APPSC GROUP-1, GROUP-2/ TSPSC/ UPSC

MODERN HISTORY
NATIONAL MOVEMENTS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF INDIA
PART-3

Second World War and Nationalist Response

• September 1, 1939 Germany attacks Poland, second world war starts .

• September 3, 1939 Britain declared war against Germany.
• Viceroy Linlithgow declared that India was at war with Germany, without consultations
with Indian politicians

Congress position -

Indians offer to cooperate in the war effort at two basic conditions

1. After the war, the constitute assembly should be convened to determine political
structure of a free India.

2. Immediately, some form of genuinely responsible government should be established at

the Centre

The offer was rejected by Linlithgow, the viceroy.

Attitude of Indians towards War

• CWC meeting at Wardha, Different opinions were voiced on the question of Indian support to
British war efforts, as follows:

• Gandhiji supported the Congress Working Committee Resolution of conditional support.

• Subhas Bose didn’t support the war. In fact, launch a civil disobedience movement, to
thus take advantage of the situation and snatch freedom from Britain.
• Jawaharlal Nehru was not ready to accept the opinion of either Gandhi or of the socialists.

• Further, The CWC resolution condemned Fascist aggression. It said that:

• India could not be party to a war being fought, on the face of it, for democratic
freedom, while that freedom was being denied to India
• If Britain was ghting for democracy and freedom, it should be proved by ending
imperialism in its colonies and establishing full democracy in India
• The government should declare its war aims soon and, also, as to how the principles of
democracy were to be applied to India after the war
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 Government response

• The British were not prepared either to make any concessions immediately or make
promises about the future – except a vague talk of dominion status.
• The government refused to de ne British war aims beyond stating that Britain was
resisting aggression.
• As part of future arrangement, consult “representatives of several communities,
parties and interests in India, and the Indian princes” as to how the Act of 1935 might
be modi ed
• it would immediately set up a “consultative committee” whose advice could be
sought whenever required.
• Consequently, Defence of India Rules were promulgated in order to check de ance of British
authority and exploit Indian resources for the War effort.

August Offer, 1940

• On 8 August 1940, Viceroy of India Lord Linlithgow made a statement of behalf of

British parliament which came to be known as the ‘August Offer’, which:
• Proposed Dominion status as the objective for India

• Promised that a Constituent Assembly would be set up after the war to determine
India’s constitutional future with a caveat: no future system of government would be
instituted that did not have the support of minority political and religious groups

• Proposed to expand the Viceroy’s council to include a certain number of Indian

political representatives, as a token towards Indian Self-Government

Signi cance

• The Offer was signi cant as this was the rst time that the British acknowledged the
demand for Constituent Assembly
• Further, Dominion status was explicitly offered.
• In July 1941, the viceroy’s executive council was enlarged to give the Indians a
majority of 8 out of 12 for the rst time, but the British remained in charge of defence,
nance and home.
• Also, a National Defence Council was set up with purely advisory functions

The Individual Satyagrahas

• After the British failed to respond to the Indian demands during WW2, there were two
opinions in Congress about the launching of civil disobedience.
• Gandhi felt that the atmosphere was not in favour of civil disobedience as there were
differences and indiscipline within the Congress
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 • Those advocating Civil disobedience were attempting to convince Gandhi that once a
movement was launched differences would disappear and all would work for its success
• The Ramgarh Congress Session of 1940, called upon the people to prepare themselves
for participating in a Satyagraha to be launched under Gandhi’s leadership.
• But the Socialists, Communists are not in favour.
• They held an anti-compromise conference at Ramgarh and Subhas Chandra Bose urged
the people to resist compromise with imperialism and be ready for action.
• Then came in the unsuccessful attempt by the British Government with ‘August Offer of 1940
‘ to woo the Indians in the War effort, Gandhiji decided to start the Individual Satyagraha.

The aims of launching individual satyagraha were:

• to show that nationalist patience was not due to weakness

• to express people’s feeling that they were not interested in the war and that they made
no distinction between Nazism and the double autocracy that ruled India; and
• to give another opportunity to the government to accept Congress’ demands peacefully

• started a march towards Delhi, thus precipitating a movement which came to be known as
the ‘Delhi Chalo Movement’.
• Thus, on 17th October 1940, Acharya Vinoba Bhave inaugurated the Satyagraha by
delivering an anti-war speech at Paunar, a village near Wardha
◦ However, Gandhiji’s other two nominees, Vallabhai Patel and Nehru were arrested
before they could offer Satyagraha
• The movement could not achieve much, due to the limited nature of participation and
restrictions imposed on Gandhi. Gandhi then called off the Individual Satyagraha
movement by December 1941
• Also, by this time the war had taken a new turn
• The British were forcing defeat and Japanese forces had over-run South East Asia
• Later, after the fall of Rangoon to the Japanese, the British decided to send the Cripps
Mission to India

Cripps Mission, 1942

• The meetings, known as the Cripps Mission, took place in Delhi from March 22 to April
12, 1942, and marked an attempt to rally, through the rival Indian National Congress
and Muslim League, Indian support for the defence of the country against Japanese
invasion.

Proposals of the Cripps Mission

Once the war nished, India would be granted dominion status with complete external and
internal autonomy. It would, however, be associated with the United Kingdom and other
Dominions by a common allegiance to the Crown.
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 • At the end of the war, a Constituent Assembly would be set up with the power to frame the
future constitution of India. The members of the assembly were to be elected based on
proportional representation by the provincial assemblies. The Princely States would also be
given representation in the Constituent Assembly.
• The provinces not agreeing to the new constitution would have the right to keep
themselves out of the proposed Union. Such provinces would also be entitled to create their
own separate Union. The British government would also invite them to join the commonwealth.
• During the war, an interim government comprising of different parties of India would be
constituted. However, defence and external affairs would be the sole responsibility of
the viceroy.

Reaction to Cripps Mission

• The Congress objected to:

- the offer of dominion status instead of a provision for complete independence
- representation of the princely states by nominees and not by elected representatives;
- right to provinces to secede as this went against the principle of national unity; and
- absence of any plan for immediate transfer of power and absence of any real share in
defence; the governor-general’s supremacy had been retained, and the demand that the
governor-general be only the constitutional head had not been accepted

• The Muslim League

- criticised the idea of a single Indian Union
- did not like the machinery for the creation of a constituent assembly and the procedure to
decide on the accession of provinces to the Union; and
- thought that the proposals denied the Muslims the right to self-determination and the
creation of Pakistan

Causes of failure

• The explanation that the proposals were meant not to supersede the August Offer, but to
clothe general provisions with precision cast doubts on the British intentions.
• The incapacity of Cripps to go beyond the Draft Declaration and the adoption of a rigid
“take it or leave it” attitude added to the deadlock.
Thus, Stafford Cripps returned home leaving behind a frustrated and embittered

Indian people.

• Some analysts see the Mission merely as an appeasement of Chinese and American
concerns with British imperialism.
• Further, Gandhi seized upon the failure of the Mission and called for voluntary British
withdrawal from India, which resulted in the ‘Quit India’ Movement.
 Quit India Movement

The Quit India Movement, also recognised as the August Kranti Movement, commenced on
August 8, 1942, during the session of the All India Congress Committee held in Bombay.

During the assembly of the All-India Congress Committee in Mumbai, Mahatma Gandhi put forth
a demand for the termination of British rule, initiating the Quit India Movement. Delivering his
speech at the Gowalia Tank Maidan, now known as August Kranti Maidan, Gandhi implored the
audience to embrace the sentiment of “Do or Die.”

At the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Mumbai, Aruna Asaf Ali, renowned as the “Grand Old Lady” of
the Independence Movement, unfurled the Indian ag as a symbol of the Quit India
Movement.

Cause of Quit India Movement

1. Failure of Cripps Mission: Indian National Congress and other major political parties
rejected the proposals as they fell short of offering full independence.

2. Economic Hardships: During the war, India faced severe economic challenges, including
food shortages, in ation, and economic exploitation by the British.

3. Impact of World War II: People felt that their sacri ces for the war should be reciprocated
with political freedom.

4. In uence of Nationalist Leaders: Prominent Indian leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi,

Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and others played a crucial role in shaping public opinion
and mobilising support for the Quit India Movement.

5. Repression and Suppression: The British authorities responded to previous protests and
demands for independence with repressive measures, including arrests and violence. This
heavy-handed approach angered the Indian population and contributed to a growing
sentiment of de ance against British rule.

6. Inspiration from Global Events

7. Youth and Student Participation: Young Indians, including students and youth, played a
signi cant role in the Quit India Movement.

The Quit India Movement led to widespread protests, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience across
the country. The British responded with severe repression, including mass arrests of leaders and
activists. Despite the movement’s suppression, it marked a turning point in India’s struggle for
independence and showcased the unity and determination of the Indian people to achieve self-
rule.

The Quit India Movement demanded an immediate end to British colonial rule, which had
persisted for nearly 200 years. It sought to establish a sovereign and democratic nation where
Indians could determine their own destiny without foreign interference.
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Outcomes of Quit India Movement

1. Increased Repression by British Authorities: The movement was met with a harsh
response from the British colonial authorities. Many leaders of the Indian National Congress,
including Gandhi, were arrested and imprisoned.

2. Suppression of Communication and Press: The British government imposed strict

censorship on the press and communication networks to prevent the spread of information
and ideas related to the movement.

3. Economic Disruption: Strikes, protests, and civil disobedience actions disrupted normal
operations and created challenges for the British administration.

4. Shift in British Approach: The movement highlighted the growing desire for independence
among Indians and forced the British to consider potential steps towards self-governance.

5. Strengthening of Nationalist Sentiments: It united people across different regions and

backgrounds under the common goal of achieving independence.

6. Role of Women and Youth: The Quit India Movement witnessed signi cant participation
from women and youth.

7. International Attention: The movement attracted international attention, with various nations
and leaders expressing their support for India’s struggle for independence.

8. Post-War Political Developments: The Quit India Movement played a role in shaping the
post-World War II political landscape in India. It paved the way for negotiations between
Indian leaders and the British government regarding India’s future political status.

9. Legacy: The Quit India Movement remains an important episode in India’s struggle for
independence. It is remembered for its emphasis on nonviolent resistance and civil
disobedience as effective tools for achieving political change.

In conclusion, the Quit India Movement had a profound impact on India’s ght for independence
and set the stage for subsequent developments that eventually led to the end of British colonial
rule in 1947.

Famine of 1943

The Bengal famine of 1943 was indeed a result of multiple malign natural and man-made factors.
The combination of these factors exacerbated the crisis, leading to widespread suffering and loss
of life.
Natural Factors
Natural disasters such as oods, cyclones, and excessive rainfall resulted in a signi cant
decline in crop production, particularly rice, which was a staple food in Bengal. This
shortage of crops directly contributed to food scarcity and the ensuing famine.
Man-Made Factors
There were several man made factors such as
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 • War-Related Disruptions: The ongoing World War II had severe repercussions on Bengal.
The Japanese campaign in Burma led to the displacement of more than half a million
Indians, who sought refuge in Bengal. sudden in ux of refugees.

• Trading Disruptions: Trade barriers imposed by Indian provinces and princely states, such
as Punjab’s ban on wheat export, further restricted the ow of essential food items. This
hindered the distribution and availability of food, aggravating the famine conditions.

• Government Policies: The failure of government policies played a signi cant role in the
worsening of the crisis. Denial policies, which withheld nancial assistance and
compensation from small traders relying on boat transport, further disrupted the food supply
chain. Additionally, the lack of effective measures to address the housing needs of workers
and soldiers exacerbated the problem.

• Lack of Planning and Mismanagement: Mismanagement in crop forecasting, inadequate

land distribution, and a lack of proactive measures to mitigate the impending crisis
contributed to the severity of the famine. The absence of a comprehensive strategy to ensure
food security and proper resource allocation worsened the situation.

• Social and Economic Inequities: The impact of the famine disproportionately affected
vulnerable populations. Rural labourers and civilians were excluded from accessing essential
goods and healthcare facilities, exacerbating their vulnerability to hunger and disease.

Thus, Bengal famine of 1943 claimed nearly 3 million lives by malnourishment and
diseases, it was a result of a combination of natural factors such as crop shortfall and man-made
factors including war-related disruptions, trading disruptions, inadequate government policies,
mismanagement, and social and economic inequities.

Rajagopalachari formula

The Rajagopalachari Formula of 1945 was a key proposal in India’s campaign for
independence from British colonial control, named for C. Rajagopalachari (popularly known
as Rajaji).

The Formula:

• Congress-League Collaboration: In 1944, experienced Congress leader C.

Rajagopalachari (CR) devised a formula for Congress-League collaboration.
• Demand for Pakistan Accepted: The League’s demand for Pakistan was implicitly
accepted. Gandhi agreed with the formula.

The Main Points Of The CR Plan Were:

• Muslim league to endorse congress demand for independence

• League to cooperate with congress in forming a provisional government at Centre.
• After the end of war, the entire population of Muslim majority areas in north west, and north
east India to decide by a plebiscite whether or not to form a separate sovereign state.
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 • In case of acceptance of partition agreement to be made jointly for safeguarding defence,
commerce, communications.
• The above terms to be operative only if England transfers, full powers to India

Objections:

• Jinnah: He desired that Congress endorse the two-nation thesis.

• Referendum In Muslim Area: He wanted only Muslims from the North-West and North-East
to vote in the referendum, not the total population. He was likewise hostile to the concept of a
common centre.
• Congress: While Congress was willing to work with the League to achieve Indian Union
freedom, the League was not interested in Union independence. It was only interested in
establishing a distinct nation.
• Vir Savarkar: The CR Plan was denounced by Hindu leaders led by Vir Savarkar.

Desai - Liaqat pact

Efforts continued to end the deadlock. Bhula Bhai Desai, leader of congress party in the central
legislative assembly met Liaquat Ali Khan deputy leader of Muslim league in that assembly.
Both of them came up with draft proposal for the formation of an interim government at the
Centre consisting of

• An equal number of persons nominated by the congress and Delhi in the central
legislature.

• 20% reserved seats for minorities.

Challenges and the Road Ahead:

• While the Desai-Liaqat Pact represents a signi cant breakthrough, both countries face
signi cant challenges in implementing its provisions. Deep-seated mistrust, domestic
political dynamics, and vested interests may obstruct the agreement’s smooth
implementation.
• However, continued commitment on both sides, as well as strong international support, can
help overcome these obstacles and pave the way for a more stable and prosperous region.

Wavell plan

Although the European war ended in May 1945, the Japanese menace lingered. Churchill’s
Conservative administration in Britain was eager to nd a solution to India’s constitutional crisis.
Lord Wavell, the viceroy, was given permission to begin discussions with Indian authorities.
In June 1945, Congress leaders were freed from prison.
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The Plan:

• Meeting At Shimla: In June 1945, the viceroy, Lord Wavell, called a meeting in Shimla for
this purpose.
• The Wavell Plan’s Key Proposals Were As Follows.

• Rebuild The Governor-Executive General’s Council: The plan was to rebuild the
governor-executive general’s council while a new constitution was being drafted.

• Representation In Council: Equal representation for caste Hindus and Muslims.

• Interim Administration: The reconstituted council was to serve as an interim administration

under the framework of the 1935 Act (i.e. not responding to the Central Assembly).

• Joint List For Executive Council: The governor-general was to use his veto on
ministerial advice, and representatives from various parties were to submit a joint list to
the viceroy for nominations to the executive council.

• Separate lists were to be supplied if a combined list was not practicable.

• Possibility of Constitution: Possibilities for discussions on a new constitution were to

be kept open once the war was over.

The Muslim League’s Position:

• Reduction in 1/3 Share: The League wanted all Muslim members to be League
nominees because it believed that if other minorities—the poor, Sikhs, Christians, and so on
—had the same goals as the Congress, this system would reduce the League to a one-
third minority.
• Two-Thirds Majority For Veto: The League claimed a veto in the council, with actions
opposing Muslims requiring a two-thirds majority to be approved.

Position of Congress:

• Congress As Strictly Hindu Party: The Congress protested the idea, calling it “an
attempt to restrict the Congress to the position of a strict caste Hindu party,” and
insisted on its right to nominate members from all communities.

• Wavell’s mistake : Wavell declared the collapse of discussions, there by handing the
League a veto. This increased the League’s standing, as seen by the 1945-46 elections,
improved Jinnah’s status, and revealed the true character of Churchill’s Conservative
administration.
 Indian National Army

During World War II, the Indian National Army (INA), also known as Azad Hind Fauj, played
an important role in the Indian freedom struggle. The INA, led by Subhas Chandra Bose,
aimed to free India from British colonial rule and establish an independent nation. Here’s a
look at the INA’s role and impact during the Indian freedom struggle.

S.C.BOSE and INA

• In 1942, Bose, a prominent nationalist leader, founded the INA with the goal of liberating
India from British rule.
• The INA waged military campaigns against the British in Southeast Asia, recruiting
Indian POWs to their cause. The activities of the INA and Bose’s leadership had a
signi cant political impact, inspiring nationalist sentiments and unity among Indians.
• Despite not achieving immediate independence, Bose and the INA’s contributions to
India’s freedom struggle left a lasting legacy. However, Bose’s alliance with Axis powers is
fraught with controversy. Nonetheless, Bose’s leadership and the efforts of the INA continue
to be an important part of India’s nationalist narrative.

Origin and Phases of the Indian National Army

• Mohan Singh’s Idea of National Army: The idea of creating an army out of Indian prisoners
of war (POWs) was originally proposed by Mohan Singh, an Indian army of cer who had
decided not to join the retreating British army in Malaya.

• Invitation For Joining: After the fall of Singapore, 40,000 POWs were ready to join the
INA, which was to go into action only on the invitation of the Indian National Congress and
the people of India.

• First Division: With the outbreak of the Quit India Movement in India, the INA received a
boost, and the rst division of the INA was formed with 16,300 men.

• Difference Over the Role Of INA: However, serious disagreements arose between Indian
Army of cers and Japanese of cers regarding the role to be played by the INA.

• Activities IN JAPAN: After turning into a naturalised citizen, Subhash Chandra Bose
became involved in Pan-Asian circles, founded the Indian Club of Tokyo, and lectured
on the evils of Western imperialism.

• Formation Of INA: Rash Behari Bose was instrumental in forming the Indian National
Army (INA) under the Indian Independence League in 1942.

• Supreme Commander of the INA: Subhas Bose became the INA’s Supreme Commander
on August 25, 1943, and formed the Provisional Government for Free India in Singapore
with H.C. Chatterjee (Finance portfolio), M.A. Aiyar (Broadcasting), Lakshmi
Swaminathan (Women Department), and others.
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 • Chalo Delhi: In January 1944, the INA headquarters were relocated to Rangoon (Burma),
and army recruits were to march from there with the war cry “Chalo Delhi!” on their lips.

• Hold Over Andaman and Nicobar: On November 6, 1943, Andaman and Nicobar islands
were given by the Japanese army to the INA; the islands were renamed Shahid Dweep
and Swaraj Dweep respectively.

• Blessing From Gandhi: On July 6, 1944, Subhas addressed Mahatma Gandhi as ‘Father
of Nation’ and asked for Gandhi’s blessings for “India’s last war of independence”.

• INA ag at Moirang: The Azad Hind Fauz crossed the Burma border on March 18, 1944,
and the INA units advanced up to Kohima and Imphal. On April 14, Colonel Malik hoisted the
INA ag at Moirang, in Manipur, to enthusiastic cries of “Jai Hind” and “Netaji
Zindabad”.

• End of INA: However, the INA suffered the same fate as the Japanese, and all brigades
withdrew on July 18, 1944. Subhash Bose died in a mysterious plane crash in Taipei,
Taiwan. When the INA POWs were returned to India after the war to face court-martial, a
powerful defence movement emerged.

Cabinet Mission,1946

Introduction

The Cabinet Mission of 1946 is regarded as a watershed moment in India’s struggle for
independence, as it played a critical role in shaping the country’s future. A delegation of British
Cabinet ministers led the mission, which aimed to nd a political solution for India’s
constitutional framework and facilitate a peaceful transfer of power.

Context:

• After WWII, Britain’s control over India became increasingly untenable, and the demand
for independence grew stronger. Recognising the importance of a political settlement,
the British government sent the Cabinet Mission to India in March 1946 to meet with
Indian political leaders and nd a solution.

• In February 1946, the Attlee government announced the dispatch of a high-powered

mission to India composed of three British cabinet members (Pethick Lawrence,
Secretary of State for India; Stafford Cripps, President of the Board of Trade; and A.V.
Alexander, First Lord of the Admiralty) to explore options for a negotiated, peaceful transfer
of power to India. (The mission’s chairman was Pethick Lawrence.)

The Arrival of Cabinet Mission:

• Cabinet Mission and Discussion: On March 24, 1946, the Cabinet Mission arrived in Delhi.
It held extensive conversations with Indian leaders from all parties and groupings on the
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 topics of interim administration and principles and processes for drafting a new
constitution that would grant India independence.

• Constitutional Solution: Because Congress and the League could not agree on the
fundamental question of India’s unity or division, the mission proposed a constitutional
solution in May 1946.

Cabinet Mission Plan—Main Pointers:

Three Sections: Existing provincial assemblies are divided into three sections:

• A: Section A includes Madras, Bombay, the Central Provinces, the United Provinces, Bihar,
and Orissa (Hindu-majority provinces)
• B: Section B includes Punjab, the North-West Frontier Province, and Sindh (Muslim-majority
provinces)
• C: Section C (Muslim-majority provinces): Bengal and Assam.

Three-Tiered Executive And Legislative Branches: At the provincial, section, and union levels.

• Provincial Legislatures: They were to elect a constituent assembly using proportional

representation (voting in three groups: general, Muslims, and Sikhs).

• Constituent Assembly Members: This constituent assembly would have 389 members,
with provincial assemblies contributing 292, chief commissioner’s provinces
contributing 4, and princely states contributing 93. (This was a decent, democratic
technique that did not rely on weightage.)

• Constitution Creation: Members of groups A, B, and C were to sit separately in the

constituent assembly to decide the constitution for provinces and, if feasible, groups as
well. The whole constituent assembly (all three parts A, B, and C united) would then convene
to draft the union constitution.

• A centralised Command: It would oversee defence, communication, and exterior affairs.

India was to have a federal structure.

• Central Legislature: In the central legislature, communal matters were to be determined

by a simple majority of both communities present and voting.

• Complete Autonomy And Residual Powers: The constituent assembly intended for
provinces to have complete autonomy and residual powers.

Rejection of the demand for a full- edged Pakistan because:

• The problem of Non-Muslim Population: The newly created Pakistan would have a
sizeable non-Muslim population—38% in the North West and 48% in the North East.
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 • Demand The Separation Of Hindu-Majority Western Bengal: The very principle of
communal self-determination would demand the separation of Hindu-majority western Bengal
and Sikh- and Hindu-dominated Ambala and Jalandhar divisions of Punjab.
• Economic And Administrative Problems: Partition would entail economic and
administrative problems, such as the problem of communication.

Rejection and Acceptance:

• Endorsement By League and Congress: The Cabinet Mission’s long-term strategy was
endorsed by the Muslim League on June 6, 1946, and by Congress on June 24, 1946.

• Elections: The Constituent Assembly was held in provincial legislatures in July 1946.

• Nehru Declaration: On July 10, 1946, he declared, “We are not bound by anything
except that we have agreed to go into the Constituent Assembly” (implying that the
Constituent Assembly was sovereign and would establish procedural norms). The
likelihood is that no grouping will occur because the NWFP and Assam would object to joining
parts B and C.”

• League’s Objection: July 29, 1946, In reaction to Nehru’s remark, the League withdrew its
approval of the long-term plan and issued a demand for “active action” beginning
August 16 to establish Pakistan.

Communal Holocaust and Interim Government

From August 16, 1946, the Indian scene was rapidly transformed. There was communal riots on
an unprecedented scale which left around 5000 dead
The worst hit areas were Calcutta, Bombay, Bihar, Noakhali, Garmukhteshwar UP

Interim Government – Background

• The Interim Government was formed as a provisional government between an imperial

structure and a democratic structure.
• It lasted till 15th August 1947 when India became independent and was partitioned
into India and Pakistan.
• This Interim Government was formed from the Constituent Assembly which was
elected in August 1946.
• The election to the Constituent Assembly was not direct and representatives were
elected by the provincial assemblies.
• In these elections, the Indian National Congress (INC) won around 69% of the seats and
had a majority. The Congress Party won 208 seats and the Muslim League won 73
seats.
• In the Interim Government, the Viceroy’s Executive Council was equivalent to the
position of Council of Ministers which acted as the executive.
 • Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru became its Vice President and served as the de-facto Prime
Minister.
• Even though the Muslim League refused to be a part of the Interim Government,
insisting on their demand for a separate nation, it eventually became a part of it. In
Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s words, the League was “going into the Interim Government to
get a foothold to ght for… the cherished goal of Pakistan.”

Interim Government Formation

The formation of the Interim government is related to the Second World War. The period post the
second world war was a turning point as all the political prisoners were released who were a part of
the Quit India movement. The Indian National Congress laid the foundation by declaring its
participation in the formation of the Constituent Assembly. The newly formed government of
Clement Attlee dispatched the 1946 Cabinet Mission to India to formulate proposals for the
formation of a government that would lead to an independent India.

Members of the Interim Government

The Cabinet of the Interim Government of India was composed of the following members:

1. President of the Executive Council (Viceroy and Governor-General of India): Viscount

Wavell (till February 1947); Lord Mountbatten (from February 1947)
2. Commander-in-Chief: Sir Claude Auchinleck
3. Vice President, Also in charge of External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations: Jawaharlal
Nehru (INC)
4. Home Affairs, Information and Broadcasting: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (INC)
5. Agriculture and Food: Rajendra Prasad (INC)
6. Commerce: Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar (ML)
7. Defence: Baldev Singh (INC)
8. Finance: Liaquat Ali Khan (ML)
9. Education and Arts: C Rajagopalachari (INC)
10. Health: Ghazanfar Ali Khan (ML)
11. Labour: Jagjivan Ram (INC)
12. Law: Jogendra Nath Mandal (ML)
13. Railways and Communications, Post and Air: Abdur Rab Nishtar (ML)
14. Works, Mines and Power: C H Bhabha (INC)
The Cabinet Mission of 1946 was sent by the British Government from London to help form
the interim government. The Interim Government was in force till 15 August 1947 when a
new government was formed. Nehru became the Prime Minister of India.
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 Indian Independence Act 1947

• This was an act, to make provision for the setting up in India of two independent
Dominions, to substitute other provisions for certain provisions of the Government of India
Act 1935, which apply outside those Dominions, and to provide for, other matters
consequential on or connected with the setting up of the Dominions.
• The Act was formulated together by UK Prime Minister Clement Attlee and the
Governor-General of India Lord Mountbatten, after the representatives of the Indian
National Congress, the Muslim League, and the Sikh community gave their consent to
the Act. This act came to be known as the 3 June Plan or Mountbatten Plan.

Indian Independence Act 1947 salient features -

• Clause 1 of the Act provided for the creation of two independent Dominions, namely,
India and Pakistan from 15th August 1947

• Clause 2 of the Act de ned the territories of the two Dominions adjustable after the
award of boundary Commission. The territories of Indian Dominion were to consist of all
Indian Provinces, except those that comprised Pakistan.

• The territories of Pakistan were to include the areas covered by the Provinces of East
Bengal, West Bengal, West Punjab, Sind, Baluchistan and the N.W.F. P

• Both the Dominions were to have Governor Generals appointed by His Majesty to
represent him for the purposes of the Governments of the Dominions, The Act also provided for
one common General if both the Dominions so agreed

• The Legislature of each dominion was empowered to frame the laws for the governance
of the Dominion. No law made by that Dominion were to be treated as null and void on
the ground that it con icted with any laws of England or any provision of any existing or
future Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom (U. K.) nor an order in council shall extend to
the New Dominions

• The Constituent Assembly of each Dominion were to exercise all powers exercised by
the Legislature of the Dominion

• The of ce of the Secretary of State for India and his advisors was abolished and affairs relating
to the Dominion of India and Pakistan were to be conducted in future by the Secretary of the
Commonwealth Relations Department

• It proclaimed the lapse of British paramountcy over the Indian princely states and treaty
relations with tribal areas from August 15, 1947.It granted freedom to the Indian princely
states either to join the Dominion of India or Dominion of Pakistan or to remain
independent.
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 • It dropped the title of Emperor of India from the royal titles of the king of England.

• It discontinued the appointment to civil services and reservation of posts by the secretary of
state for India. The members of the civil services appointed before August 15, 1947 would
continue to enjoy all bene ts that they were entitled to till that time.

• Although the Indian Constitution derives its legal authority from the Indian Independence Act,
1947, this Act had conferred power on the Constituent Assembly to frame a Constitution for
India.

Repeal of the Act

• The Indian Independence Act was subsequently repealed in Article 395 ( colony to
sovereign) of the Constitution of India and in Article 221 of the Constitution of
Pakistan of 1956, both constitutions being intended to bring about greater
independence for the new states.

Violence erupted People started eeing, boundary commission was delayed in announcing, new
upsurge of State People’s movement, demanding political rights, integration of states.

Rapid political uni cation of the country after Independence was Patel‘s greatest
achievements
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