P1 Chapter 9 Freedom Movement 1939-47 Notes Series PKST BY MR ZUNAIR

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CHAPTER 9 FREEDOM MOVEMENT 1939-1947
Pakistan Studies 2059
History & Culture of Pakistan
Chapter Number 9
Freedom Movement of Pakistan during 1939-1947
TABLE OF CONTENT
o TIMELINE FOR CHAPTER
o CHAPTER SUMMARY
o KEY DETAILS & EVENTS FROM CHAPTER
o EXPECTED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS FROM TOPICS
o EXPECTED QUESTIONS CHECKLIST
o IMPORTANT SOURCE BASE QUESTIONS
o MARKING SCHEME FOR CHAPTER
AID TO LEARN BY MR ZUNAIR
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TIMELINE OF CHAPTER
1939 – Start of World War 2 / Day of Deliverance by AIML

1940 – Pakistan/Lahore Resolution
1942 – Cripps Mission in India / Quit India Resolution
1944 – Gandhi Jinnah talks
1945 – Wavell plan / Simla conference / End of World War 2
1945 – Elections of 1945
1946 – Cabinet Mission Plan
1946 – Direct Action Day / The Calcutta Killings/Riots
1947 – 3RD June Plan / Redcliff awards
1947 – The Independence Act / Birth of Pakistan
CHAPTER SUMMARY
Indeed, birth of Pakistan is end result of the political developments occurred during 1857-1947 in
history of Sub-continent under British Raj. This Chapter details about those important political
developments which played most instrumental role in this struggle by covering the political history
of Pakistan movement during 1939-47. The outbreak of second world war and unsatisfied nature
of the political governance in Sub-continent worked as a catalyst in birth of Pakistan and India
during August 1947, after a hectic political struggle started soon after war of independence 1857
by the natives of Subcontinent. In this journey the years 1939 to 1947 were the most decisive one
as the political struggle of Indians mainly under the leadership of Indian National Congress and
All India Muslim league was finally able to achieve the major aims & objectives behind this
movement which were to get rid of the British rule and govern India as per political, social,
economic and religious desires or necessities of the local communities living in India.
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The events like Lahore resolution of 1940, failure of Cripps mission plan in 1942 cabinet mission
of 1946 or Wavell plan of 1945 played key role in finalizing this struggle till 1947 as these were
those important developments in political history of British India which streamed line and shaped
the goals of natives of Indians mainly Muslims who did not only adopted a new political manifesto
during these years under Lahore resolution for Creation of Pakistan but also pushed British rule
out of India by August 1947. The main concern and emphasis while understanding and reading
this most valuable phase of freedom movement must be to analysis the significance of all these
events covered in timeline of this chapter from 1939 to 1947 so that a broad point of view could
be established regarding the focal point of enquiry of this entire section starting from 1885
formation of Indian national congress ending at Independence act of India 1947 that “How
Pakistan came into being during 1885-1947.” The political developments during world war 2 in
Sub-continent like Quit India Resolution, Failure of Gandhi Jinnah Talks in 1944, Elections of India
during 1945 or Great Calcutta Killings of 1946 further highlighted the issue of political governance
of this region under British rule which assisted Mohammad Ali Jinnah and his team under AIML
to attain the ultimate goal of Pakistan movement based on having a separate homeland for the
Muslims of Sub-continent where they can enjoy existence as per religious, social, cultural and
political believes and practices of the respective community. British attempts in context of
reforming India politically by trying to resolve the problems of governance in Sub-continent for
smooth functioning of the British colonial rule in India during this phase and to avoid any partition
plan of sub-continent through various initiatives like Cripps mission, Wavell plan, cabinet mission
plan on the primary bases must be deeply understood by an observer or student of this chapter
and on the secondary bases response of local communities mainly Muslims and Hindus under
their political mentors like Gandhi & Jinnah towards these initiative’s should be keenly learnt for
comprehensively answering this portion of the syllabus & scoring effective results from
assessment objectives laid by course in section 2.
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KEY DETAILS & FACTS FROM CHAPTER 9:
Key information which is required to answer this chapter is based on
1. Understanding congress rule in Sub-continent between the years 1937-39
2. Understanding Origin, events and impacts of World War 2 on Indian political history
during freedom movement from 1939-47.
3. Learning about Day of deliverance & how it was observed by AIML?
4. Explaining about Lahore/Pakistan Resolution of 1940 and its impacts on Pakistan
movement.
5. Understanding the arrival, proposals & failures of Cripps mission of 1942.
6. Elaborating Quit India resolution of Indian national congress during 1942.
7. Explaining the account, reasons, impacts and causes of failures behind Gandhi Jinnah
talks of 1944 on freedom movement during 1939-47.
8. Analyzing the Wavell plan of 1945 during Simla conference and causes of its rejection
by AIML.
9. Understanding the account of elections of 1945 its results reasons of success of AIML
and impacts on the freedom movement.
10. Elaborating Arrival of Cabinet Mission in India its proposals and reasons behind rejection
by AIML & INC.
11. Explaining the events like Direct Action Day 1946 / Great Calcutta killings 1946 and
impacts of these developments on freedom movement of Pakistan.
12. Understanding the importance of 3 rd June plan and Redcliff awards in creation of
Pakistan during 1947.
13. Explaining the significance of Independence act of 1947 in establishment of Pakistan.
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1. ERA OF CONGRESS TYRANNY 1937-39
The elections of 1937 and formation of congress ministries in India during 1937 assisted the
Separatist movement of Muslims of India the most as the victimizing and suppressive rule of
congress in India proved to the Muslim community that existence under Hindu dominated India is
impossible. The introduction of such policies like Wardha scheme, Vidya Mandir scheme &
Bande-e-Mahtram socially and politically isolated the Muslims of India which added a new spirit
of nationalism in the Muslim community. Congress rule during 1937-39 did not only assisted the
Pakistan movement in the later years but also marked a sharp line between the hopes of Hindu
Muslim unity against the British rule. These years of congress tyranny for the Muslims in India
worked as realizational period in which not only AIML was accepted as savior of their social and
political existence in Sub-continent but also these developments united the Muslims of India under
the flag of All India Muslim league and Jinnah which paved way towards creation of Pakistan by
August 1947 as Muslims now were never ready to see another day under the congress rule.
2. START OF WORLD WAR 2 1939

On 3rd September 1939 World War 2 broke out between the two groups based on triple alliance
of France, Britain and United States against triple axis of Germany, Japan & Italy. It was the
biggest and deadliest war in history which was fought for almost continuous six years. Same
situation arose for the British government in India as it was during the first world war that during
the second world war, they were relying on the Indian support against Nazi Germany but Indians
under the leadership of congress and All India Muslim league were never ready to be part of this
conflict instead they were looking forward to use this development to mount more pressure on the
British government to resolve their political concerns. World war 2 provided an opportunity to
people of Sub-continent to organize themselves for getting rid of the British rule as because of
the British engagements in it and hammering faced by the Britain against Nazi Germany on
various battle fields it was getting more tougher & tougher for the British government to keep a
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strong grip on the sub-continent. Congress took a very bold step in this context by resigning from
the congress ministries 1937-1939. The resignations and start of non-cooperation movement by
the Indian national congress created more trouble for the British government in governance of
India. Further Lahore resolution was passed in 1940 by the All-India Muslim league demanding a
separate homeland for the Muslims of India which also disturbed the British plans regarding Sub-
continent at large. Although British got victorious in second world war by 1945 but the economic
and political destruction faced by the British empire pushed them towards withdrawal from sub-
continent by 1947.Second world war and its developments were an important factor in the creation
of Pakistan as it did not only gave a breathing space to people of India against British colonial
rule which was channelized brilliantly by the Indian national congress for Hindu nationalism and
for the Muslims of India by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, but also this development played key role in
British withdrawal from Sub-continent as British after the second world war wanted to focus on
recovering itself from the damages faced during the war against Nazi Germany and its allies
instead of fixing the political issues of the sub-continent or elsewhere . it is not wrong to denote
that creation of Pakistan was the end result of various domestic political developments of India
during 1939-47 but also some international or external developments as well like outbreak of
second world war in 1939 till 1945.
EXPECTED 4 MARKS QUESTIONS FROM TOPIC
Write about World War 2 in detail?
Was the outbreak of the second World War 2 the most important development during 1939-47
resulting into creation of Pakistan? Explain your answer.
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ANSWERS FOR EXPECTED QUESTIONS FROM TOPIC
4 MARKS
Write about World War 2?
On 3rd September 1939 World War 2 broke out between the two groups based on triple alliance
of France, Britain, and United States against triple axis of Germany, Japan & Italy. It was the
biggest and deadliest war in history which was fought for almost continuous six years from
1939-1945 causing death to 70 to 80 million people. Britain who was ruling over sub-continent
during that period of history granted independence to Pakistan and India in 1947 as a
consequence of this event of world history.
14 MARKS
Was the outbreak of the second World War 2 the most important development during
1939-47 resulting into creation of Pakistan? Explain your answer.
The years between 1940-47 were the most vital years in the struggle for creation of Pakistan.
Events like Lahore resolution, Quit India movement and 3 rd June plan of 1947 did not only
streamed line the freedom movement of Pakistan but also brought this struggle to a fruitful end
by August 1947. No doubt in this context outbreak of the Second World War 2 was one of the
most important development towards partition of sub-continent as on 3rd September 1939 World
War 2 broke out between the two groups based on triple alliance of France, Britain and United
States against triple axis of Germany, Japan & Italy. Same situation arose for the British
government in India as it was during the first world war that during the second world war, they
were relying on the Indian support against Nazi Germany but Indians under the leadership of
congress and All India Muslim league were never ready to be part of this conflict instead they
were looking forward to use this development to mount more pressure on the British government
to resolve their political concerns. World war 2 provided an opportunity to people of Sub-continent
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to organize themselves for getting rid of the British rule as because of the British engagements in
it and hammering faced by the Britain against Nazi Germany on various battle fields it was getting
more tougher & tougher for the British government to keep a strong grip on the sub-continent.
Congress took a very bold step in this context by resigning from the congress ministries 1937-
1939. The resignations and start of non-cooperation movement by the Indian national congress
created more trouble for the British government in governance of India. Further Lahore resolution
was passed in 1940 by the All-India Muslim league demanding a separate homeland for the
Muslims of India which also disturbed the British plans regarding Sub-continent at large. Although
British got victorious in second world war by 1945 but the economic and political destruction faced
by the British empire pushed them towards withdrawal from sub-continent by 1947
Furthermore, apart from outbreak of the World War 2 another event played key role in division of
sub-continent into Pakistan and India during the phase of 1939-47 which was Pakistan resolution
of 1940. Lahore resolution contributed a lot in the establishment of a separate homeland for
Muslims as Pakistan resolution of 1940 was a resolution that All India Muslim league passed on
23rd March 1940 in its annual session in Lahore held at Minto Park presently known as Greater
Iqbal Park. The Muslim league leaders and the premier of Bengal Molvi Fazul-ul-Haq had
presented this resolution in the session. The resolution stated that the Muslim majority areas in
north west and north east of India should be constituted into independent and sovereign Muslim
states to solve the constitutional problems of India for ever. This resolution played key role in the
creation of Pakistan as Pakistan resolution enhanced the ownership of All India Muslim league,
Muslims worried about what would be their future in post British India. Congress tyranny in its rule
during 1937-39 had alienized Muslims who now were looking at the league as their only hope.
When the Muslim league passed the Lahore resolution demanding a separate Muslims state the
Muslims of Indian sub-continent supported it whole heartedly. Moreover, Pakistan resolution was
the first formal demand of Pakistan. After the Allahabad address of 1930 by Iqbal & Ch Rehmat
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Ali’s proposal of Pakistan in 1933 under Pakistan resolution the league demanded for the first
time a separate homeland for the Indian Muslims this was something that is continuously rejected
by it now had becomes its slogan the reason behind this shift in the policy of the league was the
congress anti Muslim policies it adopted and persuaded persistently. Apart from this resolution
another important development
Besides these another development leading to creation of Pakistan and India during these
years was quit India movement. Indian national congress led by Gandhi passed Quit India
resolution in August 1942 demanding immediate departure or withdrawal of British government
from sub-continent and stressed upon the need of independence of India. Mass civil disobedience
movement started in India followed by strikes rallies and non-cooperation towards the British rule
by the local community under this resolution. Muhammad Ali Jinnah & AIML disapproved this
move of INC and did not support this stance of Gandhi. The major aim & objective behind this
move was to mount more pressure on the British government during their engagements in second
world war so that nationalist agendas of the local communities could be achieved compressively.
Lastly, the coining of 3rd June plan of 1947 was presented by British which also played key role
in this context. 3rd June plan of 1947 was the partition plan of sub-continent which was approved
by British government in order to grant independence to sub-continent. It is also known as
Mountbatten plan as it was drafted under the supervision of the last British viceroy of Sub-
continent Lord Mountbatten. Under this plan Indian Sub-continent would be divided into two
independent states of India & Pakistan on 15th August 1947. Muslims in the Muslim majority
provinces will be given the choice to choose between Pakistan & India. Government of India
act 1935 will be the constitution of both these states until they will have their own drafts of
constitutions. it was not only acceptance of Pakistan resolution by both INC and British but
also it was the development which gave Muslims for what they were struggling for more than
three decades. 3rd June plan outclassed the attempts of congress to prevent partition of British
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India which did not only gave Muslims freedom from British suppression but also from Hindu
domination and victimization.
Freedom movement of sub-continent reached its zenith during the years 1939-47 all these
developments did not only finalize this struggle but also granted Muslims and Hindus of Sub-
continent with liberty from victimization and suppression of the British rule. Muslims of India under
the leadership of M.Ali Jinnah during all the above mentioned developments outclassed political
interests of congress and British government leading towards victory of their vision and demand
of Pakistan by August 1947.The struggle and sacrifices made by the Muslims in this context finally
resulted into division of sub-continent getting influenced by all these developments.
3. DAY OF DELIVERANCE 1939
With the beginning of second world war on 3rd September 1939 British started to lose its interest
in the political situation of sub-continent and by taking advantage of the British engagements in
this global conflict to mount more pressure on the British government regarding concerns of India
Congress resigned from the ministries which marked end of the congress rule in Sub-continent
which was during 1937-39. It was a good omen for the Muslims of India as the congress rule from
1937-39 was based on extreme persecutions and communal discrimination of the Muslims further
it was been observed as period of Congress tyranny by the respective community because of the
suppressive nature of the Congress rule. All India Muslim league under Muhammad Ali Jinnah
declared this development as a sign of relief for the Muslims as the Congress rule of victimization
and alienization of the Muslim community was now over. On 2 December 1939 League under
Muhammad Ali Jinnah called upon Indian Muslims to celebrate 22 December as ‘Deliverance
Day’ from Congress. He stated, “I wish the Muslims all over India to observe Friday 22 December
as the “Day of Deliverance” and thanksgiving as a mark of relief that the Congress regime has, at
last, ceased to function.” Muslims offered Salat-ul-Shukar in various parts of India with Friday
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prayer in congregational manner like Punjab Sindh Bombay Calcutta & Lucknow to displayed
clear rejection of the Congress policies and style of governance. However, The Congress
criticized this move of the League. Mahatma Gandhi appealed to Jinnah to desist from observing
this day. The observation of Day of deliverance indeed played a key role in the struggle for
Pakistan as it united the Muslims of India against bias Congress approach in politics further helped
Muslim league to get popularized as the champion of Muslims rights in sub-continent. During this
development Muslims of India did not only rejected existence under INC but also showed trust
upon All India Muslim league as their representative. Observation of Day of deliverance revitalized
the sense of nationalism in Muslim community of India which triggered a revolutionary struggle of
Muslims during 1940s for the creation of Pakistan as their separate homeland.
What was day of deliverance 1939?
Do you think that observation of the day of deliverance in 1939 was the most important
development towards creation of Pakistan between the years 1939 to 1947? Explain your answer
4 MARKS
What was day of deliverance 1939?
The Muslim League observed Day of Deliverance on 22 December 1939 when the Congress
Party members who were part of the Central and provincial governments resigned in mass
protesting the Viceroy’s decision to make India a party to the Second World War without duly
consulting Indians. Muslims offered Salat-ul-Shukar in various parts of India with Friday prayer in
congregational manner like Punjab Sindh Bombay Calcutta & Lucknow to displayed clear
rejection of the Congress policies and style of governance. However, The Congress criticized this
move of the League. Mahatma Gandhi appealed to Jinnah to desist from observing this day.
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14 MARKS
Do you think that observation of the day of deliverance in 1939 was the most important
development towards creation of Pakistan between the years 1939 to 1947? Explain your
answer
by August 1947. No doubt in this context Day of deliverance was one of the most important
development towards partition of sub-continent. The Muslim League observed Day of Deliverance
on 22 December 1939 when the Congress Party members who were part of the Central and
provincial governments resigned in mass protesting the Viceroy’s decision to make India a party
to the Second World War without duly consulting Indians. Muslims offered Salat-ul-Shukar in
various parts of India with Friday prayer in congregational manner like Punjab Sindh Bombay
Calcutta & Lucknow to displayed clear rejection of the Congress policies and style of governance.
However, The Congress criticized this move of the League. Mahatma Gandhi appealed to Jinnah
to desist from observing this day.
The observation of Day of deliverance indeed played a key role in the struggle for Pakistan as it
united the Muslims of India against bias Congress approach in politics further helped Muslim
league to get popularized as the champion of Muslims rights in sub-continent. During this
development Muslims of India did not only rejected existence under INC but also showed trust
upon All India Muslim league as their representative. Observation of Day of deliverance revitalized
the sense of nationalism in Muslim community of India which triggered a revolutionary struggle of
Muslims during 1940s for the creation of Pakistan as their separate homeland.
Furthermore, apart from Day of Deliverance another event played key role in division of sub-
continent into Pakistan and India during the phase of 1939-47 which was 3rd June plan of 1947.
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rd
3 June plan of 1947 was the partition plan of sub-continent which was approved by British
government in order to grant independence to sub-continent. It is also known as Mountbatten
plan as it was drafted under the supervision of the last British viceroy of Sub-continent Lord
Mountbatten. Under this plan Indian Sub-continent would be divided into two independent
states of India & Pakistan on 15th August 1947. Muslims in the Muslim majority provinces will
be given the choice to choose between Pakistan & India. Government of India act 1935 will
be the constitution of both these states until they will have their own drafts of constitutions. it
was not only acceptance of Pakistan resolution by both INC and British but also it was the
development which gave Muslims for what they were struggling for more than three decades.
3rd June plan outclassed the attempts of congress to prevent partition of British India which
did not only gave Muslims freedom from British suppression but also from Hindu domination
and victimization.
Besides these another development leading to creation of Pakistan and India during these
years was quit India movement. Indian national congress led by Gandhi passed Quit India
resolution in August 1942 demanding immediate departure or withdrawal of British government
from sub-continent and stressed upon the need of independence of India. Mass civil disobedience
movement started in India followed by strikes rallies and non-cooperation towards the British rule
by the local community under this resolution. Muhammad Ali Jinnah & AIML disapproved this
move of INC and did not support this stance of Gandhi. The major aim & objective behind this
move was to mount more pressure on the British government during their engagements in second
world war so that nationalist agendas of the local communities could be achieved compressively.
Lastly The Indian Independence Act was passed in 1947 by the British parliament based on
Mountbatten plan. The act created two new independent dominions states India and Pakistan.
Pakistan was split into West Pakistan and East Pakistan which is now Bangladesh. The Bengal
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and Punjab provinces were partitioned between in the two new countries further this act ordered
that the dominions of India and Pakistan should be demarcated by midnight of August 14–15,
1947, and that the assets of the world’s largest empire which had been integrated in countless
ways for more than a century be divided within a single month
4. PAKISTAN/LAHORE RESOLUTION OF 1940

Congress rule of 1937-39 and continuous failure of British government to device a satisfactory
political governance system in India from 1905 to 1939 pushed All India Muslim to adopt a
separatist approach for the Muslims of India by 1940. Every effort and sacrifice rendered by
Muslim community of India for attainment of their political identity in sub-continent was either
ignored or suppressed by the British government and Indian national congress since formation of
All India Muslim league in 1906 which assisted the passing of Pakistan resolution in
1940.Pakistan resolution and its adoption as the part of constitution of All India Muslim league
was a landmark event in freedom movement of Pakistan as it does not only changed the course
of Indian history only but having passed the Pakistan Resolution, the Muslims of India changed
their ultimate goal. Instead of seeking alliance with the Hindu community, they set out on a path
whose destination was a separate homeland for the Muslims of India. The passage of the Lahore
Resolution gave motivation to the freedom movement in a way that from this time the politics of
Jinnah and Muslim League ran towards the establishment of an independent state, which had its
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ultimate result in the division of the country in August in 1947. As a practical consequence of the
two nations theory two countries called Pakistan and India were born respectively on August 14
and on August 15. Pakistan resolution of 1940 was a resolution that All India Muslim league
passed on 23rd March 1940 in its annual session in Lahore held at Minto Park presently known
as Greater Iqbal Park. The Muslim league leaders and the premier of Bengal Molvi Fazul-ul-Haq
had presented this resolution in the session. The resolution stated that the Muslim majority areas
in north west and north east of India should be constituted into independent and sovereign Muslim
states to solve the constitutional problems of India for ever. The league called it Lahore resolution
for its passage in AIML session at city of Lahore. The Pakistan Resolution is a landmark in the
history of Muslim in India as it eventually decided the future of the sub-continent in many ways. To
understand its importance for the creation of Pakistan and freedom movement of this homeland
following details are vital.
1. Pakistan resolution and Birth of new vision and purpose for Muslims: Congress rule
1937 to 1939 had became a nightmare for many Muslims as the congress ministries
mistreated them Muslims thought congress victimized them because of their religion
despite their support to congress in the 1937 elections. Muslims now felt insecure and left
at the mercy of extremist elements. This saw uncertainty in times to come specially they
wondered what would happen after the British left India they could imagine a miserable
life that would be spent under congress or another anti-Muslim political party. Pakistan
resolution gave them a sense of direction and roadmap for a separate homeland seemed
the only savior to their worries and social economic and political problems now they had
an organization to guide them towards the achievement of Pakistan where they could live
as per their believes.
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2. Pakistan resolution & Birth of Pakistan: Muslims supported the league in its aims and
objectives they were helping in its efforts to push the British to accept the partition of India.
The untiring efforts of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his strong belief in two nation theory
were ultimately successful finally the Muslim league and Muslims had achieved the goal
of achieving a separate state for the Muslim in August 1947.
3. Pakistan resolution enhanced the ownership of All India Muslim league: Muslims
worried about what would be their future in post British India. Congress tyranny in its rule
during 1937-39 had alienized Muslims who now were looking at the league as their only
hope. When the Muslim league passed the Lahore resolution demanding a separate
Muslims state the Muslims of Indian sub-continent supported it whole heartedly.
4. Pakistan resolution as the first formal demand of Pakistan: After the Allahabad
address of 1930 by Iqbal & Ch Rehmat Ali’s proposal of Pakistan in 1933 under Pakistan
resolution the league demanded for the first time a separate homeland for the Indian
Muslims this was something that is continuously rejected by it now had becomes its slogan
the reason behind this shift in the policy of the league was the congress anti Muslim
policies it adopted and persuaded persistently. Muslim league attempted to work with
congress and reached a consensus on political and constitutional issues but to no avail
because of the anti-Muslim approach of the congress.
Multiple developments in the political history of Pakistan movement from 1927 to 1939 motivated
the birth of Pakistan resolution which indeed played decisive role in creation of Pakistan by 1947
following key reasons led this development which took place in 1940 under the title of Lahore
resolution or Pakistan resolution.
1. Congress rule of 1937-39: The elections of 1937 and formation of congress ministries in
India during 1937 assisted the Separatist movement of Muslims of India the most as the
victimizing and suppressive rule of congress in India proved to the Muslim community that
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existence under Hindu dominated India is impossible. The introduction of such policies
like Wardha scheme, Vidya Mandir scheme & Bande-e-Mahtram socially and politically
isolated the Muslims of India which added a new spirit of nationalism in the Muslim
community. Congress rule during 1937-39 did not only assisted the Pakistan movement
in the later years but also marked a sharp line between the hopes of Hindu Muslim unity
against the British rule which combinedly with other factors resulting in to passing of
Pakistan resolution in 1940.
2. Allahabad address and Now or Never: In 1930 during annual session of AIML in
Allahabad the prominent leader of the league Muhammad Iqbal envisioned the concept of
separate homeland for the Muslims in his presidential address further the contribution of
Ch.Rehmat Ali another Muslim nationalist from the league in 1933 by writing now or never
a pamphlet emphasizing on the need of a separate homeland for the Muslims which
assisted Muslims to adopt a new approach in the struggle of their political rights under
British India. These developments facilitated Muslim league to draw Lahore resolution as
these developments gained massive support for the ideas coined under them.
3. Unsatisfactory conditions of Muslims under British government: Since formation of
Muslim league in 1906 many political initiatives were taken by the British government to
reform India politically so that the natives of India could stay silent and non-reactive. The
reforms like Morley Minto reforms of 1909, Montague-Chelmsford reforms of 1919,
Simmon Commission of 1927, Communal awards of 1932 were given by British but all
were not satisfying the political needs of the Muslims hence the political deadlock between
the Muslims Hindus and British assisted the presentation of Pakistan resolution in 1940.
What was Pakistan resolution of 1940?
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Who was AK Fazul ul Haq?
Explain why Pakistan resolution of 1940 was important for the creation of Pakistan?
Why Pakistan resolution was passed during 1940?
Which of the following contributed the most to the establishment of a separate homeland for
Muslims?
(i) Pakistan resolution of 1940
(ii) Simla Conference 1945
(iii) Cabinet Mission Plan 1946?
Explain your answer with reference to all three of the above.
4 MARKS
What was Pakistan resolution of 1940?
Pakistan resolution of 1940 was a resolution that All India Muslim league passed on 23 rd March
1940 in its annual session in Lahore held at Minto Park presently known as Greater Iqbal Park.
The Muslim league leaders and the premier of Bengal Molvi Fazul-ul-Haq had presented this
resolution in the session. The resolution stated that the Muslim majority areas in north west and
north east of India should be constituted into independent and sovereign Muslim states to solve
the constitutional problems of India for ever. The league called it Lahore resolution for its passage
in AIML session at city of Lahore. The Pakistan Resolution is a landmark in the history of Muslim in
India as it eventually decided the future of the sub-continent in many ways.
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Who was AK Fazul ul Haq?
Abul Kasem Fazlul Huq, also known as “Sher-e-Bangla” (Tiger of Bengal) was such kind of a
leader who did a very useful and important political, social and educational contribution for the
Muslims of the sub-continent. He dedicated almost fifty precious years of his life to attaining
separate nation for the Muslims of India. The most important contribution of AK.Fazul ul Haq was
that he presented Pakistan resolution during march 1940 to demand a separate homeland for the
Muslims of India. In Pakistan, he is remembered as one of the country's founding statesmen who
played leading role as a separatist with Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other leaders of All India
Muslim league.
7 MARKS
Explain why Pakistan resolution of 1940 was important for the creation of Pakistan?
the constitutional problems of India for ever. This resolution played key role in the creation of
Pakistan as Pakistan resolution enhanced the ownership of All India Muslim league, Muslims
worried about what would be their future in post British India. Congress tyranny in its rule during
1937-39 had alienized Muslims who now were looking at the league as their only hope. When the
Muslim league passed the Lahore resolution demanding a separate Muslims state the Muslims
of Indian sub-continent supported it whole heartedly.
Moreover, Pakistan resolution was the first formal demand of Pakistan. After the Allahabad
resolution the league demanded for the first time a separate homeland for the Indian Muslims this
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was something that is continuously rejected by it now had becomes its slogan the reason behind
this shift in the policy of the league was the congress anti Muslim policies it adopted and
persuaded persistently. Muslim league attempted to work with congress and reached a
consensus on political and constitutional issues but to no avail because of the anti-Muslim
approach of the congress. Lastly, Congress rule 1937 to 1939 had become a nightmare for many
Muslims as the congress ministries mistreated them Muslims thought congress victimized them
because of their religion despite their support to congress in the 1937 elections. Muslims now felt
insecure and left at the mercy of extremist elements. This saw uncertainty in times to come
specially they wondered what would happen after the British left India they could imagine a
miserable life that would be spent under congress or another anti-Muslim political party. Pakistan
resolution gave them a sense of direction and roadmap for a separate homeland seemed the only
savior to their worries and social economic and political problems now they had an organization
to guide them towards the achievement of Pakistan where they could live as per their believes.
Besides this development another event played key role in this regard which was Simla
conference of 1945
Why Pakistan resolution was passed during 1940?
the constitutional problems of India for ever. This resolution was passed because of many reasons
like Since formation of Muslim league in 1906 many political initiatives were taken by the British
government to reform India politically so that the natives of India could stay silent and non-
reactive. The reforms like Morley Minto reforms of 1909, Montague-Chelmsford reforms of 1919,
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Simmon Commission of 1927, Communal awards of 1932 were given by British but all were not
satisfying the political needs of the Muslims hence the political deadlock between the Muslims
Hindus and British assisted the presentation of Pakistan resolution in 1940.
Further, In 1930 during annual session of AIML in Allahabad the prominent leader of the league
Muhammad Iqbal envisioned the concept of separate homeland for the Muslims in his presidential
address further the contribution of Ch.Rehmat Ali another Muslim nationalist from the league in
1933 by writing now or never a pamphlet emphasizing on the need of a separate homeland for
the Muslims which assisted Muslims to adopt a new approach in the struggle of their political
rights under British India. These developments facilitated Muslim league to draw Lahore
resolution as these developments gained massive support for the ideas coined under them.
Lastly, the elections of 1937 and formation of congress ministries in India during 1937 assisted
the Separatist movement of Muslims of India the most as the victimizing and suppressive rule of
congress in India proved to the Muslim community that existence under Hindu dominated India is
impossible. The introduction of such policies like Wardha scheme, Vidya Mandir scheme &
Bande-e-Mahtram socially and politically isolated the Muslims of India which added a new spirit
of nationalism in the Muslim community. Congress rule during 1937-39 did not only assisted the
Pakistan movement in the later years but also marked a sharp line between the hopes of Hindu
Muslim unity against the British rule which combinedly with other factors resulting in to passing of
Pakistan resolution in 1940.
14 MARKS
Which of the following contributed the most to the establishment of a separate homeland
for Muslims?
(i) Pakistan resolution of 1940
(ii) Wavell plan of 1945.
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by August 1947. No doubt in this context Lahore resolution contributed a lot in the establishment
of a separate homeland for Muslims as Pakistan resolution of 1940 was a resolution that All India
Muslim league passed on 23 rd March 1940 in its annual session in Lahore held at Minto Park
presently known as Greater Iqbal Park. The Muslim league leaders and the premier of Bengal
Molvi Fazul-ul-Haq had presented this resolution in the session. The resolution stated that the
Muslim majority areas in north west and north east of India should be constituted into independent
and sovereign Muslim states to solve the constitutional problems of India for ever. This resolution
played key role in the creation of Pakistan as Pakistan resolution enhanced the ownership of All
India Muslim league, Muslims worried about what would be their future in post British India.
Congress tyranny in its rule during 1937-39 had alienized Muslims who now were looking at the
league as their only hope. When the Muslim league passed the Lahore resolution demanding a
separate Muslims state the Muslims of Indian sub-continent supported it whole heartedly.
Moreover, Pakistan resolution was the first formal demand of Pakistan. After the Allahabad
resolution the league demanded for the first time a separate homeland for the Indian Muslims this
was something that is continuously rejected by it now had becomes its slogan the reason behind
this shift in the policy of the league was the congress anti Muslim policies it adopted and
persuaded persistently. Apart from this resolution another important development in this struggle
was Simla conference, Lord Wavell invited 21 political leaders including Mahatma Gandhi and
M.A Jinnah to Shimla, the summer capital of British India to discuss the Wavell Plan on June 25th,
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1945.The conference was a failure because the League and the Congress could not settle their
differences. Jinnah insisted that only League members could be the Muslim representatives in
the Council, and opposed to the Congress nominating Muslim members. This was because
Jinnah wanted the League to be the sole representative of Muslims in India. Congress would
never agree to this demand. In the Wavell Plan, there were 6 Muslim representatives out of 14
members, which was more than the Muslim share of the population. Despite this, the League
wanted the power of veto to any constitutional proposal which it believed was not in its interest.
Congress opposed this unreasonable demand also. Jinnah refused to give the names to the
council unless the government acknowledged that only the Muslim League was the exclusive
representative of Indian Muslims. The Wavell Plan, thus, was dissolved with the failure of the
conference. The failure of the Wavell Plan and the Shimla Conference was a watershed moment
for the Indian Independence struggle. All steps taken to prevent partition had been met with
failure, meaning that it was inevitable to stop division of India yet paving way towards its partition
under such developments by 1947. In addition to this development another important event in this
struggle was cabinet mission plan of 1946.A high-powered mission was sent in February 1946 to
India by the Atlee Government (British Prime Minister.) The mission had three British cabinet
members – Pethick Lawrence, Stafford Cripps, & and A.V. Alexander. The Cabinet Mission’s aim
was to discuss the transfer of power from British to Indian leadership. The main objectives of this
mission were to obtain an agreement with the Indian leaders as to the framing of a constitution
for India. To formulate a constitution-making body (the Constituent Assembly of India) and to
establish an Executive Council with the support of the major Indian parties. Further this plan
proposed that The Dominion of India would be granted independence, without any partition but provinces are
going to be formed under British supervision. The Congress was not keen on the idea of the groupings
of provinces on the basis of Hindu-Muslim majority and vying for control at the center. It was also
against the idea of a weak center. Jinnah and the League objected to the new central government.
It became clear that the protracted negotiations carried out for about three months by the Cabinet
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Mission did not materialize in a League-Congress understanding or the formation of an interim
Government. Towards the end of June, the Cabinet Mission left for England, their task unfulfilled.
Failure of this plan proved that no political reform is workable in such conditions and the partition
of India is the only solution of Indian problem.
5. CRIPPS MISSION OF 1942
The resignation of congress from the ministries in 1939 and start of World War 2 added a new
phase in freedom movement of Pakistan further passing of Lahore resolution by the Muslims of
India under all India Muslim league raised the concerns of the British over their control in Sub-
continent so to defuse the growing nationalist ideas in India and to win support of the Indians in
the second world war Cripps mission was sent to India with its proposals. Cripps mission reached
India in March 1942 to obtain Indian cooperation for the British war efforts in the 2nd World War.
It was headed by Sir Richard Stafford Cripps, a labor minister in Winston Churchill’s coalition
government in Britain. The main objective behind this mission were that the Britain suffered many
losses in Southeast Asia and Japan’s threat to invade India seemed real for them. Hence, Britain
wanted India’s support. Additionally, Britain was pressurized by the allies (USA, USSR & China)
to seek India’s cooperation. Indian nationalists had agreed to support the Allied as they hoped for
immediate transfer of substantial power and complete independence after the war. The main
proposals of this mission were

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 India will be awarded dominion status after the war is going to be over.
 New constitution will be given to India soon after the end of war
 Elections will be held to resolve the problem of Indian governance issue.
 A Constituent Assembly would be formed to frame a new constitution for the country.
This Assembly would have members elected by the provincial assemblies and also
nominated by the princes.
This mission failed to win the hearts and minds of All India Muslim league and Indian national
congress as both these groups rejected the proposals of the Cripps mission on the following
grounds.
1. Presence of Lahore resolution 1940: All India Muslim league rejected the Cripps
mission of 1942 as it was never ready to negotiate on Pakistan resolution and Jinnah
clearly stated that we the Muslims are not going to bargain at anything less than Pakistan
which was never offered or discussed in the proposals of Cripps mission so In the
presence of Pakistan resolution AIML was never ready to consider any other proposals
and rejected them without any further debate on it.
2. Position of British in Second world war: The British were hammered badly by Nazi
Germany in the second world war and till 1942 it was assumed that they will be defeated
in the war by Germans so in such case it will be impossible for British to keep their control
on sub-continent that is why Gandhi called these proposals as post-dated check of a failing
bank and rejected the proposals.
3. Trust deficit on British promises: Another reason behind rejection of Cripps mission
was the trust deficit on the British government by the local Indians as in the past British
brought many reforms to India from Morley Minto reforms of 1909 or Mc reforms of 1919
to Communal awards of 1932 and Government of India act 1935 but none of them were
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satisfying the Indian national congress or their objectives either All India Muslim league
so the proposals of the Cripps mission were considered as a hoax by the British to win
Indian support in the war only.
The rejection of these proposals by the Indian political forces kept the wheel of freedom movement
moving towards independence creating more space for the separatist ideas to flourish in sub-
continent.
What was Cripps mission of 1942?
Explain why Indians rejected the proposals of Cripps mission during 1942?
Why Cripps Mission came to India during 1942?
4 MARKS
What was Cripps mission of 1942?
To defuse the growing nationalist ideas in India and to win support of the Indians in the second
world war Cripps mission was sent to India with its proposals. Cripps mission reached India in
March 1942 to obtain Indian cooperation for the British war efforts in the 2nd World War. It was
headed by Sir Richard Stafford Cripps, a labor minister in Winston Churchill’s coalition
government in Britain. The main objective behind this mission were that the Britain suffered many
losses in Southeast Asia and Japan’s threat to invade India seemed real for them. Hence, Britain
wanted India’s support. Additionally, Britain was pressurized by the allies to seek India’s
cooperation in war against the Germans and other opponents in the war. The main proposals of
this mission were that India will be awarded dominion status after the war is going to be over.
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New constitution will be given to India soon after the end of war lastly elections will be held to
resolve the problem of Indian governance issue.
7 MARKS
Explain why Indians rejected the proposals of Cripps mission during 1942?
Cripps mission reached India in March 1942 to obtain Indian cooperation for the British war efforts
in the 2nd World War. It was headed by Sir Richard Stafford Cripps, a labor minister in Winston
Churchill’s coalition government in Britain. The main objective behind this mission were that the
Britain suffered many losses in Southeast Asia and Japan’s threat to invade India seemed real
for them. Hence, Britain wanted India’s support. Additionally, Britain was pressurized by the allies
to seek India’s cooperation in war against the Germans and other opponents in the war. The
Cripps mission was rejected by the Indian political forces because of the reasons like the trust
deficit on British promises by the local Indians as in the past British brought many reforms to India
from Morley Minto reforms of 1909 or Mc reforms of 1919 to Communal awards of 1932 and
Government of India act 1935 but none of them were satisfying the Indian national congress or
their objectives either All India Muslim league so the proposals of the Cripps mission were
considered as a hoax by the British to win Indian support in the war only.
Further All India Muslim league rejected the Cripps mission of 1942 as it was never ready to
negotiate on Pakistan resolution and Jinnah clearly stated that we the Muslims are not going to
bargain at anything less than Pakistan which was never offered or discussed in the proposals of
Cripps mission so in the presence of Pakistan resolution AIML was never ready to consider any
other proposals and rejected them without any further debate on it.
Lastly, the British were hammered badly by Nazi Germany in the second world war and till 1942
it was assumed that they will be defeated in the war by Germans so in such case it will be
impossible for British to keep their control on sub-continent that is why Gandhi called these
proposals as post-dated check of a failing bank and rejected the proposals.

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Why Cripps Mission came to India during 1942?
Cripps mission reached India in March 1942 to obtain Indian cooperation for the British war efforts
in the 2nd World War. It was headed by Sir Richard Stafford Cripps, a labor minister in Winston
Churchill’s coalition government in Britain. The main objective behind arrival of this mission were
firstly to win support of Indians for the British in second world war Britain suffered many losses in
Southeast Asia and Japan’s threat to invade India seemed real for them. Hence, Britain wanted
India’s support. Additionally, Britain was pressurized by the allies (USA, USSR & China) to seek
India’s cooperation. Indian nationalists had agreed to support the Allied as they hoped for
immediate transfer of substantial power and complete independence after the war.
Moreover, it was sent to defuse Pakistan resolution of AIML and Quit India resolution of INC in
India as both these parties by taking advantage of the British participation in the war went for
separatist ideas in India which were gaining favor and support from the masses at large the
growing fears of the British rejection at large in sub-continent pushed British to visit India under
this mission so that they can put a full stop to such separatist ideas.
Lastly Cripps mission was sent to India for bridging the differences between the Congress and
the Muslim League. There disagreements were widening fast, and visibly there was no chance to
bring both parties on a common agenda. In these circumstances, the British Government sent a
mission to India in 1942 under Sir Stafford Cripps, the Lord Privy Seal, to achieve Hindu-Muslim
consensus on some constitutional arrangement and to convince the Indians to postpone their
struggle till the end of the Second World War.
The rejection of these proposals by the Indian political forces kept the wheel of freedom movement
moving towards independence creating more space for the separatist ideas to flourish in sub-
continent
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6. QUIT INDIA RESOLUTION OF 1942
AIML gained massive response from Muslim community of India by passing Pakistan resolution
in 1940, the resolution for separate homeland of Lahore did not only gather nationalist Muslims
around Muslim league resulting into its strengthening but also inserted a new spirit in the Pakistan
movement during 1940-47. Indian national congress witnessing this jump in the fame through
advocating separatist ideas also wanted to work on the same approach so to make things difficult
for the British Raj in India Mohandas Gandhi delivered a speech on 8 th August 1942 calling for
Quit India movement. The Quit India Movement was a civil disobedience movement launched
in India in August 1942 in response to Mohandas Gandhi‘s call for immediate independence. The
All-India Congress Committee proclaimed a mass protest demanding what Gandhi called “an
orderly British withdrawal” from India. The British were prepared to act. Almost the entire Indian
National Congress leadership, and not just at the national level, was imprisoned without trial within
hours after Gandhi’s speech at least 60,000 members of party were arrested by British police
The Indian national congress led by Gandhi started mass civil disobedience movement in India
followed by strikes rallies and non-cooperation towards the British rule by the local community
under this resolution. Muhammad Ali Jinnah & AIML disapproved this move of INC and did not
support this stance of Gandhi. The major aim & objective behind this move was to mount more
pressure on the British government during their engagements in second world war so that
nationalist agendas of the local communities could be achieved compressively. This political
development eventually played a key role in the departure of British from Sub-continent after the
second world war as this resolution more than anything, united the Indian people against British
rule.
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What was Quit India movement of 1942?
4 MARKS
What was Quit India resolution of 1942?
Indian national congress led by Gandhi passed Quit India resolution in August 1942 demanding
immediate departure or withdrawal of British government from sub-continent and stressed upon
the need of independence of India. Mass civil disobedience movement started in India followed
by strikes rallies and non-cooperation towards the British rule by the local community under this
resolution. Muhammad Ali Jinnah & AIML disapproved this move of INC and did not support this
stance of Gandhi. The major aim & objective behind this move was to mount more pressure on
the British government during their engagements in second world war so that nationalist agendas
of the local communities could be achieved compressively.
7. GANDHI JINNAH TALKS 1944
During 1944 another major political development took place in politics of sub-continent which later
on played important role in the creation of Pakistan when taking the advantage of British
engagements in second world war and problematic status of Indian governance the two main
stakeholders of British India, Gandhi as leader of Indian national congress and Jinnah as the
leader of All India Muslim league held twelve rounds of talks and discussions or meetings to settle
the differences among them regarding political aims & objectives behind freedom movement of
sub-continent against British colonial rule. Gandhi initiated this move as another attempt for the
settlement of Hindu-Muslim differences and wrote a letter to M.Ali Jinnah in which he showed his
desire to meet him for discussion regarding the political future of Sub-continent on 17th July 1944.
Jinnah accepted and welcomed Gandhi for these talks in Bombay during month of September
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where the two leaders of freedom movement of India met and negotiated about the political
necessities of native Indians and unifying their struggle against the British rule in sub-continent.
Detailed exchange of views took place but yet again these talks were not able to reach any
meaningful end as both these leaders were not able to influence each other views and standpoints
regarding course of freedom movement. These sessions of political negotiations were held to
attain the following objectives:
1) Urge for Hindu Muslim unity: The major objective behind these talks was to establish
Hindu Muslim unity so that the resistance against the British colonial rule for
independence could be boosted up taking advantage of the British commitments in
second world war as the Indian masses were convinced on this point that attainment
of aims & objectives of the freedom movement are only possible if Hindu and Muslims
are going to put their differences aside and work together for the end of British colonial
rule from sub-continent.
2) Decisions about future of India after British departure: During 1944 by the
observations of the developments regarding second world war and the position of
British in it, natives of India were hoping for the end of British rule in Sub-continent so
these talks were thought as a necessity of time as natives of India wanted to decide
about the future of Sub-continent after the departure of British rule to avoid any future
political challenge or conflict.
3) Pakistan resolution and Quit India resolution: AIML passed Pakistan resolution in
March, 1940 demanding Pakistan as separate homeland for the Muslims of Sub-
continent on the same footings Indian national congress passed and started to work
on Quit India resolution of 1942 which was also aimed at the end of British rule from
sub-continent but since long these two political factions were not able to agree upon
any unanimous governance module for sub-continent so these talks were organized
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to stream line political demands and to put more pressure on the British to reform India
politically by floating unanimously agreed proposed reforms.
Undoubtedly, Gandhi Jinnah talks failed in general because of the differences of these two
leaders on the issues like
1) Acceptance of Gandhi for Pakistan resolution of 1940: AIML passed Lahore
resolution on 23rd March 1940 under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in which
he and his party took a new dimension during the freedom movement and declared it
as uncompromisable objective of the Muslim political struggle against British and
Hindu domination of British India by having a separate homeland for the Muslims of
Sub-content as Pakistan, Moreover Jinnah clearly stated about future line of actions
on the same day that AIML is not going to bargain or negotiate on anything less than
Pakistan under this resolution but Gandhi during these talks kept on insisting Jinnah
that India was and is one nation and saw in the Pakistan Resolution “Nothing but
ruin for the whole of India”. He did not only reject the idea and concept of Pakistan
resolution but also tried to convince Jinnah to keep on supporting struggle for
united India as per Quit India resolution passed by INC in 1942 on the other hand
Jinnah was convinced that the true welfare not only of the Muslims but of the rest
of India lies in the division of India as proposed in the Lahore Resolution which led
to the failure of this political development.
2) Difference over future of India after British departure: Jinnah during these talks
maintained his point of view that the status and position of Muslims in politics of India
after the departure of British from Sub-continent must be pre decided and they should
be aware of future responsibilities and role in governance of Independent India from
British colonial rule but Gandhi did not showed any interest in this point and maintained
his point of view that first we should unite and plan for our struggle against British and
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once they will be out from Sub-continent we can decide about this issue later. Jinnah
knew that he and his supporters or party cannot trust Gandhi or INC on this concern
so it was pointless to continue these talks with him during 1944.
3) Rejection of two nation theory by Gandhi: Since 1929 Jinnah was a stern supporter
of two nation theory and always advocated that Muslims and Hindus are two major
nations by any definition or test of a nation. We are a nation of a 100 million. We
have our distinctive outlook on life and of life. By all the cannons of international
law, we are a nation but Gandhi was not showing his willingness as usual like most
of the leaders of Congress of that time were not ready to accept the Muslims concept
of two nation theory and maintained their point of view that sub-continent is home to
only one nation and that is Indians. So, rejection of Gandhi about two nation theory
which was the juggler vain of the Muslim nationalism and freedom movement resulted
into failure of Gandhi Jinnah talks in 1944.
4) Difference over transfer of power: Gandhi floated the idea during these talks that
after and during the departure of British raj from Sub-continent power over the
whole of India should first be transferred to Congress, which thereafter would allow
Muslim majority areas that voted for separation to be constituted, not as
independent sovereign state but as part of an Indian federation it was clearly an
attempt to bulldoze the main objectives of Muslim freedom struggle since 1857 so
Jinnah disagreed with this agenda of Gandhi marking end to these talks without
any positive development.
What were Gandhi Jinnah talks of 1944?
Why Gandhi Jinnah talks failed during 1944?

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Explain why Gandhi Jinnah took place during 1944?
4 MARKS
What were Gandhi Jinnah talks of 1944?
During September 1944 Gandhi and Jinnah as the leaders of Indian masses held talks in Bombay
to negotiate about political demands and course of actions against the British rule in Sub-continent
for the attainments of the goals laid by freedom movement of India. These talks failed to reach
any conclusion as Gandhi’s stance during these talks was totally against the interests of AIML
and its objectives he rejected to accept the concept of Pakistan and insisted Jinnah to work for
united India without British domination or influence of any nature but Jinnah as stern advocate of
Pakistan movement was not in position to extend these talks further without acceptance of Lahore
resolution by INC and Gandhi.
7 MARKS
Why Gandhi Jinnah talks failed during 1944?
to negotiate about political demands and course of actions against the British rule in Sub-
continent. These talks were started with the great hopes of unity between Muslims and Hindus
for a common goal but unfortunately these talks failed to reach any meaningful end because of
various reasons like rejection of Gandhi for Pakistan resolution of 1940, AIML passed Lahore
resolution on 23rd March 1940 under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in which he and his
party took a new dimension during the freedom movement and declared it as uncompromisable
objective of the Muslim political struggle against British and Hindu domination of British India by
having a separate homeland for the Muslims of Sub-content as Pakistan, Moreover Jinnah clearly
stated about future line of actions on the same day that AIML is not going to bargain or negotiate
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on anything less than Pakistan under this resolution but Gandhi during these talks kept on
insisting Jinnah that India was and is one nation and saw in the Pakistan Resolution “Nothing but
ruin for the whole of India”. He did not only reject the idea and concept of Pakistan resolution but
also tried to convince Jinnah to keep on supporting struggle for united India as per Quit India
resolution passed by INC in 1942 on the other hand Jinnah was convinced that the true welfare
not only of the Muslims but of the rest of India lies in the division of India as proposed in the
Lahore Resolution which led to the failure of this political development.
Furthermore, these talks failed due to the differences over future of India after British departure.
Jinnah during these talks maintained his point of view that the status and position of Muslims in
politics of India after the departure of British from Sub-continent must be pre decided and they
should be aware of future responsibilities and role in governance of Independent India from British
colonial rule but Gandhi did not showed any interest in this point and maintained his point of view
that first we should unite and plan for our struggle against British and once they will be out from
Sub-continent we can decide about this issue later. Jinnah knew that he and his supporters or
party cannot trust Gandhi or INC on this concern so it was pointless to continue these talks with
him during 1944.
Lastly, since 1929 Jinnah was a stern supporter of two nation theory and always advocated that
Muslims and Hindus are two major nations by any definition or test of a nation. We are a nation
of a 100 million. We have our distinctive outlook on life and of life. By all the cannons of
international law, we are a nation but Gandhi was not showing his willingness as usual like most
of the leaders of Congress of that time were not ready to accept the Muslims concept of two nation
theory and maintained their point of view that sub-continent is home to only one nation and that
is Indians. So, rejection of Gandhi about two nation theory which was the juggler vain of the
Muslim nationalism and freedom movement resulted into failure of Gandhi Jinnah talks in 1944.
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7 MARKS
Explain why Gandhi Jinnah took place during 1944?
to negotiate about political demands and course of actions against the British rule in Sub-
continent. The major objective behind these talks was to establish Hindu Muslim unity so that the
resistance against the British colonial rule for independence could be boosted up taking
advantage of the British commitments in second world war as the Indian masses were convinced
on this point that attainment of aims & objectives of the freedom movement are only possible if
Hindu and Muslims are going to put their differences aside and work together for the end of British
colonial rule from sub-continent.
Moreover AIML passed Pakistan resolution in March, 1940 demanding Pakistan as separate
homeland for the Muslims of Sub-continent on the same footings Indian national congress passed
and started to work on Quit India resolution of 1942 which was also aimed at the end of British
rule from sub-continent but since long these two political factions were not able to agree upon any
unanimous governance module for sub-continent so these talks were organized to stream line
political demands and to put more pressure on the British to reform India politically by floating
unanimously agreed proposed reforms.
Apart from these reasons it was founded to make a decisions about future of India after British
departure: During 1944 by the observations of the developments regarding second world war and
the position of British in it, natives of India were hoping for the end of British rule in Sub-continent
so these talks were thought as a necessity of time as natives of India wanted to decide about the
future of Sub-continent after the departure of British rule to avoid any future political challenge or
conflict.
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8. WAVELL PLAN /SIMLA CONFERENCE OF 1945
The Second World War had caused many socio-economic problems in the British Empire,
especially when it came to maintaining their overseas colonies. Thus, the British Government saw
it fit to grant India the freedom it had been demanding for so long. In addition, the Pakistan
resolution & the Quit India Movement and an increase in revolutionary activity only made the
British position in India weak at best. Lord Wavell, who became the Viceroy in 1943, was charged
with presenting a formula for the future government of India that would be acceptable to both the
Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League, allowing for a smooth transition of
power. Lord Wavell was considered an appropriate person for this task as he had been the head
of the Indian Army and thus had a better understanding of the Indian situation. In May 1945 Wavell
visited London and discussed his ideas with the British Government. These London talks resulted
in the formulation of a definite plan of action which was officially made public simultaneously on
14 June 1945 by L.S. Amery, the Secretary of State for India. The Wavell Plan proposed the
following:
 The Viceroy’s Executive Council was to have all Indian members except the Viceroy
himself and the Commander-in-Chief.
 The council was to have a ‘balanced representation’ of all Indians including ‘caste-Hindus’,
Muslims, Depressed Classes, Sikhs, etc. Muslims were given 6 out of 14 members which
accounted for more than their share of the population (25%).
 The Viceroy/Governor-General would still have the power of veto but its use would be
minimal.
 The foreign affairs portfolio would be transferred from the Governor-General to an Indian
member. The defense would be handled by a British general until the full transfer of power
was made.
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 A conference would be convened by the Viceroy to get a list of all the members
recommended to the Council from all parties concerned. In case a joint list was not agreed
upon, separate lists would be taken from the parties. This was to be the Shimla
Conference.
 If this plan worked, similar councils would be formed in all provinces comprising of local
leaders.
SIMLA CONFERENCE OF 1945
Lord Wavell invited 21 political leaders including Mahatma Gandhi and M A Jinnah to Shimla, the
summer capital of British India to discuss the Wavell Plan on June 25th, 1945.The conference
was a failure because the League and the Congress could not settle their differences. Jinnah
insisted that only League members could be the Muslim representatives in the Council, and
opposed to the Congress nominating Muslim members. This was because Jinnah wanted the
League to be the sole representative of Muslims in India. Congress would never agree to this
demand. In the Wavell Plan, there were 6 Muslim representatives out of 14 members, which was
more than the Muslim share of the population. Despite this, the League wanted the power of veto
to any constitutional proposal which it believed was not in its interest. Congress opposed this
unreasonable demand also. Jinnah refused to give the names to the council unless the
government acknowledged that only the Muslim League was the exclusive representative of
Indian Muslims. The Wavell Plan, thus, was dissolved with the failure of the conference. And with
it the last chance to avoid partition. After this, the war ended and a new Labor government was
elected in Britain. This new government was intent on giving independence to India without much
delay and sent the Cabinet Mission with that purpose.
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The failure of the Wavell Plan and the Shimla Conference was a watershed moment for the Indian
Independence struggle. All steps taken to prevent partition had been met with failure, meaning
that it was inevitable.
What was Wavell plan of 1945?
Write about Simla conference in detail?
Explain why Wavell plan was rejected by the native political forces specially Jinnah during
1945?
Was the rejection of the Wavell plan the most important development during 1939 to 1947
that led to the partition of Sub-continent in 1947? Explain your answer.
4 MARKS
What was Wavell plan of 1945?
Lord Wavell, who became the Viceroy in 1943, was charged with presenting a formula for the
future government of India that would be acceptable to both the Indian National Congress and
the All-India Muslim League, allowing for a smooth transition of power. Lord Wavell was
considered an appropriate person for this task as he had been the head of the Indian Army and
thus had a better understanding of the Indian situation. In May 1945 Wavell visited London and
discussed his ideas with the British Government. These London talks resulted in the formulation
of a definite plan of action named as Wavell plan of 1945 which was officially made public
simultaneously on 14 June 1945 by L.S. Amery, the Secretary of State for India.
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Write about Simla conference in detail?
Lord Wavell invited 21 political leaders including Mahatma Gandhi and M A Jinnah to Shimla, the
summer capital of British India to discuss the Wavell Plan on June 25th, 1945 in a conference
which is known as Simla conference. The conference was a failure because the League and the
Congress could not settle their differences. The failure of the Wavell Plan and the Shimla
Conference was a watershed moment for the Indian Independence struggle. All steps taken to
prevent partition had been met with failure, meaning that it was inevitable to keep India united
under the British colonial rule.
7 MARKS
Explain why Wavell plan was rejected by the native political forces specially Jinnah
during 1945?
Lord Wavell, who became the Viceroy in 1943, was charged with presenting a formula for the
future government of India that would be acceptable to both the Indian National Congress and
the All-India Muslim League, allowing for a smooth transition of power. Lord Wavell was
considered an appropriate person for this task as he had been the head of the Indian Army and
thus had a better understanding of the Indian situation. In May 1945 Wavell visited London and
discussed his ideas with the British Government. These London talks resulted in the formulation
of a definite plan of action named as Wavell plan of 1945 which was officially made public
simultaneously on 14 June 1945 by L.S. Amery, the Secretary of State for India. The plan and the
conference were a failure because the League and the Congress could not settle their differences
over many issues like the provision of parity of Hindus and Muslims in the Viceroy’s Executive
created problem. The Indian National Congress unwillingly agreed to equal representation of
Hindus and Muslims but opposed Jinnah’s demand that only the Muslim League should have the
sole right to nominate all the Muslims to the Council.
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In the Wavell Plan, there were more Muslim representatives than there were Muslims in the total
population. But despite this, the League wanted the right to veto any constitutional amendment it
deemed incompatible with its interests. The Congress also opposed this unreasonable request.
Mr. Jinnah could not agree to the appointment in Executive Council of Muslims who did not belong
to the League besides that All India Muslim league remained stuck to the aims and objectives of
the Pakistan resolution and did not show any flexibility on the stance of this resolution of 1940
The talks failed on the issue. Lord Wavell announced the failure of conference on 14th July 1945.
14 MARKS
Was the rejection of the Wavell plan the most important development during 1939 to 1947
that led to the partition of Sub-continent in 1947? Explain your answer.
The years between 1940-47 were the most vital years in the struggle for creation of
Pakistan. Events like Lahore resolution, Quit India movement and 3 rd June plan of 1947
did not only streamed line the freedom movement of Pakistan but also brought this
struggle to a fruitful end by August 1947. No doubt in this process failure of Wavell plan
contributed a lot in the establishment of a separate homeland for Muslims as Lord Wavell,
who became the Viceroy in 1943, was charged with presenting a formula for the future
government of India that would be acceptable to both the Indian National Congress and the All-
India Muslim League, allowing for a smooth transition of power. Lord Wavell was considered an
appropriate person for this task as he had been the head of the Indian Army and thus had a
better understanding of the Indian situation. In May 1945 Wavell visited London and discussed
his ideas with the British Government. These London talks resulted in the formulation of a definite
plan of action named as Wavell plan of 1945 which was officially made public simultaneously
on 14 June 1945 by L.S. Amery, the Secretary of State for India . The plan was a failure because
the League and the Congress could not settle their differences over many issues like the provision
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of parity of Hindus and Muslims in the Viceroy’s Executive created problem. The Indian National
Congress unwillingly agreed to equal representation of Hindus and Muslims but opposed Jinnah’s
demand that only the Muslim League should have the sole right to nominate all the Muslims to
the Council.
In the Wavell Plan, there were more Muslim representatives than there were Muslims in the total
population. But despite this, the League wanted the right to veto any constitutional amendment it
deemed incompatible with its interests. The Congress also opposed this unreasonable request.
So, failure of this development kept the separatist agenda of India alive in both communities and
they continued their struggle to outclass British from even after this event. Further in this regard
Direction action day was one of the most important development towards partition of sub-
continent as in this important political development Muslim League announced 16th August as
Direct-Action Day and called for a general strike throughout the Sub-continent in order to protest
the INC’s stand on Pakistan resolution and to demand passionately a separate homeland from
the British government. It was initiated by Muslim League and led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah,
Muslims in order to display their sentiments suspended all business, conducted rallies and
observed day of solidarity with the concept of Pakistan. This day is also denoted as week of the
long knives as because of the communal riots broke out in response to this scheme of Muslims
to demand Pakistan many people lost their lives in British India. The violence witnessed during
and after the Direct-Action Day has also been called the Great Calcutta Killings. Some of the
places like Bihar, Punjab, Lucknow saw rioting on the scale of what can be termed genocide.
Around 4000 people were killed in Calcutta on the first day. The riots involved killing, rape, forced
conversions and looting further 100,000 residents were left homeless in Calcutta within 72 hours.
British felt helpless in controlling the situation and immediately decided to withdraw from India as
they did not want to get involved in the further trouble for themselves. These riots and killings
proved vital in the partition of India during August 1947.
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Moreover, apart from direction action day another event played key role in division of sub-
3rd June plan of 1947 was the partition plan of sub-continent which was approved by British
and victimization. Besides these another development leading to creation of Pakistan and
India during these years was quit India movement. Indian national congress led by Gandhi
passed Quit India resolution in August 1942 demanding immediate departure or withdrawal of
British government from sub-continent and stressed upon the need of independence of India.
Mass civil disobedience movement started in India followed by strikes rallies and non-cooperation
towards the British rule by the local community under this resolution. Muhammad Ali Jinnah &
AIML disapproved this move of INC and did not support this stance of Gandhi. The major aim &
objective behind this move was to mount more pressure on the British government during their
engagements in second world war so that nationalist agendas of the local communities could be
achieved compressively. Lastly The Indian Independence Act was passed in 1947 by the British
parliament based on Mountbatten plan. The act created two new independent dominions states
India and Pakistan. Pakistan was split into West Pakistan and East Pakistan which is now
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Bangladesh. The Bengal and Punjab provinces were partitioned between in the two new countries
further this act ordered that the dominions of India and Pakistan should be demarcated by
midnight of August 14–15, 1947, and that the assets of the world’s largest empire which had been
integrated in countless ways for more than a century be divided within a single month
9. ELECTIONS OF 1945-46
With the failure of the Simla Conference, Lord Wavell announced that the Central and Provincial
Legislature elections would be held in the winter of 1945. after which a constitution-making body
would be set up. He also announced that after the elections, the Viceroy would set up an
Executive Council that would have the support of the main Indian political parties. The Congress
was able to sweep the polls for the non-Muslim scats. They managed to win more than 80 per
cent of the general seats and about 91.3 per cent of the total general votes. The League’s
performance, however, was even more impressive: it managed to win all the 30 seats reserved
for the Muslims. The results of the provincial elections held in early 1946 were not different. The
Congress won most of the non-Muslim seats while the Muslim League captured approximately
95 per cent of the Muslim seats. All said and done, it was the last variable that made Pakistan
possible. Indeed, the massive electoral verdict in Pakistan’s favor during 1945-46 was the most
important development between 1940 and 1947 between the adoption of the Lahore Resolution
and the emergence of Pakistan. By all standards, this verdict represented the most critical step in
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the establishment of Pakistan. It was clear to the Congress that the Muslim League was the
authoritative representative of an overwhelming majority of the Muslims in India, but it neither
accepted it openly nor challenged its position.
Write about elections of 1945-46 in detail?
Explain why Muslim league was able to win elections of 1945 after their defeat in 1937?
4 MARKS
Write about elections of 1945-46 in detail?
With the failure of the Simla Conference, Lord Wavell announced that the Central and Provincial
Legislature elections would be held in the winter of 1945. after which a constitution-making body
would be set up. He also announced that after the elections, the Viceroy would set up an
Executive Council that would have the support of the main Indian political parties. The
Congress was able to sweep the polls for the non-Muslim scats. They managed to win more
than 80 per cent of the general seats and about 91.3 per cent of the total general votes. The
League’s performance, however, was even more impressive: it managed to win all the 30 seats
reserved for the Muslims. The results of the provincial elections held in early 1946 were not
different. The Congress won most of the non-Muslim seats while the Muslim League captured
approximately 95 per cent of the Muslim seats. It was the last variable that made Pakistan
possible. Indeed, the massive electoral verdict in Pakistan’s favor during 1945-46 was the most
important development between 1940 and 1947 between the adoption of the Lahore Resolution
and the emergence of Pakistan.
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7 MARKS
Explain why Muslim league was able to win elections of 1945 after their defeat in 1937?
In the elections of 1945-46 All India Muslim league managed to win all the 30 seats reserved for
the Muslims in center further at the provincial level Muslim League captured approximately 95 per
cent of the Muslim seats which displayed their clear victory in these elections specially in Muslim
majority areas. This win was possible because of many factors likewise the major reason behind
the success of Muslim league in these elections was because of the effective membership policy
adopted by Muhammad Ali Jinnah he did not only reduced the membership of the Muslim league
but also promoted the objectives and aims of the league to every level further he tried to resolve
the image problem of the league by giving electoral tickets to the common Indian Muslims and
workers instead of nobles and elites like did in election of 1937 which became reason of its failure
in 1937.
Moreover, Jinnah to reduce groupings in Muslim community met Sir Skinder Hayat of Unionist
party of Punjab in 1937 at Lucknow and signed a cooperation pact with him for the unanimous
struggle for the Muslims rights in India besides that he resolved his issues with Shafi league of
Muhammad Shafi a prominent Muslim leader of Bengal by doing this he was able to reduce the
disunity among the Muslims and gathered the support of Muslim masses for All India Muslim
league.
Lastly Pakistan resolution as the political manifesto attracted Muslims of India at large towards
the Muslim league. The stern stand of the party on objectives of Pakistan resolution motivated
the Muslims of India to render their support for All India Muslim league as now the Muslims of
India had a clear idea about their miserable experience under the Hindu domination between the
years 1937-39 so they did not want to repeat that episode by voting for other options. Presence
of Pakistan resolution provided energy and momentum to the Muslims of India and majority of
them gathered under the platform of Muslim league to see Pakistan as reality in Sub-continent.
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10. CABINET MISSION PLAN 1946
All India Muslim league won the elections of 1945-46 in the Muslim majority areas with a
comprehensive victory and failure of all previous schemes of the British to avoid partition also
failed by 1946. British yet again tried to accommodate the situation by sending Cabinet mission
plan to India in 1946 this development is known as the last nail in the coffin of the British empires
attempt to avoid division of India as in this development a high-powered mission was sent in
February 1946 to India by the Atlee Government (British Prime Minister.) The mission had three
British cabinet members – Pethick Lawrence, Stafford Cripps, & and A.V. Alexander. The Cabinet
Mission’s aim was to discuss the transfer of power from British to Indian leadership. The main
objectives of this mission were to obtain an agreement with the Indian leaders as to the framing
of a constitution for India. To formulate a constitution-making body (the Constituent Assembly of
India) and to establish an Executive Council with the support of the major Indian parties. Further
this plan proposed that The Dominion of India would be granted independence, without any partition but
provinces are going to be formed under British supervision. The provinces would be divided into three
groups/sections:
o Group A: Madras, Central Provinces, UP, Bihar, Bombay and Orissa
o Group B: Punjab, Sindh, NWFP and Baluchistan
o Group C: Bengal and Assam
The Cabinet mission and its plan was rejected by the local natives because of multiple reasons
and its proposals were not enough for convincing the Indian national congress and All India
Muslim league to leave the partition plan and follow it the main reasons for the failure of the
Cabinet Mission are that The Congress was not keen on the idea of the groupings of provinces
on the basis of Hindu-Muslim majority and vying for control at the center. It was also against the
idea of a weak center. Jinnah and the League objected to the new central government. It became
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clear that the protracted negotiations carried out for about three months by the Cabinet Mission
did not materialize in a League-Congress understanding or the formation of an interim
Government. Towards the end of June, the Cabinet Mission left for England, their task unfulfilled.
Failure of this plan proved that no political reform is workable in such conditions and the partition
of India is the only solution of Indian problem.
Discuss about Cabinet mission plan of 1946?
Explain Why cabinet mission plan of 1946 was rejected by local Indians?
4 MARKS
Discuss about Cabinet mission plan of 1946?
A high-powered mission was sent in February 1946 to India by the Atlee Government (British
Prime Minister.) The mission had three British cabinet members – Pethick Lawrence, Stafford
Cripps, & and A.V. Alexander. The Cabinet Mission’s aim was to discuss the transfer of power
from British to Indian leadership. The main objectives of this mission were to obtain an agreement
with the Indian leaders as to the framing of a constitution for India. To formulate a constitution-
making body (the Constituent Assembly of India) and to establish an Executive Council with the
support of the major Indian parties. Further this plan proposed that The Dominion of India would be
granted independence, without any partition but provinces are going to be formed under British supervision.
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7 MARKS
Explain Why cabinet mission plan of 1946 was rejected by local Indians?
A high-powered mission was sent in February 1946 to India by the Atlee Government (British
Prime Minister.) The mission had three British cabinet members – Pethick Lawrence, Stafford
Cripps, & and A.V. Alexander. The Cabinet Mission’s aim was to discuss the transfer of power
from British to Indian leadership. The main objectives of this mission were to obtain an agreement
with the Indian leaders as to the framing of a constitution for India. To formulate a constitution-
making body (the Constituent Assembly of India) and to establish an Executive Council with the
support of the major Indian parties. Further this plan proposed that The Dominion of India would be
granted independence, without any partition but provinces are going to be formed under British supervision.
The Cabinet mission and its plan was rejected by the local natives because of multiple reasons
and its proposals were not enough for convincing the Indian national congress and All India
Muslim league to leave the partition plan and follow it the main reasons for the failure of the
Cabinet Mission are that The Congress was not keen on the idea of the groupings of provinces
on the basis of Hindu-Muslim majority and vying for control at the center. It was also against the
idea of a weak center. Furthermore, Muslim league remained stuck to the agenda of Pakistan
resolution The League and its leaders made no secret of their hope and design that the new
constitution would be used to affect a partition of the country. "Let me tell you," Jinnah told the
Muslim League Council on June 5, 1946 "that Muslim India will not rest content until we have
established full, complete and sovereign Pakistan which was not offered by the proposals of the
plan hence resulting into its failure.
Lastly, Jinnah and the League objected to the new central government. The Muslim League
wanted strong political safeguards for the Muslims like parity in the legislatures It became clear
that the protracted negotiations carried out for about three months by the Cabinet Mission did not
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materialize in a League-Congress understanding or the formation of an interim Government.
Towards the end of June, the Cabinet Mission left for England, their task unfulfilled.
11. DIRECT ACTION DAY/CALCUTTA KILLINGS 1946
AIML proved its claims of popularity in the Muslim majority areas of sub-continent during elections
of 1945-46 which made political circumstances of India very clear Infront of the British and INC.
Jinnah tried his level best to attain the objectives of Pakistan resolution so far but the continuous
rejection of the political reality in favor of the Muslim league by British Raj and Gandhi pushed
him to take another yet a totally different approach towards creation of Pakistan under Direct
action day. The failure of Cabinet mission plan of 1946 further motivated Muslims to be part of
this development. In 1946 the Cabinet Mission was sent to India by the British government to find
a resolution to the conflict between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Muslim League
on the issue of independence. The two parties were the largest in India’s Constituent Assembly.
The League wanted a separate homeland for the Muslims they called Pakistan while
the INC wanted a united India. The Mission was not successful since the League and the
Congress could not agree on the point of a united India with a strong center.
Since the Mission failed, the Muslim League announced 16th August as Direct-Action Day and
called for a general strike in order to protest the INC’s stand and demand passionately a separate
homeland from the British government. It was initiated by Muslim League and led by Muhammad
Ali Jinnah, Muslims in order to display their sentiments suspended all business, conducted rallies
and observed day of solidarity with the concept of Pakistan. Calcutta became focal point of this
development when a rally led by Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy of Muslims was attacked by Hindu
extremists which started communal riots in India. Violence broke out in parts of Bihar, Punjab,
Calcutta, Lucknow, NWFP (KPK) and many other states. The violence witnessed during and after
the Direct-Action Day has also been called the Great Calcutta Killings. Some of the places saw
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rioting on the scale of what can be termed genocide. Around 4000 people were killed in Calcutta
on the first day.
The riots involved killing, rape, forced conversions and looting further 100,000 residents were left
homeless in Calcutta within 72 hours. British felt helpless in controlling the situation and
immediately decided to withdraw from India as they did not want to get involved in the further
trouble for themselves. Lord Mountbatten as the last viceroy of India after the final approval from
the Queen floated the partition plan in June 1947 commonly known as Mountbatten plan of
partition or 3rd June plan of 1947. This direct-action day followed by Calcutta killings proved once
again that the existence of Hindu Muslim community in such situation is impossible and partition
of sub-continent as per demand of AIML is the only possible solution of British India.
What was Direct action day of 1946?
What were Calcutta Killings of 1946?
To what extend the Direct-Action Day was the most important development during 1939 to
1947 that led to the partition of Sub-continent in 1947? Explain your answer,
4 MARKS
What was Direct action day of 1946?
Muslim League announced 16th August as Direct-Action Day and called for a general strike
throughout the Sub-continent in order to protest the INC’s stand on Pakistan resolution and to
demand passionately a separate homeland from the British government. It was initiated by Muslim
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League and led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Muslims in order to display their sentiments suspended
all business, conducted rallies and observed day of solidarity with the concept of Pakistan. This
day is also denoted as week of the long knives as because of the communal riots broke out in
response to this scheme of Muslims to demand Pakistan many people lost their lives in British
India.
What were Great Calcutta Killings of 1946?
The violence witnessed during and after the Direct-Action Day has also been called the Great
Calcutta Killings. Some of the places like Bihar, Punjab, Lucknow saw rioting on the scale of
what can be termed genocide. Around 4000 people were killed in Calcutta on the first day. The
riots involved killing, rape, forced conversions and looting further 100,000 residents were left
trouble for themselves. These riots and killings proved vital in the partition of India during August
1947.
14 MARKS
To what extend the Direct-Action Day was the most important development during 1939
to 1947 that led to the partition of Sub-continent in 1947? Explain your answer.
Events like Lahore resolution, Quit India movement and 3rd June plan of 1947 did not only
by August 1947. No doubt in this context Direction action day was one of the most important
development towards partition of sub-continent as in this important political development Muslim
League announced 16th August as Direct-Action Day and called for a general strike throughout
the Sub-continent in order to protest the INC’s stand on Pakistan resolution and to demand
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passionately a separate homeland from the British government. It was initiated by Muslim League
and led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Muslims in order to display their sentiments suspended all
business, conducted rallies and observed day of solidarity with the concept of Pakistan. This day
is also denoted as week of the long knives as because of the communal riots broke out in
response to this scheme of Muslims to demand Pakistan many people lost their lives in British
India. The violence witnessed during and after the Direct-Action Day has also been called the
Great Calcutta Killings. Some of the places like Bihar, Punjab, Lucknow saw rioting on the scale
of what can be termed genocide. Around 4000 people were killed in Calcutta on the first day. The
riots involved killing, rape, forced conversions and looting further 100,000 residents were left
trouble for themselves. These riots and killings proved vital in the partition of India during August
1947.
Furthermore, apart from direction action day another event played key role in division of sub-
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and victimization. Besides these another development leading to creation of Pakistan and
India during these years was quit India movement. Indian national congress led by Gandhi
passed Quit India resolution in August 1942 demanding immediate departure or withdrawal of
British government from sub-continent and stressed upon the need of independence of India.
Mass civil disobedience movement started in India followed by strikes rallies and non-cooperation
towards the British rule by the local community under this resolution. Muhammad Ali Jinnah &
AIML disapproved this move of INC and did not support this stance of Gandhi. The major aim &
objective behind this move was to mount more pressure on the British government during their
engagements in second world war so that nationalist agendas of the local communities could be
achieved compressively. Lastly The Indian Independence Act was passed in 1947 by the British
parliament based on Mountbatten plan. The act created two new independent dominions states
India and Pakistan. Pakistan was split into West Pakistan and East Pakistan which is now
Bangladesh. The Bengal and Punjab provinces were partitioned between in the two new countries
further this act ordered that the dominions of India and Pakistan should be demarcated by
midnight of August 14–15, 1947, and that the assets of the world’s largest empire which had been
integrated in countless ways for more than a century be divided within a single month
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12. 3RD JUNE PLAN OF 1947
Results of the elections of 1945-46 & failure of Cabinet mission plan 1946 paved way to
observation of Direct-action day by Muslim community of India at large under the leadership of
Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The clashes and riots broke out during all these political crises under
Great Calcutta Killings which pushed British to seriously consider the partition plan of sub-
continent. The appointment of Lord Mountbatten as the viceroy of India in 1946 was a significant
development towards the division of British India. When all of Mountbatten’s efforts to keep
India united failed, he asked Ismay to chalk out a plan for the transfer of power and the division
of the country. It was decided that none of the Indian parties would view it before the plan
was finalized. However, before the announcement of the plan, Nehru who was staying with
Mountbatten as a guest in his residence at Simla, had a look at the plan and rejected it.
Mountbatten then asked V. P. Menon, the only Indian in his personal staff, to present a new
plan for the transfer of power. Nehru edited Menon’s formula and then Mountbatten himself
took the new plan to London, where he got it approved without any alteration. Attlee and his
cabinet gave the approval in a meeting that lasted not more than five minutes. In this way,
the plan that was to decide the future of the Indo-Pak Sub-continent was actually authored
by a Congress-minded Hindu and was approved by Nehru himself.
Mountbatten came back from London on May 31, and on June 2 met seven Indian leaders.
These were Nehru, Patel, Kriplalani, Quaid-i-Azam, Liaquat, Nishtar and Baldev Singh. After
these leaders approved the plan, Mountbatten discussed it with Gandhi and convinced him
that it was the best plan under the circumstances. The plan was made public on June 3, and
is thus known as the June 3rd Plan. Following are the main features of the 3rd June plan of
1947.
 Indian Sub-continent would be divided into two independent states of India &
Pakistan on 15th August 1947.

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 Muslims in the Muslim majority provinces will be given the choice to choose
between Pakistan & India.
 Government of India act 1935 will be the constitution of both these states until
they will have their own drafts of constitutions.
 Princely states would also be given the choice to either choose between
Pakistan and India or to remain independent.
3rd June plan of 1947 played key role in the creation of Pakistan as it was the victory of vision
and stance of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and All India Muslim league. Supporters of Pakistan did
not only strengthen their hopes and association with AIML but became more determined to
establish Pakistan as one of the largest Muslim nations on the map of the world.
It was not only acceptance of Pakistan resolution by both INC and British but also it was the
and victimization. 3rd June plan paved way for independence act of India by August 1947
which helped Muslims to attain Pakistan and finally a long period of British colonial rule in
Sub-continent came to an end which marked beginning of new era in history of Sub-continent.
What was 3rd June Plan or Mountbatten plan of 1947?
Explain why 3rd June plan is important in the creation of Pakistan during 1947?
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4 MARKS
What was 3rd June Plan or Mountbatten plan of 1947?
be the constitution of both these states until they will have their own drafts of constitutions.
7 MARKS
Explain why 3rd June plan is important in the creation of Pakistan during 1947?
Mountbatten. It played key role in the division of sub-continent and creation of Pakistan as it was
the victory of vision and stance of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and All India Muslim league.
Supporters of Pakistan did not only strengthen their hopes and association with AIML but
became more determined to establish Pakistan as one of the largest Muslim nations on the
map of the world.
Moreover, it was not only acceptance of Pakistan resolution by both INC and British but also
it was the development which gave Muslims for what they were struggling for more than three
decades. 3rd June plan outclassed the attempts of congress to prevent partition of British India
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which did not only gave Muslims freedom from British suppression but also from Hindu
domination and victimization.
Lastly, 3rd June plan paved way for independence act of India by August 1947 which helped
Muslims to attain Pakistan in few months after that and finally a long period of British colonial
rule in Sub-continent came to an end which marked beginning of new era in history of Sub-
continent.
13. REDCLIFF AWARDS OF 1947

To give practical shape to the 3rd June plan of 1947 Lord Mountbatten appointed a boundary
commission under Sir Cyril Redcliff to implement division plan of sub-continent in 1947 this
boundary commission is also known as Punjab boundary commission. Allocation of territories,
resources and international borders between Pakistan and India was the major responsibility of
the commission. Today, its western side is part of the India–Pakistan border while its eastern side
serves as the Bangladesh–India border. Redcliff awards became reason behind many post-
independence problems for both the newly born states of Pakistan and India as it had many flaws,
miscalculations and observations in its drafting likewise the issue of Khalistan and Kashmir is a
backlash of these unjustified awards under which realities were ignored by the British
representatives in its formulation. This commission increased the concerns of the Muslim
community of India as well as Hindus because many areas were demarked while ignoring the
ground realities. Hence it was a very important development towards creation of Pakistan as it
was vibrant now that British are finally quitting India and Muslim majority are winning their case
of independence in the shape of Pakistan.
What were Redcliff awards of 1947?
Who was Cyrill Redcliff?
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Explain why Redcliff awards of 1947 were important for creation of Pakistan?
4 MARKS
What were Redcliff awards of 1947?
To assign practical shape to the 3rd June plan of 1947 Lord Mountbatten appointed a boundary
commission under Sir Cyril Redcliff to implement division plan of sub-continent in August 1947
this boundary commission is also known as Punjab boundary commission. Allocation of territories,
resources and international borders between Pakistan and India was the major responsibility of
the commission. Today, its western side is part of the India–Pakistan border while its eastern side
serves as the Bangladesh–India border. Redcliff awards ensured the Muslims of India about their
victory in this struggle of achieving Pakistan on the one hand and on the other finalized the exit
of British rule from sub-continent.
Who was Cyril Redcliff?
Cyril Redcliff was a British lawmaker, lawyer and politician who was appointed as head of the
boundary commission organized for demarcation of the boundaries between Pakistan and India
by lord Mountbatten during August 1947.He and his team finalized the division plan of British India
which gave birth to many post-independence challenges for newly born states of Pakistan and
India after and during 1947. He was given only 5 weeks to complete the job. Radcliffe submitted
his partition map on 9 August 1947 which was implemented on 17 th of August 1947.
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7 MARKS
Explain why Redcliff awards of 1947 were important for creation of Pakistan?
To assign practical shape to the 3rd June plan of 1947 Lord Mountbatten appointed a boundary
commission under Sir Cyril Redcliff to implement division plan of sub-continent in August 1947
the proposals of partition plan are commonly known as Redcliff awards of 1947.
These awards played key role in the creation of Pakistan as this commission allocated the
territories, resources and international borders between Pakistan and India which confirmed the
departure of British raj from India and victory of the Muslims against them in this political struggle
for attainment of rights. Since war of independence 1857 the native communities of India
especially Muslim community were facing political, social and economic victimization of the British
which came to an end through these awards.
Furthermore, these awards were fruit of Muslim leagues struggle under the dynamic leadership
of Muhammad Ali Jinnah for the rights of Muslim community in India which proved that the political
vision and recommendations floated by Jinnah were the true solution of the political governance
issue of sub-continent which were finally considered through this plan of dividing India into two
different states. The political struggle started by Muslims of India decades ago was under these
awards reaching a meaningful conclusion in shape of creation of Pakistan.
Lastly, the Redcliff awards ensured the Muslims of India that the are no longer under the threat
of congress or Hindu tyranny and they can hope for a peaceful existence in Pakistan which is
going to be symbol of their religious, political and social identity. Besides many injustices done to
Muslims through these awards these were a ray of hope for them that after long hours of suffering
they are going to get for what they were struggling for.
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14. INDEPENDACNE ACT OF INDIA 1947/ BIRTH OF PAKISTAN
Lord Mountbatten was appointed as the viceroy of India in March 1947 with the target to
implement this partition plan as soon as possible to avoid any further trouble for the British
administration in India as the situation of sub-continent was getting worse and worse by each
passing day so The Indian Independence Act was passed in 1947 by the British parliament based
on Mountbatten plan. The act created two new independent dominions states India and Pakistan.
Pakistan was split into West Pakistan and East Pakistan which is now Bangladesh. The Bengal
and Punjab provinces were partitioned between in the two new countries further this act ordered
that the dominions of India and Pakistan should be demarcated by midnight of August 14–15,
1947, and that the assets of the world’s largest empire which had been integrated in countless
ways for more than a century be divided within a single month. The legislation was drafted by the
Labor government of Clement Attlee. It was based on the Mountbatten Plan or the 3rd June Plan
which was formulated after the leaders of the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League
agreed to the recommendations of the Viceroy Lord Mountbatten, Pakistan became independent on
14th August and India on 15th August 1947 through this important political document.
What was independence act of India 1947?
Who was Lord Mountbatten?
4 MARKS
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What was independence act of India 1947?
The Indian Independence Act was passed in 1947 by the British parliament based on
Mountbatten plan. The act created two new independent dominions states India and
Pakistan. Pakistan was split into West Pakistan and East Pakistan which is now Bangladesh.
The Bengal and Punjab provinces were partitioned between in the two new countries further
this act ordered that the dominions of India and Pakistan should be demarcated by midnight
of August 14–15, 1947, and that the assets of the world’s largest empire which had been
integrated in countless ways for more than a century be divided within a single month.
Who was Lord Mountbatten?
Lord Mountbatten was the last viceroy of British India who did not only signed independence
act of 1947 for the separation of sub-continent but also floated 3rd June plan of 1947 as well.
In March 1947, Mountbatten became viceroy of India with a mandate to oversee the
British withdrawal. He established good relations with leading politicians, particularly
with Jawaharlal Nehru, but was unable to persuade the Muslim leader Mohammad
Ali Jinnah of the benefits of a united, independent India.
EXPECTED 4 MARKS QUESTIONS
1. Discuss the event of day of deliverance 1939 in detail?
2. What was Lahore or Pakistan resolution of 1940?
3. Who was AK Fazul-ul-Haq?
4. Who was Standford Cripps?
5. What was Cripps mission of 1942?
6. Describe Quit India resolution of 1942.
7. What were Gandhi Jinnah talks of 1944?
8. What was Wavell plan of 1945?
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9. Discuss the Simla conference of 1945?
10. Write about elections of 1945?
11. Who was Lord Mount batten?
12. What was Cabinet mission plan of 1946?
13. Detail about Direct action day of 1946?
14. Write about Great Calcutta Killings of 1946?
15. What was 3rd June plan of 1947?
16. Who was Cyrill Redcliff?
17. What were Redcliff awards of 1947?
18. What was Independence act of 1947?
1. Explain why Pakistan resolution was important for creation of Pakistan?
2. Explain why Pakistan resolution was passed in 1940?
3. Why Cripps mission failed in India during 1942?
4. Why Gandhi Jinnah talks failed during 1944?
5. Explain why Gandhi Jinnah took place during 1944?
6. Explain why Wavell plan was rejected by AIML & INC?
7. Why All India Muslim league was able to achieve better in the elections of 1945-46?
8. Explain why election of 1945 were important in creation of Pakistan?
9. Why Cabinet Mission plan was rejected by AIML & INC during 1946?
10. Explain why 3rd June plan of 1947 was significant in the creation of Pakistan?
11. Why Redcliff awards of 1947 were important for the creation of Pakistan?
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1. To what extend outbreak of the second world war was the reason behind creation of
Pakistan during 1939 to 1947. Explain your answer?
 Any political development from the years 1940s can be placed in the statement of the question
but content will remain same with little bit of change in format of answer
Example: Was the victory of Muslim league in the elections of 1945 from the Muslim majority
areas the most important factor during 1940s that led to the partition of Sub-continent in 1947?
Explain your answer.
Example: Was the Pakistan resolution the most important factor during 1940s that led to the
partition of Sub-continent in 1947? Explain your answer
Example: How far Direct-action day in 1946 the most important factor during 1940s that led to the
partition of Sub-continent in 1947? Explain your answer
2. How successful Pakistan movement was between the years 1939 to 1947. Explain your
answer?
 Explanation and analysis about successful and unsuccessful events or development during 1939
to 1947.
Example: Since it failed do you think that it was wastage of time to have khilafat movement? Do you agree
Give reasons to support your answer?
3. Which of the following contributed the most to the establishment of a separate homeland for
Muslims?
(i)Gandhi-Jinnah Talks 1944
(ii) Simla Conference 1945
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 Explanation and analysis about contribution of these events or development for creation of
Pakistan during 1939 to 1947.
Example: Which of the following contributed the most to the establishment of a separate homeland for
Muslims?
(i)Pakistan resolution 1940
(ii) 3rd June plan 1947
(iii) Wavell plan of 1945?
MARKING SCHEMES ON CHAPTER
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IMPORTANT SOURCE BASE QUESTIONS
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1

Pakistan Studies 2059

History & Culture of Pakistan

Freedom Movement of Pakistan during 1939-1947

o TIMELINE FOR CHAPTER

o KEY DETAILS & EVENTS FROM CHAPTER

o EXPECTED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS FROM TOPICS

o EXPECTED QUESTIONS CHECKLIST

o IMPORTANT SOURCE BASE QUESTIONS

o MARKING SCHEME FOR CHAPTER

AID TO LEARN BY MR ZUNAIR

1939 – Start of World War 2 / Day of Deliverance by AIML

AID TO LEARN BY MR ZUNAIR

assessment objectives laid by course in section 2.

AID TO LEARN BY MR ZUNAIR

KEY DETAILS & FACTS FROM CHAPTER 9:

Key information which is required to answer this chapter is based on

1. Understanding congress rule in Sub-continent between the years 1937-39

during freedom movement from 1939-47.

3. Learning about Day of deliverance & how it was observed by AIML?

4. Explaining about Lahore/Pakistan Resolution of 1940 and its impacts on Pakistan

5. Understanding the arrival, proposals & failures of Cripps mission of 1942.

6. Elaborating Quit India resolution of Indian national congress during 1942.

talks of 1944 on freedom movement during 1939-47.

and impacts on the freedom movement.

by AIML & INC.

impacts of these developments on freedom movement of Pakistan.

Pakistan during 1947.

13. Explaining the significance of Independence act of 1947 in establishment of Pakistan.

AID TO LEARN BY MR ZUNAIR

2. START OF WORLD WAR 2 1939

AID TO LEARN BY MR ZUNAIR

second world war in 1939 till 1945.

EXPECTED 4 MARKS QUESTIONS FROM TOPIC

Write about World War 2 in detail?

EXPECTED 14 MARKS QUESTIONS FROM TOPIC

AID TO LEARN BY MR ZUNAIR

ANSWERS FOR EXPECTED QUESTIONS FROM TOPIC

consequence of this event of world history.

AID TO LEARN BY MR ZUNAIR

AID TO LEARN BY MR ZUNAIR

another important development

resolution in August 1942 demanding immediate departure or withdrawal of British government

by British government in order to grant independence to sub-continent. It is also known as

domination and victimization.

resulted into division of sub-continent getting influenced by all these developments.

3. DAY OF DELIVERANCE 1939

AID TO LEARN BY MR ZUNAIR

EXPECTED 4 MARKS QUESTIONS FROM TOPIC

What was day of deliverance 1939?

EXPECTED 14 MARKS QUESTIONS FROM TOPIC

ANSWERS FOR EXPECTED QUESTIONS FROM TOPIC

AID TO LEARN BY MR ZUNAIR

to desist from observing this day.

AID TO LEARN BY MR ZUNAIR

government in order to grant independence to sub-continent. It is also known as Mountbatten

resolution in August 1942 demanding immediate departure or withdrawal of British government

AID TO LEARN BY MR ZUNAIR

ways for more than a century be divided within a single month

resulted into division of sub-continent getting influenced by all these developments.

4. PAKISTAN/LAHORE RESOLUTION OF 1940

AID TO LEARN BY MR ZUNAIR

following details are vital.