[Gurdit Singh Dara, Activist; Indian Independence; Pamphlet] Government of India In Miniature at 21 Cromwell Road, London. WITH additional related material from the Cromwell Road papers.

Pamphlet from the Papers of the objective of the attack, 21 Cromwell Road, 15pp. 8vo, grey paper wraps, stapled together (staples rusted), small rust mark on cover, one punch-hole, marginally affecting the printed text. No other copy recorded (on WorldCat or COPAC). Annotated in pencil, probably by Roland Knaster, Warden of 21 Cromwell Road 1921-1923 (see The India Office and Burma Office List for 1945). The author, Dara, was an agitator for Indian Independence as was the writer of the note that concludes this pamphlet, Mrs. Sarojini Naidu (see Wikipedia). Inside front wrap, Dara advertises Dharmsala (Sikh Sinclair Hall) for visiting countrymen (assistance in securing lodgings, etc). The contents comprise articles first printed in the newspapers United India (London 1919-1921; started by Annie Besant) and India (London, 1890-1921; its aim to [educate] English Public Opinion on India's Struggle for Freedom), with brief added connectives, to which is appended the note by Mrs Sarojini Naidu, confirming the need for an efficient, non-official [italicised] Indian organisation to serve the interests of Indian Students. For a sample of the pencilled notes mildly disagreeing, questioning, or augmenting, SEE image. Dara begins: We commend to our friends, both official and otherwise, to visit the citadel of Anglo-Indian bureaucracy in London - 21, Cromwell Road - should they care to see a model miniature of the Government of India. There are at hand available all the forces which make and maintain a despotic and dislike misrule. There are the same surveillance and intrigue; the same culpable waste of Indian revenues; and the same racial prejudice to keep up prestige […]. These themes are developed and even include how bad the food is.Additional Related Material:a. Typescript, 3pp., sm. fol., of the Dara's article in India, 20 Aug. 1920, text of Pamphlet, pp.3-5.b. Typescript, 4pp., fol., headed [COPY], of two variant articles published in United India, 25 August 1920 NOT published in the Pamphlet.c. Typescript (carbon), EIGHT (8) pages, sm. fol., dated 10.6.21, and signed R. M. J. Knaster | (Warden). He addresses what he sees as fourteen distinct charges - but most of them are of a general character, vague and undefined, and therefore extremely difficult to answer. To each charge, however, I am adding notes, which may be of use when a reply is being drafted in answer to the attached pamphlet, | 1. Despotism (page 3). [……….] 4. Waste of Indian Revenues [……]etcd. Typescript [COPY], FIVE (5) pages, sm. fol. Substantial letter from The Joint Secretary to the High Commissioner for India [Thomas Quayle] TO The Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Education, SIMLA. He initially refers todocuments which are NOT present but then addresses the specific charges which relate: (1) to the governance of the house; (2) to the expenditure; (3) to the quality of the food and the accommodation and (4) to the alleged espionage.e. Typescript copy, 2pp., sm. fol. Letter from K. Gamba of Downing College, Cambridge to the Editor of India supportive of Gurdit Singh Dara's firing [of] the first shot at the enemy camp.f. Printed brochure, 12pp., obl.12mo, attractive green wraps with gold-coloured insignia, stapled (rusty), giving information about 21 Cromwell Road (= title), inc. Northbrook Society, with photographs.g. Pamphlet, NORTHBROOK SOCIETY, 21 Cromwell Road, REGULATIONS, 8pp., 12mo, staples (rusty). The Northbrook Society is instituted for the use and convenience of Indian Gentlemen residing in England or of others who have resided or take an interest in India; and with the object of promoting social intercourse between persons of these classes. 

From the papers formerly held at the headquarters of the National Indian Association and the Northbrook Society, 21 Cromwell Road, later by its former Warden, Roland Knaster.