (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms), stipulated a commission to review its working after 10 years (i.e., by 1929). Appointment: Constituted in November 2. 1927, two years ahead of its scheduled date. Reasons for Early Appointment: 3.
- British Conservative government (under PM Stanley Baldwin) feared a Labour Party victory in the upcoming 1929 elections.
- Conservatives aimed to control the Indian constitutional reform process before a potentially more pro-India Labour government could take office.
- To pre-empt the growing Indian nationalist movement and increasing prominence of the Swaraj Party. Mandate: To inquire into the working of the 4. Government of India Act, 1919, and to suggest further constitutional reforms for India. Composition: A 7-member, all-white com5. mission, headed by Sir John Simon. Indian Reaction: Universally opposed and 6. boycotted by Indian political parties and leaders due to the complete exclusion of Indians from its membership. Key Recommendation (later report): Advoc7. ated a federal form of government for India.
Boycott movement and protests across India
- Simon Commission (1927): Appointed by British Conservative government under Stanley Baldwin.
- Purpose: Review working of Government of India Act 1919 and recommend future constitutional reforms.
- Composition: Seven members, all British (hence "All-White Commission"). Led by Sir John Simon.
- Indian Reaction: Widespread condemnation and boycott due to exclusion of any Indian members.
- Protests: All-India hartal observed on February 3, 1928 (when commission arrived in Bombay). Demonstrations with black flags, slogans like "Simon Go Back."
- Impact on Leaders: Lala Lajpat Rai severely injured during a lathi charge in Lahore protest (October 1928) and died a month later.
- Simon Commission Report (1930): Published in May 1930. Proposed abolition of dyarchy, establishment of representative government in provinces, and continuation of communal electorate.
- Quote on Report: Shivaswami Ayyar famously said, "The Simon Commission Report should be thrown on a heap of rubbish."
- Aftermath: Its proposals formed the basis for discussions at the Round Table Conferences (1930-1932) and led to the Government of India Act 1935.
- Chronological Context: The Simon Commission's arrival (1928) and report (1930) precede events like the Dandi March (1930), Gandhi-Irwin Pact (1931), and the Third Round Table Conference (1932).
Lathi charge incident and death of Lala Lajpat Rai
- Simon Commission (1927) was an all-white, seven-member British commission appointed
31. Lahore Session of Congress, Proposal of Complete Independence (1929) to review the working of the Government of India Act, 1919.
- It faced a widespread Indian boycott, with the Indian National Congress and Mohammad Ali Jinnah's faction of the Muslim League uniting in protest.
- Lala Lajpat Rai led a major protest demonstration against the Simon Commission in Lahore.
- On October 30, 1928, police brutally lathicharged the protestors in Lahore, with Superintendent of Police James A. Scott specifically targeting Lala Lajpat Rai.
- Lala Lajpat Rai sustained severe head injuries during this lathi charge.
- He succumbed to his injuries on November 17, 1928, in Lahore, leading to widespread national outrage.
Purpose and terms of reference
- Appointed to review the working of the Government of India Act, 1919.
- Main purpose: To inquire into constitutional reforms in India.
- Tasked with reporting on India's readiness for further constitutional advancement.
- To suggest future constitutional changes and recommendations for India.
Reasons for Indian opposition: the 'all-white' nature
- Simon Commission (1927) was constituted to review the Government of India Act 1919.
- Primary reason for Indian opposition and boycott: It had no Indian members.
- All seven members of the commission were British Parliamentarians.
- This composition led to it being popularly known as the 'All-White Commission'.
- Indians considered the exclusion of native members a direct insult and a denial of their right to decide their own constitution.
- Resulted in a nationwide boycott by the Indian National Congress and a section of the Muslim League.
Practice MCQs: Simon Commission (1927)
All-Parties Conference and the Nehru Report (as a direct consequence)
Who of the following was the President of 'All Parties' Conference held in February 1928 ?
Asked in: CGPSC Prelims Exam 2016
- Motilal Neharu
- Dr. M. A. Ansari
- Subhashchandra Bose
- M. K. Gandhi
Show answer
Answer: B. Dr. M. A. Ansari
The All Parties Conference of 1928 led to the submission of the Nehru Report, which was the first major attempt by Indians to draft a constitutional framework for the country.
Arrange the following events in chronological order: Death of C.R. Das Simon Commission appointed Death of revolutionary Jatin Das Nehru Report
Asked in: HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2020
- 1, 2, 3, 4
- 1, 2, 4, 3
- 2, 1, 3, 4
- 2, 1, 4, 3
Show answer
Answer: B. 1, 2, 4, 3
Key dates for these events are 1925 (C.R. Das), 1927 (Simon Commission), 1928 (Nehru Report), 1929 (Jatin Das).
Appointment and members of the Simon Commission
Which of the following British Prime Minister constituted Simon Commission as per the provisions of Government of India Act, 1919 ?
Asked in: Asst. Statistical Officer 2
- Ramsay MacDonald
- Neville Chamberlain
- Stanley Baldwin
- Winston Churchill
Show answer
Answer: C. Stanley Baldwin
The Simon Commission was appointed in 1927 under the premiership of Stanley Baldwin. Its purpose was to review the constitutional reforms in India as per the Government of India Act of 1919.
Arrival and tour of the Commission in India
The Simon Commission visited India in
Asked in: WBCS Main Paper 3 2023
- 1946
- 1928
- 1942
- 1930
Show answer
Answer: B. 1928
The commission was appointed in 1927 by the British government to review the constitutional progress in India and suggest further reforms, but it faced widespread protest in India because it had no Indian members.
The Simon Commission landed in Bombay on
Asked in: APPSCCE 2020 Prelims 2020
- 3rd February 1928
- 3rd March 1928
- 3rd April 1928
- 3rd May 1928
Show answer
Answer: A. 3rd February 1928
The Simon Commission landed in Bombay on 3rd February 1928.
Background and genesis of the Commission (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms review)
Simon Commission was appointed in 1927 because: 1919 Montague-Chelmsford act could not achieve much. If the labour party was to come to power, they would bring pro-India policies.
Asked in: MPSC CS Prelims 2013
- 1919 Montague-Chelmsford act could not achieve much.
- If the labour party was to come to power, they would bring pro-India policies.
- It was necessary to thwart the increasing prominence of Swaraj Party.
- All the above.
Show answer
Answer: B. If the labour party was to come to power, they would bring pro-India policies.
It was necessary to thwart the increasing prominence of Swaraj Party. The Simon Commission was appointed in November 1927, two years earlier than scheduled by the Government of India Act, 1919. A major reason for this early appointment by the ruling Conservative government was the concern that the upcoming general election in Britain might bring the Labour Party to power, which was perceived as more sympathetic to Indian nationalist aspirations. The Conservative government wanted the review of the 1919 Act to be conducted by a commission appointed by them.
Consider the following events and arrange them into chronological order: I. Sharda Act II. Nehru Report III. Constitution of Simon Commission IV. Dandi March Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2021
- III, II, I and IV
- I, II, III and IV
- IV, III, II and I
- I, IV, II and III
Show answer
Answer: A. III, II, I and IV
- The Simon Commission was formed to review the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms (Government of India Act 1919). Its exclusion of Indians led to widespread protests. - The Nehru Report was a response by Indian leaders to the challenge posed by Lord Birkenhead, proposing a constitutional framework for India. - The Sharda Act raised the minimum age of marriage for girls and boys. - The Dandi March was a key event in the Civil Disobedience Movement, led by Mahatma Gandhi, against the British salt monopoly.
Which of the following statements are true about the Simon Commission ? Select the correct answer from the codes given below the statements :
Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2005
- 1 and 2 only
- 1,2 and 3 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- All the above
Show answer
Answer: D. All the above
It was appointed to enquire into the working of the 1919 Act. I was headed by Sir John Simon. It recommended a Federal Form of Government. It was opposed by the Indian leaders. The Simon Commission was an all-white commission, which led to its boycott and the slogan "Simon Go Back". Despite the opposition, its report significantly influenced the Government of India Act, 1935.
Which is the correct chronological order of the following ? I. Cripps Mission II. Gandhi-Irwin Pact III. Simon Commission IV. Partition of the country
Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2009
- I, II, III, IV
- II, I. IV. III
- II, I. III. IV
- III. II. I. IV
Show answer
Answer: D. III. II. I. IV
- Simon Commission: Boycotted by Indians, led to the idea of a round table conference. - Gandhi-Irwin Pact: Marked the end of the first phase of the Civil Disobedience Movement. - Cripps Mission: British proposal during World War II, rejected by major Indian parties. - Partition: Division of British India into India and Pakistan.
Boycott movement and protests across India
Arrange the following items according to the chronological order : I. Simon Commission II. Gandhi Irwin Pact III. Third Round Table Conference IV. Dandi March
Asked in: TNPSC CS Prelims 2017
- II, I, IV, III
- IV, III, II, I
- I, IV, II, III
- I, IV, III, II
Show answer
Answer: C. I, IV, II, III
- The Simon Commission was appointed to review the constitutional progress of India, but its all- British membership led to widespread protests (Simon Go Back). - The Dandi March marked the beginning of the Civil Disobedience Movement. - The Gandhi-Irwin Pact was an agreement between Mahatma Gandhi and Lord Irwin (the Viceroy), which led to the suspension of the Civil Disobedience Movement and Gandhi's participation in the Second Round Table Conference. - The Third Round Table Conference was the last of the three conferences held, but it saw less participation from key Indian political figures compared to the second conference.
Who said - 'The Simon Commission Report should be thrown on a heap of rubbish'?
Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2019
- M. K. Gandhi
- Shivaswami Ayyar
- Mahammad Ali Jinnah
- Jawaharlal Nehru
Show answer
Answer: B. Shivaswami Ayyar
This statement reflected the widespread Indian dissatisfaction and rejection of the Simon Commission and its report, as it did not include any Indian members and its recommendations were seen as inadequate for Indian self-rule.
Lathi charge incident and death of Lala Lajpat Rai
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Simon Commission? 1. The Commission included seven Indians. 2. Mohammad Ali Jinnah joined hands with the Congress over the protest against the Simon Commission. 3. Lala Lajpat Rai died during the protest against the Simon Commission.
Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2019
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 3 only
Show answer
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Simon Commission, officially known as the Indian Statutory Commission, was an all-white commission composed of seven British Members of Parliament. It included no Indian members, which was the primary reason for its widespread boycott by Indian political parties. Statement 2 is correct: Both the Indian National Congress and a faction of the Muslim League led by Mohammad Ali Jinnah boycotted the Simon Commission due to its exclusion of Indians. Statement 3 is correct: Lala Lajpat Rai, a prominent nationalist leader, was injured during a protest against the Simon Commission in Lahore in October 1928, when police used lathis. He succumbed to his injuries about three weeks later.
Which freedom fighter died during the protests against the Simon Commission?
Asked in: APPSC Panchayat secretary Prelims 2016
- Lala Hardayal
- Madan Lal Dhingra
- Lala Lajpat Rai
- Shivaram Rajguru
Show answer
Answer: C. Lala Lajpat Rai
The Simon Commission was boycotted by Indian leaders because it did not include any Indian members, despite being tasked with recommending future constitutional reforms for India.
Protesting against Simon Commission in a demonstration, Lala Lajpat Rai sustained fatal injuries. Where did the incident occur?
Asked in: Inspector(Legal Metrology & Consumer Affairs) 2020
- Amritsar
- Delhi
- Lahore
- Jalandhar
Show answer
Answer: C. Lahore
Lala Lajpat Rai was lathi-charged and sustained fatal injuries during a protest against the Simon Commission in Lahore.
Purpose and terms of reference
Simon Commission was appointed for
Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2015
- Indian Constitutional Reforms
- Administrative Reforms
- Educational Reforms
- Jail Code Reforms
Show answer
Answer: A. Indian Constitutional Reforms
- The commission was composed solely of British members, which led to widespread protests and boycott by Indian political parties. - Its report, published in 1930, was the basis for the Government of India Act 1935.
The Simon Commission was related to
Asked in: AESE (RECRUITMENT TEST) 2025
- higher education
- agricultural system
- economic reforms
- constitutional reforms
Show answer
Answer: D. constitutional reforms
The Simon Commission, established in 1927 by the British government, was tasked with reporting on the impact of British rule in India and recommending future constitutional reforms. It was boycotted by most Indian political parties due to the absence of any Indian members.
Reasons for Indian opposition: the 'all-white' nature
The people of India agitated against the arrival of Simon Commission because
Asked in: UPSC IAS 2013
- Indians never wanted the review of the working of the Act of 1919
- Simon Commission recommended the aboli‐ tion of Dyarchy (Diarchy) in the Provinces
- there was no Indian member in the Simon Commission
- the Simon Commission suggested the partition of the country
Show answer
Answer: C. there was no Indian member in the Simon Commission
The Indian Statutory Commission, popularly known as the Simon Commission, consisted of seven British Members of Parliament. Its purpose was to report on India's constitutional progress and suggest reforms. Indian political parties, including the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, vehemently opposed the commission because it had no Indian representatives. They viewed this as an insult to Indian self-respect and a denial of their right to determine their own constitution. The slogan "Simon Go Back" became popular during the protests.
Simon Commission of 1927 was boycotted because
Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2018 · UPPCS Prelims 1998
- there was no Indian member in the commis‐ sion.
- it supported the Muslim League.
- Congress felt that the people of India are entitled to Swaraj.
- None of the above.
Show answer
Answer: A. there was no Indian member in the commis‐ sion.
The Simon Commission, appointed in 1927 to review the constitutional progress in India, was composed entirely of British members, with no Indian representation. This exclusion of Indians from a commission meant to decide India's future led to widespread outrage and the boycott by most Indian political parties, including the Congress and factions of the Muslim League.
Given below are two statements labelled as: Assertion(A): The Congress boycotted the Simon Commission. Reason(R): The Simon Commission did not have a single Indian member. In the context of the above, which one of the following is correct.
Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2010
- Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
- (A) is true, but (R) is false.
- (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Show answer
Answer: A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- Assertion (A): The Congress boycotted the Simon Commission. This is true; the Congress session in Madras (1927) decided to boycott the Commission. - Reason (R): The Simon Commission did not have a single Indian member. This is true; the Commission was an all-white, seven-member body appointed by the British government. - The exclusion of Indians from a commission that was meant to propose constitutional reforms for India was considered a grave insult and the primary reason for the widespread boycott.
Statement-I : The Congress Boycotted the Simon Commission. Statement-II : The Commission did not have a single Indian member. Codes :
Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2010
- Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
- Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
- (A) is true, but (R) is false
- (A) is false, but (R) is true
Show answer
Answer: A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
The Simon Commission, officially the Indian Statutory Commission, was a group of seven British Members of Parliament appointed to review the working of the Montagu-Chelmsford reforms (Government of India Act, 1919) and propose further constitutional reforms for India. Its all-British composition was seen as a deliberate exclusion of Indians from the process of determining their own future, leading to widespread condemnation and boycott.
Which one was known as the 'All White Commission'?
Asked in: WBCS Main Paper 3 2023
- The Hunter Commission
- The Linlithgo Commission
- The Simon Commission
- The Fowler Commission
Show answer
Answer: C. The Simon Commission
The Simon Commission, officially known as the Indian Statutory Commission, was appointed in 1927 by the British government to review the constitutional progress in India. It was widely referred