TLDR;
This lecture discusses the national landscape of India after World War II, focusing on the period following the Quit India Movement in 1942 and leading up to the country's independence. It covers the changes in the British government's attitude towards India, the actions taken against the Indian National Army (INA), and the proposals of the Cabinet Mission in 1946.
- The weakening of the Quit India Movement by 1943 led to a period of relative peace in India until 1945.
- The British government's perspective shifted due to changes in global power dynamics and internal pressures.
- The Congress and the Muslim League struggled to reach an agreement, leading to communal violence.
- The INA trials sparked widespread protests and unity among Indians.
- The Cabinet Mission aimed to resolve the conflict between the Congress and the Muslim League and establish a constitution.
Introduction [0:01]
The lecture begins by outlining the topics to be covered, including the actions taken against the Indian National Army (INA), the reasons behind the British decision to grant independence to India after winning World War II, and the proposals put forth by the Cabinet Mission in 1946 to address the conflict between the Congress and the Muslim League. The lecture also addresses a comment from a previous session regarding the role of Muslims in the National Movement, clarifying that the content is based on the Spectrum book and the UPSC syllabus.
National Landscape After the War [4:20]
From 1943 to 1945, India experienced relative peace as the Quit India Movement weakened. However, internal unrest persisted due to the ongoing Second World War, which led to the export of essential goods to the army, causing inflation and scarcity in India. The British government's perspective changed due to the shifting global power balance after the war, with the rise of the US and the Soviet Union, and the election of a Labour government in Britain, which was more sympathetic to Indian independence.
Reasons for the Change in the Government's Perspective [10:33]
Several factors contributed to the British government's shift in attitude towards India. The global power balance changed after World War II, with the rise of the US and the Soviet Union, both of which supported Indian independence. The election of a Labour government in Britain, which was more sympathetic to Indian independence, also played a role. Additionally, British soldiers were demoralized after years of war, and there was a threat of renewed agitation by the Congress.
Two Aspects of National Revolution [18:53]
The lecture identifies two main aspects of the national revolution during this period. The first was the ongoing conflict between the Congress and the Muslim League, which hindered any agreement and led to communal violence. The second was the rise of militant public demonstrations by workers, farmers, and common people, including the emergence of the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) and the revolt of the Royal Indian Navy.
Congress Election Campaign [27:43]
In 1946, elections were announced, and nationalist leaders used the opportunity to spread anti-imperialist sentiments. They criticized the government's harsh policies during the 1942 Quit India Movement and praised the courage of the people. The Congress formed a committee to defend the members of the Azad Hind Fauj and protested against the trials of INA soldiers. The government's decision to hold public trials at the Red Fort for Prem Kumar, Shahnawaz, and Gurbaksh, representing different communities, led to widespread protests.
Movement in Support of Prisoners of War [34:01]
A movement was launched to support the INA prisoners of war, with Indians demonstrating unprecedented unity. The protests were widely covered in newspapers, and pamphlets were distributed to garner support. Azad Hind Fauj week and Azad Hind Fauj Day were celebrated. The movement gained momentum, with students, shopkeepers, farmers, and women joining in. Government employees and armed forces personnel also expressed their support.
Three-Tier Pattern [37:28]
The movement in support of the INA prisoners of war followed a three-tier pattern. In the first phase, students and sailors refused to obey British authorities. In the second phase, city residents joined the movement. In the third phase, people in other parts of the country showed solidarity with the protesters.
Navy's Revolt [39:41]
During this time, the Royal Indian Navy revolted due to racial discrimination, poor food quality, and dissatisfaction with the INA trials. Sailors wrote "Quit India" on the walls of ships and hoisted the tricolor flag. The revolt started on the HMIS Talwar ship in Bombay and later spread to other ships.
Impact of the Three Revolts [44:57]
The three revolts demonstrated the people's aggressiveness and fearlessness. The armed revolts made the public fearless, and the navy's revolt was seen as the end of British rule. The British government was forced to grant concessions.
Limitations of the Revolt [49:04]
The revolt had some limitations. Public participation was short-lived, and the spread of the revolt was limited to a few cities. The army did not support the navy, and there was a division between Congress-affiliated and Muslim League-affiliated sailors. Communal unity was limited, and communal riots broke out in Calcutta in August 1946.
Congress Strategy [52:55]
The Congress was the most prominent force in the anti-colonial movement and had a strong hold on the general public. The Congress continuously spread anti-imperialist consciousness throughout the country.
Election Results [53:31]
In the elections, the Congress won a majority in all provinces except Bengal, Sindh, and Punjab. In Punjab, the Congress formed a coalition government with the Akali Dal. The Muslim League won 86% of the Muslim vote and gained seats in the central legislature. However, the elections were marred by communal divisions and limited voting rights.
Cabinet Mission [58:15]
In February 1946, British Prime Minister Clement Attlee announced that India would soon be granted independence. The Cabinet Mission, consisting of Pethick-Lawrence, Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander, arrived in India to negotiate with the Congress and the Muslim League. The Cabinet Mission rejected the Muslim League's demand for two separate constituent assemblies and proposed a plan for a united India with safeguards for minority rights.
Why the British Needed to Withdraw from India [1:03:18]
Several factors made it necessary for the British to withdraw from India. The success of the nationalists in the anti-government struggle, the Indianization of the civil service, and the limitations of the British government's policies all played a role. The Azad Hind Fauj movement and the threat of renewed public agitation also contributed to the decision.
Cabinet Mission Plan [1:07:32]
The Cabinet Mission Plan reached Delhi on March 24, 1946, and presented its proposals to the Congress and the Muslim League. The plan rejected the demand for a separate Pakistan and proposed a three-tiered system of governance to protect minority rights. Both the Congress and the Muslim League initially accepted the plan, paving the way for the formation of a constituent assembly.
