This episode of the Empire podcast explores the events leading to the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar, India, in 1919. It examines how the relationship between Britain and India shifted after the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny, highlighting the emergence of a new Hindu elite and growing distrust on both sides. The episode delves into the actions of Lieutenant Governor Sir Michael O'Dwyer in Punjab, his exploitation of ethnic tensions, and the harsh Rowlatt Act enacted after World War I, which deepened Indian grievances. The arrest of Gandhian leaders Satyapal and Kitchlew is presented as a key moment that ignited widespread unrest, ultimately leading to the massacre. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the complex political and social dynamics that shaped this crucial moment in history.
