Chapter: 09 (Topic: Lahore/Pakistan Resolution)

History notes by Sir Bilal Sarwar.

Q: Why did Muslim league issue the Lahore resolution in 1940? (7) Or Why ML make a demand for
Pakistan in 1940? [7]
Ans: [Nehru Report 1928] Earlier Jinnah believed that right of Muslim could be protected (guarded) by
giving more rights to provincial governments. So he tried to improve Muslim relation with Congress in
Lucknow pact, but in Nehru report of 1928 anti-Muslim policies was proposed by Congress. Jinnah was
so upset declared Nehru report as parting of ways with Congress and he presented his fourteen points
which provided base for Pakistan.
[Congress rule 1937-39] Congress rule from 1937 to 1939 was an eye opener event for Muslims in which
Congress had tried to abolish Muslim culture and religion by adopting (declaring) Hindi as official
language, anti Muslim song Band-e-Matram as national anthem. Wardha educational scheme was set up
to promote (spread) Hindu culture and religion in Muslim children. Azan (call for prayer) and cow
slaughtering was banned in many areas. Muslims of India were so upset due to Congress rule that
Muslims demanded separate Muslim country in Lahore resolution.
[Hindu extremist parties] Activities (Actions) of Hindu extremist parties like Shadhi, Arya Samaj and
Hindu Mahasabha created fears in minds of Muslim. Arya Samaj was trying to change Muslims in to
Hindus. Organized (planned) attacks were made by these Hindu parties on Muslim’s life and property.
Muslims considered (Thought) themselves unsafe in India. Muslim of India realized that after exit of
British from India Muslim culture and religion would be in danger under Hindu majority so Muslim of
India finally demanded separate homeland in Lahore resolution on March 1940.

Topic: Cripps mission 1942

Q: Why did the Cripps Mission of 1942 fail? [7] (J-12)
Ans: [Congress view] Cripps was representative of British government; he offered Congress party and
Muslim League complete independence of India at the end of the war. During the war, Indian political
leaders could join the Executive Council and run all government departments except armed forces.
Congress rejected the Cripps offer because it wanted independence at once. Britain was losing the in
Second World War so Gandhi called the Cripps proposals as “a post-dated cheque of a failing bank.”
2) [Separation of provinces] According to Cripps proposals, provinces could leave the Indian Union,
which was not acceptable to Congress. They thought it would divide India in many parts, and so rejected
the Cripps Offer.
3) [Quaid-e-Azam view] Cripps stated that the provinces were free to leave Indian Union. Mr. Jinnah
was pleased (happy) because the Muslim provinces could form Pakistan. But Jinnah feared that the
Hindu members would be in majority in new assembly and they would not allow Muslim provinces to
leave India. He wanted solid assurance (promise) for independent Pakistan, so he rejected Cripps
Mission of 1942.
4) [Quit India movement] it was clear from Cripps mission that British position in Second World War
was weak. Gandhi considered it as a chance to force the British to give India independence (self-rule). So
Congress rejected Cripps mission and started the Quit India Movement to push British out of India.

Q: why Quit India movement formed in 1942? [7]

[Cripps mission] It was clear from Cripps mission that British position in the World War II was weak.
British were facing defeats by Germany and Japan. British were eager for Indian help to win the war.
Cripps mission failed to Convince Congress and Muslim League parties. Congress rejected the Cripps
mission proposals and demanded independence from British at once. Congress started Quit India
movement to force British to gain freedom.
[Possible Japanese attack] Japanese army had captured Singapore, Hong Kong and entered in Burma
which was in neighbor of India. There was a risk of attack by Japanese army on India. In Gandhi’s opinion
Japan was only enemy of Britain and after British defeat Japan would handover government of India to
Congress party. Due to this wishful thinking Gandhi started Quit India movement to push British out of
India.

Topic: Gandhi-Jinnah talks 1944.

Q: Why Gandhi-Jinnah talks failed? [7] (N-2017)

Ans: Gandhi-Jinnah talks were held to discuss the issue of Pakistan.

1) [Pakistan after independence] Gandhi proposed to solve Pakistan issue after freedom from British
but Quaid-e-Azam rejected it. Quaid-e-Azam thought it as a trap. Congress would not keep its promise
after departure of British from India.
2) [Rejection of Two-Nation theory] Gandhi rejected two nation-theory because he claimed that
Muslims of India were only converts from Hinduism or Sikhism and they could not be considered a
nation only by changing their religion. He said he could not find any example in the world history in
support of Muslim nationhood in India. Quaid stated that Hindus and Muslims of India had separate
culture, language and religion so they were separate nation.

3) [Partition of Bengal and Punjab] Gandhi accepted that Sindh, N.W.F.P and Balochistan were
Muslim majority provinces but Gandhi wanted division of Punjab, Bengal and Assam because they
were partly Muslim provinces but Jinnah refused. Quaid-e-Azam stated that these six provinces should
join Pakistan as whole unit.
4) [Common defence] Gandhi wanted common defense and foreign policy of Pakistan and India but
Quaid-e-Azam wanted fully independent Pakistan.
5) [Gandhi as spokesman] Gandhi claimed that he was speaking for all India. Jinnah reminded him that
he was just spokesman of Congress. It was also a reason of the failure of talks.

Topic: Simla conference 1945.

Q Why Simla conference of 1945 failed? [7]
Ans: [Differences of Muslim seats] (a) in 1945 at the end of Second World War the viceroy, Lord Wavell,
wanted to give self-government to India. Viceroy Wavell invited all Indian political parties at Simla to set
up an Executive Council to govern the country. (b) He proposed (suggested) equal number of Hindu and
Muslim Ministers in the executive council. Congress party claimed that it had right to appoint one
Muslim seat because Congress Party represent whole India. (c) Quaid-e-Azam took firm stand and
clearly stated that Muslim league had right to nominate (appoint) all Muslim members because Muslim
league had won every single by-election in last three years on Muslim seats. Conference failed on the
issue of appointment (selection) of Muslim members.

[Lack of trust] (a) The Muslim league was also worried that Sikhs and low caste Hindu members of
council would usually (mostly) vote Congress party. In that way Muslims would never be able to share
power. The Government of India would be in the hands of Hindus. (b) Quaid refused to join a
government in which Muslims would always be in a minority. Muslims would not be able to make a
single decision without the support (help) of the Congress members. (c) Quaid-i-Azam rejected the
Wavell Plan because after years of dealing with the Congress, he had no trust in Congress party to act
fairly with Muslims. Quid-i-Azam demanded to setup Pakistan.

Q: Do you agree that during the second world was there was no significant progress towards
independence in the sub-continent? Give reasons for your answer. [14]

Ans: [Cripps mission 1942]

[Congress view] The British needed Indian support in the WW II. Cripps offered complete independence
to India at the end of the war. During the war, Indian political leaders could join the Executive Council
and run all government departments except armed forces. Congress rejected the Cripps offer because it
wanted independence at once. Britain was losing in the Second World War so Gandhi called the
proposals as “a post-dated cheque of a bank that was failing.” [Separation of provinces] According to
Cripps proposals, provinces could leave the Indian Union, which was not acceptable to Congress. They
thought it would divide India in many parts. [Quaid-e-Azam view] Jinnah was disappointed because he
wanted solid assurance (promise) for independent Pakistan, so he rejected Cripps Mission of 1942.
[Gandhi-Jinnah talks 1944] Gandhi-Jinnah talks were held on the issue of Pakistan. The talks showed
that Gandhi had accepted Jinnah as a major leader. [Pakistan after independence] Gandhi proposed to
solve Pakistan issue after freedom from British but Quaid-e-Azam rejected it but this showed his
conditional acceptance of Pakistan. [Rejection of Two-Nation theory] Gandhi rejected two nation-
theory because Muslims of India were converted (changed) from Hindu to Muslim. Quaid stated that
Hindu and Muslim of India had separate culture, language and religion they are separate nations.
[Common defence] Gandhi wanted common defense and foreign policy of Pakistan and India but Quaid-
e-Azam wanted fully independent Pakistan. [Gandhi as spokesman] Gandhi considered (declared)
himself to be speaking for all India. Jinnah reminded him that he was just spokesman of Congress.

[Simla conference of 1945]

[Nomination of Muslim seats] (a) in 1945 at the end of Second World War the viceroy, Wavell invited
all Indian political parties at Simla to set up an executive council to govern the country. (b) He proposed
(suggested) equal number of Hindu and Muslim Ministers in the executive council. Congress claimed
(stated) that it had right to appoint one Muslim seat because Congress represent whole India. (c) Quaid-
e-Azam clearly stated that Muslim league had right to nominate (appoint) all Muslim members because
Muslim league had won every single by-election in last three years on Muslim seats. Conference failed
on the issue of appointment (selection) of Muslim members. [Lack of trust] (a) The Muslim league was
also worried that Sikhs and low caste Hindu members of council would usually (mostly) vote Congress. In
that way Muslims would never be able to share power. (b) Quaid-i-Azam rejected the Wavell Plan
because after years of dealing with the Congress, he had no trust in Congress to act fairly with Muslims.
Quid-i-Azam demanded to setup Pakistan.
These negations were all successful because each of these resulted in building more pressure on British
by both INC and ML the cumulative result was that British had to leave as well the partition of India.

Q: Why did Muslim League perform better in the 1945/46 election? (7)
Ans: [Congress rule 1937-39] Congress had set up anti-Muslim policies during its rule from 1937 to
1939. Azan and cow slaughtering was banned in many areas. Anti-Muslim song Band-e-Matram was set
up as national song. In Wardha educational scheme Hindi was adopted as medium of education and
Hindu religious personalities were shown as Heroes in syllabus. Muslims of India realized that Congress
was promoting (backing) only Hindu interests. Muslims of India got united and voted Muslim League to
protect their rights.
[Lahore resolution] In 1937 elections there was no difference in election plans of Muslim League and
Congress. But in 1940 Muslim League passed Lahore resolution in which separate country for Muslims of
India was demanded. Muslim League took part in 1945 elections in the name of Pakistan. Muslims of
India were attracted by Muslim League’s plan of Pakistan so they voted Muslim League. Muslim League
was successful in winning majority of Muslim seats.

Topic: Cabinet mission 1946.

Q: Why Cabinet mission plan failed? [7]
Ans: [Cabinet plan] In May 1946, the Cabinet Mission announced their final plan and stated that it was
up to the major parties of India to accept or reject the plan. The Cabinet Mission rejected the idea of
independent Pakistan and suggested that the provinces of India should be divided in three groups,
Group A with Hindu majority provinces, Group B with Muslim majority and Group C with Bengal and
Assam. These groups would have maximum authority and could form their own constitutions. A Central
government would only control defense and foreign affairs.
[Congress attitude] The plan failed due to Congress attitude (way of thinking). The Congress party
believed that Cabinet Missions plan was only proposal and was open to discussion and change. Both the
British and the Muslim League agreed that Congress was only interested in trying to get power as soon
as possible so they could deal with the Muslim League and princely states themselves.
[Nehru statement] Although the Muslim League was unhappy with Cabinet Mission due to rejection of
an independent Pakistan. Jinnah said that he was willing to nominate Muslim League members in the
interim Cabinet. In July 1946, Nehru stated Congress would change the plan after British departure from
India. This statement destroyed Cabinet Plan. Even Azad, a senior Muslim Congress leader, felt that
Nehru's statement had changed the course of history.

Topic: Radcliffe Commission 1947.

Q: What was Radcliffe Awards and how did it affect Bengal and Punjab? [7]
Ans: [Purpose] at the time of independence provincial assemblies of Punjab and Bengal decided that
Muslim majority areas of Punjab and Bengal would join Pakistan and Hindu majority areas would join
India. (b) Viceroy Lord Mountbatten had setup Radcliff commission for partition of Punjab and Bengal
between Pakistan and India.
[Partition of Punjab] Radcliffe commission was unjust to Pakistan in division of Punjab, Muslim majority
districts Ferozepur, and Gurdaspur of Punjab were handed over to India, Millions of Muslim from these
districts were forced to migrate to Pakistan, canal water dispute was created, land route to Kashmir was
given to India created Kashmir problem.
[Partition of Bengal] In Bengal Muslim majority districts Murshadabad, Nadia and Maldha were also
handed over to India. Calcutta was given to India despite its economy was attached with East Bengal.

Q: Were the 14 points of Mr. Jinnah the most important achievement of Mr. Jinnah between 1929 and
1947? Do you agree? [14] (Five points are enough) (Oct-12)
Ans: [Fourteen points 1929] Jinnah presented his fourteen points in answer of the Nehru report of
1928. Muslim League had rejected the Nehru report due to many reasons. Nehru report had rejected
separate electorates and one third seats for Muslims in the central government. Jinnah proposed three
changes in the report but Congress did not accept them. In his fourteen points Jinnah wanted to protect
rights of Muslims. He demanded one third Muslims seats in the centre. These 14 points became the
basis of any future discussion of Muslim League with the Congress or the British. Fourteen points was
the first step to Muslim separate homeland.
[Congress rule] During the Congress rule from 1937-39, Jinnah organized the Muslim League. He visited
different provinces of India to raise the vote bank (support) of Muslim League, As a result of his efforts
(hard work); Muslim League membership increased mainly in the Muslim majority provinces. He was
also able to improve the image of Muslim League. Jinnah asked all Muslims to celebrate day of
deliverance at the end of Congress Rule in December 1939.
[Lahore resolution] The Lahore resolution was passed by Muslim League in March 1940 under
leadership of Jinnah. In this resolution Muslim League demanded a separate Muslim state in the north-
western and north-eastern Muslim majority provinces of India. It was the start of active struggle for
Pakistan. Now, Jinnah and Muslim League had become the only hope for the Muslims to get separate
homeland for them.
[Cripps mission 1942] Cripps Mission stated that new assembly would be setup after the war and India
would get freedom. The plan allowed any province to leave the India. But Jinnah feared that the Hindu
members would be in majority in new assembly and they would not allow Muslim provinces to leave
India. He wanted solid assurance (promise) for independent Pakistan, so he rejected Cripps Mission of
1942.
[Gandhi-Jinnah talks 1944] Gandhi-Jinnah talks failed but for first time Gandhi discussed the issue of
Pakistan. Congress for the first time discussed the idea of Pakistan with Muslim League on the base of
equality. Mr. Jinnah remained firm and refused to take back the demand of Pakistan. Gandhi’s partly
accepted the idea of Pakistan was the main outcome (result) of these talks. Jinnah rejected Gandhi’s
idea to gain independence first and settle the issue, of Pakistan later.
[1945 elections] The success of the Muslim League in the 1945 election proved to speed up the struggle
for achieving Pakistan. Muslim League had won most of the Muslim seats in the Central and Provincial
Assemblies. The major reason of Muslim League success in 1945 election was the efforts of Jinnah.
Success in elections raised the spirit of Muslims to continue their struggle for Pakistan.
[Direct Action Day] after the failure of Cabinet Mission Plan Viceroy Lord Wavell decided to handover
the government of India to Congress Party. Muslim League was worried about the future of Muslims
after the departure of British from India. Congress party was claiming that they had destroyed the
dream of Pakistan. To show Indian Muslims unity, strength and faith in Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam decided
to celebrate Direct Action Day on 16th August 1946 in peaceful manner but it changed in to Hindu-
Muslim riots. 4000 people were killed in Calcutta. British realized that country is moving towards civil
war so considered the proposal of the partition of India seriously.
[3rd June plan] Finally, due to the efforts (hard work) of Mr. Jinnah, Lord Mount Batten announced the
future of India in 3rd June plan, 1947. In this plan, British Government declared division of British Indian
in to two Free states India and Pakistan. The Muslim League accepted the plan. Pakistan was finally
accepted by the British. It seems that 14 points were the most important achievement of Jinnah
between 1929 and 1947. Jinnah 14th points had forced the British and Congress to hold a series of talks
with Jinnah in the 1940’s that ended in the form of creation of Pakistan.
The 14 points were the most important achievement, because if Jinnah had not presented them neither
the British nor Congress would have been forced t hold series of negotiations with Jinnah in 1940’s that
culminated in the form of creating Pakistan.

Q To what extend was Direct action Day more significant in the creation of Pakistan than other key
events of the 1940s? Explain your answer. [14]

Ans: [Lahore resolution] The Lahore resolution was passed by Muslim League in March 1940 under
leadership of Jinnah. In this resolution Muslim League demanded a separate Muslim state in the north-
western and north-eastern Muslim majority provinces of India. It was the start of active struggle for
Pakistan. Now, Jinnah and Muslim League had become the only hope for the Muslims to get separate
homeland for them.
[Cripps mission 1942] Cripps Mission stated that new assembly would be setup after the war and India
would get freedom. The plan allowed any province to leave the India. But Jinnah feared that the Hindu
members would be in majority in new assembly and they would not allow Muslim provinces to leave
India. He wanted solid assurance (promise) for independent Pakistan, so he rejected Cripps Mission of
1942.
[Gandhi-Jinnah talks 1944] Gandhi-Jinnah talks failed but for first time Gandhi discussed the issue of
Pakistan. Congress for the first time discussed the idea of Pakistan with Muslim League on the base of
equality. Mr. Jinnah remained firm and refused to take back the demand of Pakistan. Gandhi’s partly
accepted the idea of Pakistan was the main outcome (result) of these talks. Jinnah rejected Gandhi’s
idea to gain independence first and settle the issue, of Pakistan later.
[1945 elections] The success of the Muslim League in the 1945 election proved to speed up the struggle
for achieving Pakistan. Muslim League had won most of the Muslim seats in the Central and Provincial
Assemblies. The major reason of Muslim League success in 1945 election was the efforts of Jinnah.
Success in elections raised the spirit of Muslims to continue their struggle for Pakistan.
[3rd June plan] Finally, due to the efforts (hard work) of Mr. Jinnah, Lord Mount Batten announced the
future of India in 3rd June plan, 1947. In this plan, British Government declared division of British Indian
in to two Free states India and Pakistan. The Muslim League accepted the plan. Pakistan was finally
accepted by the British. It seems that 14 points were the most important achievement of Jinnah
between 1929 and 1947. Jinnah 14th points had forced the British and Congress to hold a series of talks
with Jinnah in the 1940’s that ended in the form of creation of Pakistan.
The 14 points were the most important achievement, because if Jinnah had not presented them neither
the British nor Congress would have been forced t hold series of negotiations with Jinnah in 1940’s that
culminated in the form of creating Pakistan.

Q: Was the work of Allama Iqbal more important to the Pakistan movement than that of Rehmat Ali?
Explain your answer. [14]

Ans: [Allama Iqbal] Iqbal was national poet and the most important Muslim leader of India. His
Allahabad address of 1930 was the main reason behind starting of Pakistan movement. In this address
he proved Muslims as a separate nation of India in the light of the Two Nation theory. He was against
British control over India. He wanted to see the Punjab, NWFP, Sindh and Balochistan should be joined
to set up a Muslim state. Iqbal was the first important Muslim leader to advocate the partition of India
to set up a separate Muslim state that's why he is known as founder of ideology of Pakistan. His idea
was seriously considered by many Muslims during the 1930’s. He represented Muslims in the second
and third round table conferences. He convinced Jinnah to return to India and lead the Muslim
community. He played important role in making Muslim League a popular party in Punjab. He was
rightly called the Designer of Pakistan because from March 1940 onwards the ML under Jinnah struggled
to achieve (fulfill) the dream of Iqbal.
[Ch. Rehmat Ali] Ch. Rehmat Ali was a student leader in Cambridge University in the 1930’s. He
attended the RTC’s as observer. During these years he developed the idea of a separate Muslim
homeland be made of Northwestern Muslim majority provinces of India. He gave the name Pakistan to
this new Muslim in his famous pamphlet “Now or Never”. The word Pakistan means “The Land of Pure”
and each letter in the word represent Muslim majority areas: P for Punjab, A for Afghania (NWFP), K for
Kashmir, I for Iran, S for Sindh, T for Turkaristan, A for Afghanistan and N for Balochistan. He tried to
convince Muslim leaders to launch (start) an active struggle to get Pakistan but most of them were not
ready to accept his views. Even Jinnah rejected his idea at that time. Later Jinnah and Muslim League
adopted the name Pakistan after Lahore Resolution. Ch. Rehmat Ali popularity was reduced when he
criticized Quaid-e-Azam on accepting partition of Bengal in 3rd June plan and leaving important Muslim
communities of Delhi, Agra and Lucknow in India. Ch.Rehmat was considered less important than Iqbal
since Jinnah take-up many ideas of Iqbal where as Jinnah refused to meet Ch.Rehmat Ali.
The services of Allama Iqbal were more important because it was his inspiring poetry that infused the
spirit of Muslim nationalism, his ideas inspired Ch Rahmat Ali and Mr. Jinnah to struggle for separate
Muslim state for Indian Muslims.

Events Name section: 01 Date: Events Name: Date:

Shah Wali Ullah 1703-62
Battle of Panipat 1761 Lucknow Pact 1916
Syed Ahmad Shaheed Bralvi 1786-1831 Amritsar Massacre 1919
Battle of Okara 1826 Montague-Chelmsford Reforms 1919
Death of Syed Ahmad at 1831 Khilafat Movement 1919-24
Ballakot
East India Company setup 1600 AD Hijrat to Afghanistan 1920
Battle of Plassey 1757 Chauri-Chaura incident 1922
Battle of Buxar 1764 Khilafat abolished by Attaturk 1924
Death of Tipu Sultan 1799 Arya Samaj setup by Dayanand 1877
Saraswati
British defeated in Kabul 1841 Hindu Mahasabha setup by Pandit 1923
Madan Mohan Malviya
Annexation of Sindh 1843 Delhi Proposals by Jinnah 1927
Annexation of Punjab 1849 Simon Commission 1927
Doctrine of Lapse was setup 1852 Nehru Report 1928
War of Independence 1857 Fourteen Points of Jinnah 1929
Sir Syed Muradabad School 1859 Salt March of Gandhi/Allahabad 1930
address
Sir Syed Scientific Society 1863 Congress established 1885
Sir Syed Ghazipur School 1864 Iqbal Allahabad address 1930
Urdu-Hindi Controversy 1867 Round Table Conferences 1930-32
Sir Syed travelled Britain 1869 Chaudry Rehmat Ali Now or Never 1933
M.A.O School 1875 The Congress rule 1937-39
Muhammadan Educational 1886 The Day of Deliverance 22Dec 1939
conference setup
Muhammadan defence Alliance 1893 World War 11 1939-45
Aligarh Muslim University 1920 The Lahore Resolution 1940
Section 2 dates: The Cripps Mission 1942
Congress established 1885 Quit India Movement 1942
Simla deputation 1906 Gandhi-Jinnah Talks 1944
Muslim League setup 1906 The Simla Conference 1945
Partition of Bengal 1905 The Cabinet Mission Plan 1946
Partition of Bengal reversed 1911 Direct Action Day 1946
rd
Morley-Minto Reforms 1909 Third June Plan 3 Jun 1947
World War 1 1914-18 Indian Independence Act July 1947
By Sir Bilal Sarwar from DMC Faisalabad (03228659670)

Chapter: 09 (1940 to 1947)

Q 36: what was Lahore resolution? [4]

Ans: Lahore resolution was presented by A.K.Fazl-ul-Haq. Lahore resolution was passed on 23rd march
1940 at Minto Park Lahore in annual session of Muslim league demanding separate home land for Indian
Muslim composed of north-western and north-eastern Muslim majority provinces of India. Later it was
known as Pakistan resolution.

Q 37: What was August offer? [4]

Ans: In Aug 1940 Viceroy Lord Linlithgow made an offer of full dominion status to India after war, Indian
would frame new constitution. Equal number of seats for Muslim in war council were not agreed so
Muslim league rejected the offer. August offer was also rejected by Congress because Muslim League
was assured that constitution would be accepted without their agreement.

Q 38: What was Cripps mission? [4]

Ans: 1942, Sir Stafford Cripps, in exchange for full support for war effort he promised full and complete
independence at end of war. Constitution would to be drawn up by Indians and Indian political parties
would join Executive Council with control of all government departments except armed forces during
war. Congress rejected it as wanting full control of India’s affairs then. Muslim League rejected it
because no mention of Pakistan. Gandhi stated it as failed bank etc, and started Quit India Movement.

Q 39: What was Quit India movement? [4]

Ans: It was clear from Cripps mission that British position in World War II was weak. Gandhi considered
weak British position in War as a golden chance to win independence of India. Congress on advise of
Gandhi started Quit India movement on 8 August 1942, Congress demanded immediate (at once)
independence from Britain, Congress advised congress workers to "Do or die". British crushed the
movement by force. Jinnah declared it as "Black mail".

Q 40: What was Gandhi -Jinnah talks? [4]

Ans: In 1944 Gandhi met with Jinnah to discuss Pakistan issue, It was first time when Pakistan issue was
discussed by senior Congress leader. Gandhi rejected two nation theory and Muslim league as
representative of Indian Muslim. He demanded joint defence and foreign affairs of Pakistan and India.
Gandhi wanted to resolve Pakistan issue after freedom from British but Quaid-e-Azam rejected his
proposals.

Q 41: What was Simla conference? [4]

Ans: In Simla conference 1945 viceroy lord Wavell proposed equal number of Hindu and Muslim seats in
executive council to form interim (temporary) government to organize British departure (going away)
from India. Congress demanded to nominate one Muslim member. Jinnah took firm stand on it so
conference failed.
Q 42: What was Cabinet mission plan? [4]
Ans: In 1946 a three member commission proposed to setup interim government to organize British
departure from India. Three tier (stage) system of government was proposed by Cabinet plan. Central
authority would control defence and foreign affairs. Provinces would be divided in three groups A, B and
C. Provinces would be allowed to quit Indian union after 10 years. First Muslim League accepted the
plan. Later Cabinet plan was destroyed by Nehru statement that they would change the plan after
British departure Muslim League rejected the Plan.

Q 43: Who was Lord Mount Batten? [4]

Ans: He was last viceroy of India belonged to British royal family. He took decision to divide British
Indian colony in two states India and Pakistan. Boundary Commission setup by him to divide Punjab and
Bengal was unjust to Pakistan. He became first governor-general of Indian after independence; he was
partly responsible of creating Kashmir dispute.

Q 44: What was direct action day? [4]

Ans: It was clear in 1946 that British were leaving India. Muslims of India feared that British would leave
India under Hindu majority rule so on 16th August 1946, Muslim league called for direct action day to
demonstrate (show) Muslim strength to the British and Congress. Muslim league planned peaceful
demonstrations (protest) but changed into Hindu-Muslim riots caused 4000 deaths in Calcutta also
known as great Calcutta killings.

Q 45: What was 3rd June plan? [4]

Ans: On 3rd June 1947 British announced to setup two states India and Pakistan with dominion status
(power to rule); act of 1935 would be interim constitution of both states. Muslim majority provinces
would vote either to join Pakistan or India. Provincial assembly of Sindh voted to join Pakistan. Punjab
and Bengal provincial assemblies voted to divide provinces between India and Pakistan. NWFP joined
Pakistan after referendum. Shahi jirga of Balochistan also voted for Pakistan.

Q 46: What was Radcliffe award? [4]

Ans: Radcliffe commission was appointed (set up) by last viceroy Mount Batten to draw boundary
between Muslim and non-Muslim majority areas of Punjab and Bengal provinces. It was headed by Sir
Cyril Radcliffe with two members each from Congress and Muslim league. Its decision was unjust for
Pakistan in division of Punjab and Bengal. Muslim majority areas of Punjab Ferozepur, Gurdaspur and
Jullander were handed over to India. In Bengal province Muslim majority areas Nadia and Murshadabad
districts were handed over to India.
Source B Questions
What does source B suggest about the attempts to solve the problems of the sub-continent in 1945?

Ans: This source is representing the negotiations at Simla in 1945. The negotiators don’t appear to be
cooperating with each other. One (Jinnah) is looking bored and the other (Gandhi) appears to be floating
above the ground suggesting that he is in another place rather than sat round the table. The observer
(Lord Wavell the Viceroy from Britain) is watching. His face suggests that he is impatient and he is
looking at his watch. They are perhaps thoughtful. Their faces show they are thinking about their next
move/waiting to see what move the other makes. Using a game of chess in the source suggests the
negotiations were complex and took time which clearly the British didn’t want to waste.
[By Sir Bilal Sarwar from DMC Phone 03228659670)