National Movement During the Second World War
National Movement During the Second World War (1939-1947)
This period covers the events leading to India's independence and partition, including significant political and social upheavals.
Key events:
Outbreak of World War II and the subsequent resignation of Congress ministries, marking initial disagreement with British policies.
Lahore Session of the Muslim League in 1940, which formalized the demand for a separate Muslim state.
August Offer (1940), a British response offering limited concessions, which was ultimately rejected by Indian leaders.
Failure of the Cripps Mission, an attempt to secure Indian cooperation during the war, which faltered due to disagreements on the extent of self-governance.
Quit India Resolution, a pivotal call for immediate independence, leading to widespread protests and arrests.
Arrest of Congress leaders, a repressive measure by the British government that sparked further unrest.
Violent public reaction and government repression in 1942, highlighting the intensity of the struggle for independence.
1.21 Outbreak of WWII and Resignation of Congress Ministries (1939)
WWII began in 1939 with Hitler's attack on Poland, igniting global conflict.
Germany had previously annexed Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland (Munich Conference, 1938), indicating aggressive expansionist policies.
After a five-month pause (the "phoney war"), Hitler attacked Denmark and Norway, annexing them to access Swedish iron ore, crucial for war efforts.
Lord Linlithgow declared India at war with Germany without consulting the Central Legislature or provincial governments, a move that disregarded Indian political autonomy.
The AINC (All India National Congress) strongly objected to this unilateral declaration, asserting the need for Indian consent in matters of war.
The Congress Working Committee demanded immediate transfer of power to Indian hands in return for war cooperation, seeking to leverage the war to achieve self-governance.
Lord Linlithgow's response was unsatisfactory, failing to meet the Congress's demands for significant political concessions.
Congress ministries resigned in October 1939 in protest against the British government's high-handedness and lack of respect for Indian opinion.
Gandhiji viewed the resignations optimistically, believing:
It would reduce corruption within the Congress by removing those compromised by ministerial positions.
It would unite the leftist and rightist wings of the Congress, who agreed on the issue of India's involvement in WWII, fostering internal cohesion.
Day of Deliverance
The Muslim League announced the 'Day of Deliverance' in response to the resignation of Congress ministries, seeing it as an opportunity to assert their interests.
M.A. Jinnah declared December 22, 1939, as the day for Muslims to celebrate deliverance from Congress rule, deepening the communal divide.
Supported by Muslim supporters and some anti-Congress non-Muslims, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who had their own grievances with the Congress.
Criticized by Congress leaders like Gandhiji and Nehru, who urged Jinnah to end the observance to prevent communalism, fearing its divisive impact.
Nehru regretted writing letters to Jinnah as they did not yield a positive outcome, highlighting the growing rift between the leaders.
Abul Kalam Azad, a senior AINC member, also criticized Jinnah's move, emphasizing the Congress's commitment to communal harmony.
1.22 Lahore Session of the Muslim League (1940)
The Day of Deliverance deepened communalism in India, exacerbating existing tensions.
Mohammad Iqbal first advocated for a separate Muslim state at the AIML's Allahabad Session in 1930, laying the intellectual groundwork for the partition.
Jinnah advocated for separatism and a separate Muslim state, leading to the demand for Pakistan, driven by fears of marginalization.
At the Lahore Session in 1940, Jinnah presented the "two-nation theory," demanding Pakistan as a separate state for Muslims, asserting distinct national identities.
Jinnah's main motivations were fear of Hindu domination in an All-India nation, seeking to protect Muslim interests and culture.
Hindu communalism also sought a separate state called 'Hindustan', mirroring the Muslim League's demands and contributing to communal polarization.
1.23 August Offer (1940)
Hitler progressed in Europe after the fall of Norway and Denmark, demonstrating the increasing threat of Axis powers.
Lord Linlithgow's declaration of India's involvement in WWII was opposed by AINC leaders, who wanted immediate transfer of power, seeking to leverage the war for political gains.
The British government did not agree to immediate transfer, reluctant to relinquish control over India.
The Lahore Resolution was passed at the 1940 AIML Session under Jinnah, demanding Pakistan to protect Muslims from Hindu dominance, solidifying the call for partition.
After Norway and Denmark fell, Neville Chamberlain resigned and Winston Churchill became British Prime Minister, marking a shift in British war leadership.
Hitler captured Belgium, Holland, and France by June 1940, leaving Britain in danger of Nazi occupation, underscoring the dire circumstances.
In 1940, Axis Powers seemed likely to win WWII, creating pressure on Britain to seek broader support.
The name 'Pakistan' was coined by Rehmat Ali as an acronym 'PAKSTAN' (Punjab, Afghani/NWFP, Kashmir, Sindh, Baluchistan), giving a name to the envisioned Muslim state.
For better pronunciation, 'T' was added, forming 'PAKISTAN', popularizing the term.
Seeing Britain's condition, the AINC reduced its demands to transfer of power to an Interim government, signaling a willingness to compromise.
The British government responded with the August Offer, a statement by Lord Linlithgow on August 8, 1940, in Shimla, aiming to appease Indian demands while retaining control.
Main proposals of the August Offer:
Promise of "Dominion Status" for India soon, a limited form of self-government within the British Commonwealth.
Establishment of a representative Indian body to frame a new Constitution after WWII, indicating a future role for Indians in governance.
Expansion of the Viceroy's Executive Council to include more Indian members, but defense, foreign affairs, and finance would remain under British control, preserving British authority.
Assurance to minorities that the British government would not transfer power to any system of government denied by large and powerful elements in Indian national life, addressing concerns about minority rights.
Establishment of an advisory War Council to involve Indians in war-related decisions.
Rejection by the Congress:
The Congress leaders rejected the August Offer at the Wardha Session in August 1940, deeming it insufficient.
Nehru criticized "Dominion Status" and insisted on complete independence, reflecting the growing demand for full sovereignty.
The Congress opposed the safeguarding of Muslim interests, viewing it as divisive.
Rejection by the Muslim League:
The Muslim League rejected the August Offer, demanding the partition of India and the creation of a separate Muslim state, holding firm on their demand for Pakistan.
1.24 Individual Satyagraha (1940-41)
After the August Offer, Congress leaders urged Gandhiji to lead the Indian National Movement, seeking his guidance in the face of British intransigence.
Gandhiji initiated "Individual Satyagraha," a limited Satyagraha on an individual basis to fight for freedom of speech against India's participation in WWII, aiming to exert moral pressure on the British.
He aimed to avoid mass Satyagraha to prevent violence, concerned about maintaining non-violent principles.
A "Satyagrahi" would inform the District Magistrate about their anti-war speech, adhering to a structured form of protest.
Acharya Vinoba Bhave was the first Satyagrahi, followed by Jawaharlal Nehru and Brahma Dutt, setting the example for others to follow.
All three were arrested after their speeches, facing the consequences of their defiance.
Movement. If authorities failed to arrest a Satyagrahi, he/she would give speeches, move into villages, and march towards Delhi, escalating the protest.
Aims and objectives of Individual Satyagraha:
To strengthen the Indians' political feeling and highlight Indian independence, raising awareness and resolve.
To persuade the British government to accept Indian demands for independence peacefully, hoping to achieve change through non-violent means.
Gandhiji opposed a mass political uprising due to sympathy for Britain's cause, balancing nationalist aspirations with moral considerations.
The Congress aimed to prepare Indians for a mass movement and life after independence, building organizational capacity and public awareness.
The Congress became more powerful and eradicated corruption, strengthening integrity and public trust.
Political prisoners from the Individual Satyagraha Movement were freed, signaling a partial victory.
The Individual Satyagraha Movement did not gain enough attention and was called off in December 1940, recognizing its limited impact.
1.25 Why the Cripps Mission (1942) Was Sent to India
The British government sent the Cripps Mission in 1942 to solve the Indian problem, seeking to address the growing political crisis.
The mission was headed by Sir Stafford Cripps, a member of the British War Cabinet, indicating the importance attached to the mission.
Reasons for sending the Cripps Mission:
Japanese annexation - After attacking Pearl Harbor, Japan internationalized WWII and worried Britain, the USA, and China. Japan overran territories in South-eastern Asia, nearing India, creating a sense of imminent threat. There would be hardly any resistance offered by Indians to the Japanese army. The people feared the colonization of India by Japan, increasing pressure on Britain to secure Indian support. Desire for India's support in WWII - Britain wanted India's support as it suffered losses. Congress leaders agreed to support if an Interim government was formed, highlighting the strategic importance of Indian cooperation.
American pressure - The USA opposed colonization and, along with the USSR and Nationalist China, pressured Britain to gain Indian support against Germany, reflecting the changing global dynamics.
1.26 Proposals of the Cripps Mission
Sir Stafford Cripps was accompanied by Lord Privy Seal and other members from the State Council, underscoring the mission's high-level nature.
The Cripps Mission offered the following proposals:
Dominion Status would be provided to India after the War, granting the Indian Dominion freedom to attend international conferences, offering a degree of autonomy.
After WWII, a Constitution-making body would be established, with members elected from British Provincial Assemblies and appointed by rulers of Princely States, outlining a process for framing a new Constitution.
Any province unwilling to join the new Constitution could leave the Indian Union and sign a separate agreement with Britain, accommodating regional aspirations and concerns.
The rights of minorities would be safeguarded through negotiations between the Constituent Assembly and the British government, addressing communal sensitivities.
The British government would control defense and foreign affairs, retaining key levers of power.
1.27 Rejection of the Cripps Mission
Neither the Congress nor the Muslim League accepted the Cripps Proposals, highlighting the deep divisions and unmet expectations.
Rejection by the Congress:
The Cripps Proposals did not grant complete independence, only recommending "Dominion Status," falling short of Congress's demand for full sovereignty.
Representation of Princely States in the Constituent Assembly was done by rulers, not elected representatives, undermining democratic principles.
Provinces could secede from the Indian Union, accommodating the Muslim League's Pakistan proposal, a point of contention for Congress.
The Congress proposal for a War Council with Indian political leaders was denied, limiting Indian participation in decision-making.
All proposals were to be implemented after WWII, which the Congress did not trust, skeptical of British promises.
Rejection by the Muslim League:
The Muslim League rejected the Cripps Proposals because they criticized the idea of the formation of a single Indian Union, holding firm on their demand for Pakistan.
The Constitution Assembly creation process did not ensure a 50:50 seat ratio for the Muslim League, concerned about adequate representation.
The Hindu Mahasabha and Liberal Classes opposed the right of British Indian provinces to secede, fearing fragmentation.
The Depressed Classes, led by Dr. Ambedkar, felt they would remain minorities, concerned about their status in a new political order.
1.28 Significance of the Cripps Mission
The main points of significance of the Cripps Mission were as under:
For the first time, British agreed to give "Dominion Status" to India, a notable concession.
Indians could have the right to frame the Constitution and Constituent Assembly, recognizing Indian agency in shaping their future.
It gave the freedom of secession of the provinces away from the Indian Union, acknowledging regional autonomy.
Indians were granted an appreciable proportion of the share in the Interim government, increasing Indian participation in governance.
1.29 Quit India Resolution (QIR)
Following the rejection of the Cripps Mission, Congress leaders felt the need for an all-India mass movement for independence, recognizing the failure of negotiations.
Congress leaders believed British departure would evade the Japanese threat, seeing it as a strategic imperative.
WWII caused excessive inflation in India, which the British government failed to control, exacerbating economic hardship.
Indian leaders lacked faith in the British government, as colonies in South-East Asia were lost to Japan, questioning British competence.
British did not show much concern for these colonies. It showed a pattern that could impact India, raising concerns about British priorities.
At the AICC meeting at Wardha on July 14, 1942, the Congress accepted the idea of a mass struggle, committing to direct action.
On August 8, 1942, the AICC met in Bombay at the Gowalia Tank, a historic moment.
Gandhiji gave his famous slogan: "Do or Die," galvanizing the nation.
Gandhiji urged peasants to pay rent to zamindars only if they opposed the British; government and civil servants to remain loyal to the AINC; soldiers to work with the Indian Army but avoid firing on compatriots, outlining a comprehensive strategy.
Princely State rulers should accept the sovereignty of their people, and people of the Princely States should support rulers only if they opposed the British, integrating the Princely States into the movement.
Students should leave government schools and colleges if confident, mobilizing the youth.
The QIR was passed on August 8, 1942, in Bombay, with Gandhiji as the leader, setting the stage for a nationwide movement.
Main demands of the QIR:
Complete end to British rule in India, demanding full sovereignty.
Creation of a Provisional government after British withdrawal, planning for the transition of power.
Official ratification for the launching of a Civil Disobedience Movement in India associated with Satyagraha, committing to non-violent resistance.
Commitment to prevent the spread of fascism and Nazism, aligning with Allied objectives.
1.30 Arrest of Congress Leaders (9th Aug. 1942)
The British government arrested Congress leaders on August 9, 1942, including Gandhiji, Nehru, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, crippling the movement's leadership.
On the same date, the Quit India Movement or Bharat Chharo Andolan was officially launched, marking the beginning of widespread protests.
It was also known as the August Movement, involving Civil Disobedience and Satyagraha to end British rule, employing non-violent methods of resistance.
Arrested Congress leaders spent the next three years in jail until 1945, enduring prolonged imprisonment.
During this time (1942-45), the British gained support from the Council of the Viceroy, the CPI, the Muslim community, the Indian Army, Princely States, and Civil Services, consolidating their position.
Wealthy businessmen and industrialists did not support the Movement, and the younger generation was drawn to Subhash Bose revolutionary ideals, indicating divided loyalties.
US President Roosevelt pressured Britain to withdraw from India after WWII, reflecting international pressure for decolonization.
1.31 Violent Public Agitation
In 1942, people protested the arrest of Congress leaders, expressing widespread anger and frustration.
People protested at Gowalia Tank in Bombay and resorted to hartals and bandhs, disrupting normal life.
The movement spread to Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Bihar, and UP, expanding across different regions.
Villagers and townsmen protested, attacking police stations, post offices, and railway stations, targeting symbols of British authority.
Groups blew up bridges and removed railway tracks, cutting off telephone and telegraph lines, disrupting communication and transportation.
Students organized strikes and published anti-British articles in patrikas, spreading propaganda and mobilizing support.
Labor classes participated in hartals, with workers staying away from factories in Ahmadabad and Bombay, crippling industrial production.
Students from BHU spread the message of "Quit India," hijacking trains and burning police and railway stations, intensifying the unrest.
Peasants attacked buildings and offices with British symbols, targeting colonial infrastructure.
In Patna, RAF officers were killed, and police stations were destroyed. Cities such as Gaya, Purnea, Muzaffarpur, and Champaran were centers of the Quit India Movement, serving as focal points of resistance.
Train movements were disrupted.
South India participated, with railway stations and post offices attacked in Karnataka, expanding the movement's reach.
There were approximately 1,600 events of cutting telegraph and telephone lines, disrupting communication networks.
Around 250 railway stations and over 500 post offices were destroyed, disrupting infrastructure.
Underground Activities
Underground activities involved illegal matters not permitted by the British government, operating in secrecy.
Young people participated in these activities, led by Achyut Patwardhan, Ram Manohar Lohia, Sucheta Kripalani, Aruna Asaf Ali, and others, providing leadership and organizing resistance.
They collected bombs, dynamites, guns, and war armaments, preparing for armed struggle.
Usha Mehta worked for Congress Radio, disseminating information and propaganda.
Rich businessmen and philanthropists donated to support these activities, which was supported by the CSP (Congress Socialist Party) and the Forward Bloc, providing financial and organizational support.
Bombay, Poona, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Delhi were centers of such activities, serving as strategic hubs.
Students acted as couriers, and pilots and train drivers delivered bombs and materials, demonstrating resourcefulness and commitment.
The underground movement focused on destructive works, aiming to disrupt British control.
Leaders of underground movements were appreciated for their efforts despite bringing no good to society.
However, they took no longer rule in Indian history, but the efforts of revolutionary leaders were indeed creditable, especially when our motherland was under the control of the foreign British government.
Gandhiji underwent a fast on February 10th, 1943 in jail. Gandhiji thought this would be his response to the Quit India Movement. The news of his fasting spread fast to other places.
In many different parts of India, the British government was greeted with hartals and strikes. Many political prisoners and others went on fasting.
Gandhiji was detained at the Aga Khan Palace near Poona where many people went to perform Satyagraha to ensure the release of Gandhiji from jail. There were lots of students, revolutionaries, lawyers, labourers etc. who demanded Gandhiji's release from jail in several conferences and meetings. In several newspapers such as 'New Statesman', 'Manchester Guardian', 'News Chronicle' etc., there was a demand for Gandhiji's release. The British Communist Party, the Women's International League, the Australian Council of Trade Unions etc. demanded the release of Gandhiji. Political prisoners and activists across various parts of the country went on a fast. Notably, Gandhiji was detained at the Aga Khan Palace near Poona, and numerous supporters rallied to perform Satyagraha, advocating for his release. This movement garnered widespread support from students, revolutionaries, lawyers, and laborers, who convened in conferences and meetings to voice their demands. Prominent newspapers, including 'New Statesman', 'Manchester Guardian', and 'News Chronicle', amplified the call for Gandhiji's release, while international bodies such as the British Communist Party, the Women's International League, and the Australian Council of Trade Unions echoed these demands.
At Delhi, a Leaders' Conference was held in February 1943 to demand Gandhiji's release from jail. The British government suffered a serious blow when notable Indian members including M.S. Aney, H. P. Mody and N. R. Sarkar, all members of the Executive Council of the Viceroy resigned. However, despite all this, the British government remained stationary even after Churchill's pressure from the USA. Despite widespread appeals and protests, the British government remained steadfast, even in the face of pressure from international figures like Churchill.
1.32 Repressive Measures of the British Government
The British government violently suppressed the Quit India Movement, employing harsh tactics.
The police and secret police were given excessive powers, escalating repression.
Police resorted to lathi charges, burnt villages, and imposed fines, inflicting suffering on communities.
Approximately one lakh people were arrested and imprisoned, and the army took control of towns and cities, establishing martial law.
The British government declared a reign of terror, restricting the liberty of the Press, silencing dissent.
Machine guns and bombers were used to suppress the movement. Many civilians were subjected to violence. Many were even shot dead by the police forces of the British government. Many unarmed Indian people were killed by several attacks inflicted by the Brutish armed police forces. By the end of 1942, more than 60,000 people were arrested, 26,000 people were accused by the Governors and about 18,000 people were detained under the Defense Forces of the British government. The prisoners were brutally tortured inside the jails, highlighting the brutality of colonial rule.
By the end of 1942, over 60000 people were arrested, and many were imprisoned or detained. The period witnessed severe repression, with police forces resorting to violence against civilians, resulting in numerous casualties. Unarmed Indian protesters were targeted in attacks carried out by British armed police forces. By the close of 1942, alarming figures revealed that over 60,000 individuals had been arrested, 26,000 were accused by Governors, and approximately 18,000 were detained under the Defense Forces of the British government. The prisoners endured brutal torture within the confines of the jails, highlighting the extent of human rights abuses during the colonial era.
Approximately (90,000) people were imprisoned without trial, and (10,000) died due to police and army firing, underscoring the scale of repression.
The Congress Party was declared illegal, and Gandhiji was arrested, further suppressing the movement.
The AINC leadership could not maintain any sort of relationship at the international level because the British government had predilections towards insecurity owing to the activities of the Congress, isolating the movement diplomatically.
The Quit India Movement brought enough public involvement and activities, underscoring that the British had to leave India soon, demonstrating the growing pressure for independence.
1.33 Significance of the Quit India Movement
The main points of significance of the Quit India Movement were as follows:
Parallel Governments - This essentially implies the formation of a government in spite of the existence of an already working government. One of the most important results of the Quit India Movement was the formation of parallel governments in different states of the country. Most of these parallel governments though were not fully successful. Primarily, there were three main parallel governments as follows:
Ballia: A parallel government was formed in Ballia, eastern UP, under Chittu Pandey in August 1942. It released arrested Congress ministers but was defeated by the government's army.
Tamluk: the army wing was known as the 'Vidyut Vahini Tamluk in Bengal, a parallel government was formed in December 1942 under 'Jatiya Sarkar', following Gandhiji's principles, continuing until 1944. Jatiya Sarkar's successes included cyclone works, organizing mass struggles against the British government, setting up of certain arbitration courts, distribution of rice among peasants etc. However, it too ultimately could not work for a long time and was finally designated as a failure.
Satara: he parallel government that was formed at Satara in Maharashtra which was arguably the most successful parallel government and long-lasting In the year 1942, several mass rebellions were organized at Satara under the leadership of Y. B. Chavan. In the following year, 1943, a parallel government was formed, known as the 'Prati Sarkar' under the leadership of Nani Patil, and it worked until 1945. Prati Sarkar successes included the organization of several mass revolts against the British government's offices or institutions, the setting up of people's courts, and the encouragement of education etc. along the footsteps of Gandhiji.
Participation of peasants - Lots of peasants from different parts of the country took active participation in the Quit India Movement. Places such as Bihar, Eastern UP, Satara in Maharashtra and Medinipur in Bengal were the areas that were mostly affected by the peasants' uprisings. In Bihar and UP, many zamindars also participated in the movement. For instance, the Raja of Darbhanga, one of the richest zamindars in UP rejected the offer of the government of using his armed retainers. Most importantly, the peasants were now against the British government's authorities and did not fight against the zamindars. They did not remain any more loyal to the British government but instead waged struggles against them.
Unity between the left and the right: Many leaders of the Communist Party of India participated in the Quit India Movement. The main aim was simply to end British rule in India. A unity between the leftist and the rightist groups was observed in India, who were all devoted to driving out the British from India. Many Indian Communists too participated in the movement from the local village level.
Participation of Muslims: A huge number of Muslim participants took active participation in the Quit India Movement. Even the AIML had to provide shelter to many leaders of the Underground Movement. One of the most positive aspects of the movement being A unity between the Hindus and the Muslims could be perceived as well since there was almost an absence of any form of clashes based on communalism between the two communities. The Muslims, who were secluded from the mainstream of the Indian National Movement earlier, got themselves involved in the act.
Popularity and sympathy with the national cause: People from all across the entire nation were committed to the independence of their motherland, India from the clutches of foreign rule. Lots of people were sympathetic towards the national cause of independence and even the elite classes of the society began to refrain from supporting the British government. People from several strata of the society were deliberately devoted to the liberty and freedom of India. Lots of students and women participated in the movement which was a positive outcome. Many workers and industrial labourers were involved as well, in several rural areas.
Immediate demand of independence: People from all across the entire nation were committed to the independence of their motherland, India from the clutches of foreign rule. People from several strata of the society were deliberately devoted to the liberty and freedom of India. The Quit India Movement, as a whole, put forward the demand for complete independence in India. It assured the British that the Indians were not going to be satisfied with any Dominion Status. Moreover, the people also got to feel what was going to happen after India's independence.
1.34 Congress Haripuri and Tripuri Sessions
The power and strength of the AINC had changed after the 1937 elections, shifting political dynamics.
Left-wing ideologies and policies gained popularity, influencing Congress's direction.
In 1938, Subhas Chandra Bose became the President of the Congress at the Haripuri Session, representing the rise of leftist influence.
Bose introduced new ideas, but several AINC leaders opposed his views, creating internal friction.
Leaders such as Patel and Rajendra Prasad explained the irrelevance of Bose's ideology, reflecting ideological divisions.
Gandhiji proposed Pattabhi Sitaramayya for the Congress Presidentship against Subhash Bose at the Congress Tripuri Session in March 1939, signaling a clash of ideologies.
Subhash defeated Sitaramayya, winning 1,377 votes out of 1,580. Indicating disagreement over non-violent approaches that Gandhi suggested, challenging Gandhian methods.
Gandhiji admitted that this defeat affected him more than Sitaramayya. Indicating disagreement over non-violent approaches that Gandhi suggested, underscoring ideological differences.
The Tripuri Session proved to be a turning point in the differences between Bose and Gandhiji, marking a schism.
Bose accused the AINC party's top leaders who were the followers of right wing ideologies, criticizing their approach.
Bose accused the AINC top leaders because they followed the path of negotiations and petitions with the British government, challenging their methods.
But the AINC party leaders resented such an accusation and explained the same to Gandhiji. They did not want to divide the AINC on the basis of left and right wing ideologies, seeking to maintain unity.
1.35 Differences Between Subhash Bose and Gandhiji
Subhash Bose was initially satisfied with Gandhiji's methods of non-violence and negotiations, but his views evolved.
During the 1930s, there underwent a radicalization in the thoughts of Subhash, shifting towards more assertive methods.
He became agitated and lost his faith in the compromising solution of Gandhiji, advocating for more decisive action.
As a result, in the AINC, Gandhiji and Bose were divided on the basis of differences in their policies, philosophies, ideologies and their points of view, creating a significant divide.
The main points of difference between the ideologies followed by Gandhiji and Subhash Bose were as follows:
Non-violence vs. violence - Netaji mainly differed from Gandhiji's viewpoints on the basis of his preaching of non-violence and ahimsa. Gandhians believed in 'the means justifying the ends' whereas leaders like Bose believed in 'the ends justifying the means', reflecting fundamental differences.
Moderate vs. extremist - Gandhiji was a Moderate leader but Netaji's moral values and personal points of view decimated the unity of the AINC and eventually he had to form an alternative political entity later on, highlighting ideological divergence.
Differences in foreign policy - Another perspective which Netaji was not able to relate with Gandhi was in terms of international diplomacy. Gandhi believed that the Indians did not have the full potential or resources to defeat the British in India. Subhash sought help from countries such as the USSR, Germany and Japan while Gandhiji believed in his indigenous and native people of India to drive out the British, differing in approach.
Idea of independence - Gandhiji intended for independence in phases. However, Subhash Bose did not believe in the process of getting independence in phases. The prime vision was complete independence to be offered to India at one go. Being more radical and extremist in outlook than Gandhiji, Bose offered the plans of complete independence of India at one go, advocating for immediate independence.
Starting an independence movement: During 1938-39, Bose believed that the AINC party was a very powerful political party and he also that people may not be readily available for an immediate national movement Gandhi thought, disagreeing on strategy.
1.36 Role of Bose in the National Movement
Subhash Chandra Bose was a famous Indian nationalist leader during British colonial rule, leaving a lasting impact.
Born in Cuttack, Bengal, he belonged to a well-established Bengali family, shaping his upbringing.
Subhash Bose passed the Civil Service Examinations but refused the job to avoid working under the British government, demonstrating his commitment to independence.
Bose joined the INC in 1921 and was also the President of the All India Youth Congress (IYC) and the Secretary of the Bengal State Congress, rising through the ranks.
In 1930, Bose became the Mayor of the Calcutta province, gaining political experience.
His ideology, moral values, and powerful speeches inspired many people to devote their lives to their motherland, galvanizing support.
He became the President of the All-India Youth Congress (IYC) and the Secretary of the Bengal State Congress.
He worked inside the Congress with Jawaharlal Nehru, becoming the General Secretary of the Congress Party and advocated the idea of complete 'Swaraj' from within the Congress, advocating for self-rule.
1.37 All India Forward Bloc (AIFB)
Subhash Chandra Bose was one of the most prominent leaders of the AINC for his views on Socialism and leftism in British colonial India, advocating for alternative ideologies.
He opposed Mahatma Gandhi on political points and implementation of programs, creating internal divisions.
In 1931, Bose criticized Gandhiji's role during the Second Round Table Conference in London, challenging his approach.
He also opposed the federal system in India executed by the 1935 Government of India Act and he didn't believe that Congress would yield proper results, differing on policy.
Bose formed a separate party named All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) on 3rd May, 1939, creating an alternative platform.
Subhash Bose wanted that his new party, the AIFB should stand against the abolition of landlordism and set up a uniform land tenure or agreement system for the whole of the nation. Subhash Bose also wanted to popularize the principles of radical activities in India even influenced different political international organizations to fight for the freedom of our homeland, which means the vision of creating world peace for Indians, advocating for land reforms.
The main objectives of the objectives of the Forward Bloc were as follows:
To gain complete independence of India and continue the anti-imperialism movement till its aim was achieved, committing to total independence.
To for popularity and applied the principles of social equality and justice in India, which tries to promote all religious activity among Indians, advocating for social justice.
1.38 Indian Independence League (IIL)
Japan joined the Axis Powers during WWII, expanding into South-East Asia, altering geopolitical dynamics.
The foreign policies of the Japan's expansion was mainly focused on expanding in the Asian countries by occupying countries like Manchuria, China to gain control over it's territories.
After Japan captured South-east Asia including Malaya and Singapore, they residing in the Indian territories came under the control of Japanese government. They were some of the prominent or renowned Indians set up different political organizations to fight against British Colonial rule in India.
The Japanese government, against the British during the World Wars, were influenced by these political organizations.
These ideologies and political associations were combined into the so called Indian Independence League (IIL) which would later associate and work jointly against the British colonial rule in The conference at Tokyo was held under the leadership of R. B. Bose. Also there conference also gave provision in forming Indian National Army, which was an association dedicated towards the freedom struggle.. The ILL was provisionally formed through this Conference. The Conference also decided to form the Indian National Army.
The main aims and objectives of the IIL were as mentioned below:
To secure the freedom of the motherland, India, and to obtain complete independence from the rule of the British government, committing to total independence.
Provide utmost support from the Japanese to wage against independence with the British government. Rash Behari Bose took the prisoners who were captured by the Japanese while fighting in Malaya or in Burma, seeking external support.
1.39 Formation of the INA (1942)
Bose had differences with Gandhiji regarding both ideology and policies.
When Japan seized Singapore, Bose wanted to join in the anti-British activities after seeing the activities of IIL.
In the meantime, the INA was already formed at Bangkok. In bangkok the Indian Army Captain Mohan Singh surrendered themselves to the hands of Japanese Soldiers. The Japanese made promises to support them economically through war fares.
Economic supportwas very necessary to continue the working of the INA for the said purpose. The Japanese government helped the INA to continue the fight against Britain. The Japanese government supplied war armaments, ships and airplanes to the INA.
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1.40 Revival of the INA Under Subhash Bose
Every