British Rule in India and Political Movements

British Rule in India: Overview

  • Timeline: 1765 - 1947
    • 1757: Beginning of British Rule post the Battle of Palashi.
    • 1765: Establishment of British control in Bengal.
    • 1858: Transition to direct control by the British government.
    • 1947: End of British rule in India.

Consolidation of British Rule

  • Key Events
    • Battle of Palashi (1757)
    • Battle of Buxar (1764)
    • Diwani or the Dual System (1765): Financial and administrative control switched to the British.
    • Regulating Act (1773): Introduced governmental regulations on East India Company activities.
    • Charter Act (1833): Established a central government in India.
    • India Act (1858): Officially transferred power from the East India Company to the British Crown.
    • Partition of Bengal (1905): Political and administrative division for better governance.

Important Governors/Governor-Generals/Viceroys

  • Key Figures
    • Lord Clive (1758-60, 1765-67)
    • Warren Hastings (1772-85, 1813-25)
    • Lord Cornwallis (1786-93, 1805)
    • Lord Bentinck (1828-35)
    • Lord Dalhousie (1848-56)
    • Lord Canning (1858-62)
    • Lord Curzon (1899-1905)
    • Lord Mountbatten (1946-47)

Indian Reaction and Anti-British Movements

  • Notable Revolts
    • Faqir Sannyasi Rebellion (1760-1800)
    • Faraizi Uprising (1804-57)
    • Titu Mir's Rebellion (1830-31)
    • Santal Rebellion (1855-56)
    • Indigo Revolt (1859-62)
    • Sepoy Mutiny (1857)
    • Partition of Bengal (1905-11)
    • Khilafat and Non-Cooperation Movement (1919-22)
    • Quit India Movement (1942)
    • Independence Movement (1946-47)

Lucknow Pact (1916)

  • Background: Agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League.
  • Purpose: To enhance Hindu-Muslim cooperation and address governance structure.
  • Provisions:
    • Broad electoral franchise for representation in legislatures.
    • Separate electorates for Muslims in provincial councils.
  • Significance: Laid the foundation for subsequent movements like the Khilafat movement and Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement.

Bengal Pact (1923)

  • Objective: To resolve Hindu-Muslim differences in Bengal.
  • Key Features:
    • Population-based representation with separate electorates.
    • Government appointments: 55% for Muslims, initially 80%.
    • Provisions to protect religious sentiments regarding cow killing and music in processions.
  • Appeal: Aimed at political unity but faced backlash from Hindu leaders who viewed it as one-sided.

Communal Award (1935)

  • Significance: Established separate electorates and representation for various communities.
  • Implications:
    • Increase in political fragmentation among Indian electorate.
    • Announced on August 16, 1932, leading to communal tensions.
    • Formation of communal constituencies.

Lahore Resolution (1940)

  • Context: Addressing demands for separate Muslim homelands during WWII.
  • Content: Proposed independent states where Muslims were in majority.
  • Impact: Eventually catalyzed the Pakistan movement leading to the formation of Pakistan in 1947.

Two-Nation Theory

  • Concept: Justification for partition based on distinct Muslim and Hindu national identities.
  • Origin: Propagated by leaders such as Jinnah and Iqbal, emphasizing cultural and historical separateness.

Labour Party Victory in UK (1945)

  • Background: Significant political shift post WWII leading to the overthrow of Churchill.
  • Reasons for Victory:
    • Public discontent with Conservative policies post-war.
    • Labour’s association with the Beveridge Report advocating for a Welfare State.
  • Outcome: Labour’s comprehensive plans initiated major socio-economic reforms.

Cabinet Mission (1946)

  • Objective: Discussing self-government and constitution in India post-war.
  • Key Proposals:
    • Two-tier federations with limited autonomy for provinces.
    • United Assam and Bengal with regional independence options.
  • Outcome: Disagreements between Congress and Muslim League led to failure of the mission, highlighting the growing divide.

Calcutta and Noakhali Riots (1946)

  • Calcutta Riot:
    • Methodically organized violence on Direct Action Day, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries.
  • Noakhali Riots:
    • Massacres and forced conversions, representing a breakdown of communal harmony in Bengal.

United Independent Bengal Movement (1947)

  • Proposal: Led by Suhrawardy and Sarat Bose, advocating for a sovereign Bengal.
  • Context: Reaction against Partition; aimed to unify Hindus and Muslims in Bengal.
  • Outcome: Faced opposition from both Congress leaders and elements within the Muslim League, ultimately failing to prevent partition.