UPSC Prelims 2013 question on Simon Commission Boycott

Analysis

According to the official UPSC Answer Key for Prelims 2013 General Studies Paper, the correct option is “There was no Indian member in the Simon Commission”.

The Simon Commission was opposed because it was an all-British commission appointed to review India’s constitutional progress. Indians objected to being excluded from deciding their own political future.

1. Review of the Act of 1919 — Incorrect

The Simon Commission was appointed to review the working of the Government of India Act, 1919.

Indians were not against constitutional review itself.

They opposed the exclusion of Indians from the commission.

2. Abolition of Dyarchy — Incorrect

The Simon Commission later recommended abolition of dyarchy in provinces.

But the protest began before its report was submitted.

So, the agitation was not due to this recommendation.

3. There was no Indian member in the Simon Commission — Correct

The commission had seven British members and no Indian member.

This made it an “all-white commission”.

Indians saw this as an insult and a denial of self-determination.

4. Partition of the country — Incorrect

The Simon Commission did not recommend partition of India.

Partition became a major political demand much later, especially after the Lahore Resolution of 1940.

This option is historically incorrect.