HIS 103: United Independent Bengal Movement and The Great Divide of 1947

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on the United Independent Bengal Movement and the partition of India in 1947.

What was the purpose of the Cabinet Mission sent to India in 1946?

To facilitate the transfer of power from British Government to Indian leadership.

Who were the three main members of the Cabinet Mission?

Stafford Cripps, Pethick-Lawrence, and A.V. Alexander.

What system did the Cabinet Mission propose for governance in India?

A three-tier system consisting of provinces, provincial groupings, and a central government.

What did the Cabinet Mission's proposals aim to address?

Create a compromise within the constitutional structure of British India.

What was the key reaction of the Muslim League to the Cabinet Mission's proposals on 6 June 1946?

They accepted the proposals after securing a guarantee from Wavell for representation in the interim government.

How did Nehru's speech on 10 July 1946 affect the Cabinet Mission's proposals?

He rejected the idea that provinces were obliged to join a group, causing the Muslim League to rescind its approval.

What was Direct Action Day and when did it occur?

A day marked by communal riots in Calcutta to demonstrate Muslim demands for Pakistan, occurring on 16 August 1946.

What was the United Independent Bengal Movement?

A proposal in 1947 aimed at addressing the communal question through a united independent Bengal.

Who was Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy?

A leader who proposed a united independent Bengal during a press conference in April 1947.

What critical event took place on 20 May 1947 concerning the Bengal partition?

A tentative agreement was reached among Bengali leaders favoring a united independent Bengal.

What was the Indian Independence Act of 1947?

An act that established two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, marking the end of British rule.

What significant date is associated with the partition of India?

15 August 1947 was declared as the appointed date for the partition.

What was the role of the Boundary Commission mentioned in the Indian Independence Act?

To determine the boundaries between India and Pakistan.

What power did the Governor General hold under the Indian Independence Act of 1947?

The Governor General had power to issue orders for the effective implementation of the Act.

What was the response of the Congress to the Indian Independence Act?

Initially reacted against it but later accepted the provisions of the Act.

Who became the first Governor General of Pakistan after independence?

Jinnah was elected the President of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan and became the Governor General.

What marked the end of British presence in India?

The swearing in of new governments in India and Pakistan on 15 August 1947.