The Poorna Swaraj refers to India's proclamation of total independence. Swaraj means "self-rule." It began by persuading every Indian person to oppose the British for comprehensive swaraj. The Poorna Swaraj movement is an important and necessary component of India's independence history. Swaraj was not just a slogan used by Indians to seek self-rule, but it meant getting rid of the British from India. Lala Deen Dayal felt that without complete swaraj, India would be unable to fight off the British. He brought together many moderate Indians who wanted freedom but were not willing to kill anyone to get it. They formed groups called "Puri Sabha" (Councils) to discuss ways to free India from Britain's rule. Dayal started this movement in 1885 by urging all Indians to refuse to pay taxes to the British government. This campaign grew into a national movement that demanded that the British leave India. In 1890, Dayal called for a bandh (shutdown) against the British, which turned out to be a great success. It forced the government to listen to Indians' demands for more power within the British system. In 1893, the Government of India Act was passed, which gave more power to Indians in their own government. Finally, in 1905, the Viceroy's Council was abolished by the Parliament of India, making India a fully sovereign nation.