India Defence League facts for kids

The India Defence League was a group in Britain that started in June 1933. Its main goal was to keep India as part of the British Empire.

What Was the India Defence League?

The India Defence League (IDL) was a British group formed in 1933. Think of it as a club of important people who wanted to influence government decisions. Their big aim was to make sure India stayed connected to Britain.

At that time, India was a very important part of the British Empire. The IDL believed it was vital for Britain to keep control over India.

Who Started the League?

The India Defence League grew from another group called the India Defence Committee. Many powerful people supported its creation. These included:

• 10 Privy Councillors (senior advisors to the King or Queen)
• 28 peers (members of the nobility, like dukes or lords)
• 57 MPs (people elected to the British Parliament)
• Former Governors and Lieutenant-Governors from Indian provinces.
• Members of the military and judges.

This shows that the League had support from many different parts of British society.

Important Members

The League had many well-known figures among its leaders. Viscount Sumner was the Honorary President. Some of the Vice-Presidents included:

• Lord Carson
• The famous writer Rudyard Kipling
• The future Prime Minister, Winston Churchill

Eventually, more than 100 peers became members of the India Defence League. This made it a very influential group.

What Did the League Do?

The India Defence League worked to promote its ideas. They tried to convince people and politicians that India should remain part of the British Empire.

One example of their influence was in 1934. The IDL helped Admiral Keyes win a special election in Portsmouth North. This showed they could help their supporters get elected to Parliament.

See also

• Indian Empire Society