DocScanner 02-Feb-2025 9-43 pm

Chapter 13: Marching Towards Independence

13.1 The National Movement and World War-II

  • Congress Rule (1937-1939):

    • Congress formed provincial governments after the 1937 elections.

    • Rule lasted two years, ending due to World War II starting in 1939.

    • Britain declared India would participate in the war; Congress objected and resigned in protest.

    • Key leaders demanded independence in exchange for support in the war.

    • Post British rejection of demands, Gandhiji initiated 'individual satyagraha'; Vinoba Bhave was the first.

13.2 The Cripps Mission (1942)

  • Context:

    • Britain, facing Japanese threats post-capture of Rangoon, sent Sir Stafford Cripps to secure cooperation from India.

  • Mission Proposals:

    • Dominion status for India post-war, but India to remain under the British Empire.

    • Provinces had the choice to join either Indian Union or remain separate.

  • Outcome:

    • Negotiations failed; Congress demanded immediate transfer of power.

    • Gandhi described the proposals as "a post-dated cheque on a crashing bank."

13.3 Quit India Movement (1942)

  • Launch:

    • After the Cripps Mission's failure, Gandhi called for the Quit India Movement in August 1942.

    • Aimed for immediate British withdrawal and involved a non-violent mass struggle.

  • Response to Arrests:

    • Mass protests erupted against the arrests of leaders; symbols of British rule were attacked.

    • Government response included mass imprisonments and police violence.

    • More than 90,000 jailed and about 1,000 killed in clashes.

  • Gandhiji’s Call:

    • "Do or Die" mantra advocated for immediate freedom; Quit India became the last mass uprising.

13.4 The Azad Hind Fauj

  • Subhas Chandra Bose’s Leadership:

    • Disagreeing with Gandhi's non-violence, he established the Indian National Army (INA) in 1941.

    • The INA included Indian soldiers captured during the war, with a slogan of "Jai Hind."

  • Attempts to Invade India:

    • The INA attempted to invade India in 1944 with Japanese aid, but failed.

    • Many INA members were captured and tried for treason.

13.5 After the War

  • Post-War Challenges:

    • Britain struggled to maintain control over colonies post-WWII, amid growing independence movements.

    • The Labour Party, which came to power in 1945, supported independence.

  • Negotiations:

    • Talks between the Congress and Muslim League for independence stalled over representation issues.

13.6 The Cabinet Mission (1946)

  • Cabinet Mission Objectives:

    • Sent to address demands for a separate Muslim state and negotiate transfer of power.

    • Proposed limited autonomy for Muslim-majority areas and a united India with federal structure.

  • Outcome:

    • Formation of an interim government led by Jawaharlal Nehru and a Constituent Assembly was established.

13.7 Partition and Independence

  • Muslim League's Stance:

    • Continued demands for a separate Pakistan; August 16, 1946, declared 'Direct Action Day', leading to riots.

  • Partition Announcement:

    • Faced with widespread violence, Congress conceded to partition in June 1947.

    • India gained independence on August 15, 1947, with Nehru as its first Prime Minister.

    • Partition led to massive displacement and violence among communities.

  • Assassination of Gandhi:

    • Mahatma Gandhi assassinated on January 30, 1948; a national loss.

Important Figures:

  • Vinoba Bhave: First satyagrahi in individual satyagraha.

  • Aruna Asaf Ali: Hoisted Congress flag during Quit India.

  • Sarojini Naidu: Dandi March leader, first woman Congress president.

  • Subhas Chandra Bose: Led the Azad Hind Fauj, called for military action against British.

  • Mohammad Ali Jinnah: Leader of Muslim League, pivotal in Pakistan's formation.