Dutch Colonial Rule and British Retreat

  • Context of post-World War II Britain:
      - A war-weary army and people.
      - A ravaged economy leading to the need for retreat.

  • Labour government's victory accelerated the process of decolonization.

  • Initial steps taken by Lord Wavell, ordered by the Attlee ministry:
      - Announcement of new elections scheduled for winter 1945 on 21 August 1945.
        - Previous elections were in 1934 (central) and 1937 (provinces).
      - Essential for rekindling constitutional activities (governor’s advice on 14 August).

Promises and Changes in British Policy

  • Wavell's reiteration on 19 September 1945:
      - Promise of "early realization of full self-government" (avoiding use of "independence").
      - Plans for post-election talks for a constitution-making body significantly less radical than universal franchise proposals.

  • British efforts to establish an Executive Council supported by main Indian parties.

I.N.A. Trials and Growing Pressures

  • Shift in British policy due to mass public pressure during autumn and winter 1945-46.

  • British decision to hold public trials for I.N.A. (Indian National Army) prisoners faced backlash:
      - Initial trials involved hundreds of prisoners.
      - Poor decision to trial prominent individuals from diverse backgrounds (Hindu, Muslim, Sikh).

Impact on Popular Sentiment

  • Public interest and sympathy crossed communal barriers, reflecting unity among diverse groups.

  • I.N.A. trials attracted significant public protests and sympathy:
      - Notable defense by prominent lawyers.
      - Growing apprehension within British officials about rising I.N.A. spirit spreading to the Indian army.

Political and Social Climate

  • British fears of a revived Congress revolt similar to 1942:
      - Threats involving attacks on communication lines, agrarian revolt, labor uprisings, and army disaffection.

  • Wavell's complaints about Congress leaders’ violent rhetoric about I.N.A. prisoners; viewed as election propaganda.

  • Tension within Congress with internal struggles against Communists.

Restraints on Congress Militancy

  • Concerns from influential business leaders about Congress speeches escalating tensions.

  • Congress leaders aiming to reduce political tensions post-election warnings:
      - Acknowledgment of capitalist anxieties behind Congress actions.

  • Significant moment of unity in opposition to British trials linked with popular protests.

Calcutta Unrest in November 1945

  • Major protests led by students demanding justice for I.N.A. members:
      - Spontaneous alliance among students of various political beliefs (Congress, League, Communists).
      - Violence after killings of two students during protests led to widespread disturbances.
      - Official reports of casualties and property destruction; police fired into crowds, exacerbating the situation.

Subsequent Responses and Political Reactions

  • The subsequent call to quell unrest led to a shift towards non-violence within Congress:
      - Wavell emphasized the necessity of concessions after riots.
      - British restrictions on future trials of I.N.A. members indicated recognition of need for change.

  • Growing independence movements fueled prospects for negotiations with British that culminated in a Cabinet Mission.

Further Unrest: February 1946

  • Renewed violence in Calcutta following severe sentencing of I.N.A. member Abdul Rashid:
      - Demonstrations involving workers and students of different communities resulting in clashes and significant casualties.

  • Extensive strikes in critical areas strengthened organized labor movements across India.

R.I.N. Mutiny: The Naval Uprising

  • The Royal Indian Navy faced severe unrest stemming from racial discrimination and poor conditions:
      - Hunger strikes initiated by ratings echoed grievances that transcended merely military concerns.

  • Mutiny's escalation with armed resistance against authority, reflecting a unification of political and labor movements.

  • Organizational challenges faced by mutineers; false dawn in peaceful strike versus aggression led to conflict with military leadership.

Divergent Responses from Indian Leaders

  • Varied reactions from political figures:
      - Communist Party called for a general strike.
      - Congress leaders emphasized normality and order.

  • Official casualties reported amid struggle reflect the stakes involved in this period of unrest.

Conclusion and Legacy of 1946 Events

  • Despite immediate repression, the R.I.N. mutiny became an emblem of collective struggle:
      - Highlighted the bonds formed across diverse communities in armed forces and civilians.
      - The naval strike and movement were pivotal, signaling a turning point for Indian independence and unity in revolutionary activities.

  • Reflections on importance of these events in the broader narrative of the Indian independence movement and their impact on local and national leaders.