Why was the Simon Commission (1927) boycotted by Indians during the freedom struggle?

Introduction / Context:
This question comes from the history of the Indian national movement. The Simon Commission was a statutory commission sent by the British government to review the working of the Government of India Act, 1919. Its arrival in India in 1928 triggered widespread protests.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The commission was set up in 1927 and came to India in 1928. • Indian political leaders were already demanding greater self-government. • We are asked why the commission was boycotted, not about its recommendations.

Concept / Approach:
The main reason for the boycott was that the Simon Commission did not include a single Indian member; all its members were British. This was seen as an insult because Indians were considered capable of discussing and deciding their own constitutional future. As a result, leaders from across the political spectrum, including the Congress and the Muslim League, united to oppose it under the slogan "Simon, go back".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall what the Simon Commission was meant to do: review constitutional reforms. Step 2: Remember the political climate: increasing demand for dominion status and later complete independence. Step 3: Note the key grievance: the complete absence of Indian members on the commission. Step 4: Check the options for this specific reason. Step 5: Choose the option stating that it was an all-British commission with no Indian representation.

Verification / Alternative check:
Indian freedom movement histories clearly mention that both moderates and extremists opposed the Simon Commission because it excluded Indians. Events such as demonstrations, black flag processions and Lala Lajpat Rai's fatal lathi charge injury are all connected to this boycott, reinforcing the idea that lack of Indian representation was the core issue.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option It recommended complete independence for India: If it had recommended complete independence, nationalists would have supported, not boycotted, it. Option It proposed the partition of India on religious lines: Partition was not proposed by the Simon Commission. Option It aimed to abolish provincial legislatures: The commission was reviewing existing arrangements, not simply abolishing provincial institutions. Option It was sent without the knowledge of the British Parliament: The commission was officially constituted by the British government and approved by Parliament.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse the Simon Commission with later constitutional proposals like the Cripps Mission or Cabinet Mission. To avoid confusion, remember that the Simon Commission of 1927–28 is most famous for having no Indian members and for being greeted by the slogan "Simon, go back" throughout India.

Final Answer:
Therefore, the Simon Commission was boycotted by Indians mainly because it had no Indian member and was an all-British commission.