Chapter 9: Pakistan Movement (1940-1947)

Timeline:
1. Lahore Resolution / Pakistan Resolution – 1940 (23rd March)
2. August Offer – 1940
3. Cripps Mission Plan – 1942
4. Quit India Movement – 1942
5. Gandhi-Jinnah Talks – 1944
6. Wavell Plan and Simla Conference – 1945
7. Elections – 1945, 1946
8. Cabinet Mission Plan – 1946
9. Great Calcutta Killings – 1946
10.Direct Action Day – 1946
11.Third June Plan – 3rd June 1947
12.Independence Act – 15th July 1947
13.Red Cliff Award – 1947

1. Lahore Resolution – 1940

Q: What was the Lahore Resolution? (4)
Lahore Resolution was passed in 1940 under the leadership if Muhammad Ali
Jinnah. Molvi Fazal-ul-Haq of Bengal presented this resolution and it was
accepted by all the Muslim Leaders from different parts of India. In this
resolution, the Muslim League demanded a separate homeland for Muslims in
North Western and Eastern side of India where Muslims were in numerical
majority.

Importance of Lahore Resolution:

Q: Why was the Lahore Resolution important? (7)
− Lahore resolution was important because in this resolution the two-nation
theory was clearly explained by Molvi Fazal-ul-Haq, when he demanded a
separate homeland of Muslims in Muslim majority areas of the sub-
continent.
− This resolution was important because Muslim Leaders became determined
and motivated to achieve an independent state. Thus, they increased the
pace of their struggle because it gave direction to them and they did not
negotiate for anything less than an independent state for Muslims.
− The dream of Allama Iqbal was fulfilled because he wanted to establish a
separate Muslim state but Muhammad Ali Jinnah was not accepting of it at
the time. The events of 1930s forced Muhammad Ali Jinnah to accept the
idea of Allama Iqbal and he gave a practical shape to his idea in the Lahore
Resolution. Thus, it was an important event in the history for the Muslim
League’s struggle for independence.

2. August Offer – 1940:

Q. What was August Offer? [4]
In order to win the sympathies of Indians and their political parties during
WWII, the British Government gave the August Offer in 1940. In this offer, the
British proposed to form a constituent assembly with complete indigenous
representation and it will form its own constitution. Furthermore, the British
proposed to extent viceroy’s executive council and in the end this offer talked
about the rights of minorities in the sub-continent. However, the British
claimed that they would give all these things after WWII. Thus, the August
Offer was rejected by Indians.

3. Cripps Mission – 1942:

Q: Describe the Main Features of the Cripps Mission. (4)
Cripps Mission was sent by the British, in which they would set up the Indian
Union and give dominion status. A constituent assembly would be formed to
frame a new constitution after WWII. Commander in Chief of the Indian Army
and the Finance Minister of India would be British after WWII. Elections for the
constituent assembly would be held after WWII.
Rejection of Cripps Mission
Q: Why was the Cripps Mission unsuccessful? (7)
− Congress opposed the idea of Indian Union in which individual provinces were
given the power to join the Indian Union or not. They claimed that it was a
threat to the Indian Union therefore it became another reason of failure of
Cripps Mission.
− Jinnah rejected the Cripps Mission because there was no clear cut reference to
the formation of Pakistan in the Cripps Mission. The Muslim League under
Jinnah had already decided that they would not accept anything less than their
demand in the 1940’s Lahore Resolution.
− Indians rejected this mission because they wanted to pressurize the British to
give them self-rule during WWII. They wanted this because there was a threat
of a Japanese invasion in India as they had reached near Barma. They might
have attacked the sub-continent due to the presence of the British. To
summarize, the Indians rejected the Cripps Mission for self-rule.

Importance of Cripps Mission:

Q: Why was the Cripps Mission important for the formation of Pakistan? (7)
− Cripps Mission was important because individual provinces were given the
right to opt Indian Union or not. This point was in the favor of Muslims
because they could form their own Union of Muslims majority provinces. Thus
there was little reference to the formation of Pakistan.
− Jinnah rejected Cripps Mission because he wanted independent states of
Muslims without any doubt or complexity. Thus, he remained determined and
steadfast to achieve his clearest goals. As he didn’t want to leave things
ambiguous. Thus, his rejection clearly defined aims of Muslim League and
commitment of Muslim leaders to attain it.
− It was important for the Muslim League because the reaction of congress on
Cripps Mission alarmed Jinnah to work tirelessly and energetically for an
independent state of Muslims as congress wanted quick withdrawal of the
British which motivated Jinnah to get a separate homeland before British
departure from India.
 4. Quit India Movement – 1942: (QIM)
Q: Why was the Quit India Movement started by congress in 1942? (7)
− This movement was started in 1942 because Congress had become aware
that British were going to leave India. Moreover, British were busy in WWII
therefore, Congress wanted to exploit the weak position of the British
during WWII. Hence, they wanted to get benefits from this position.
− Quit India Movement was started because of threat of Japanese Invasion of
India during WWII. As Japanese forces had reached near Burma and
presence of the British in India may force Japanese to invade India as India
was part of the British Empire. Thus, it further forced congress to launch
this movement because if British left India, the threat of a Japanese
invasion would finish.
− Quit India Movement was launched because Cripps Mission had given a few
proposals which were not acceptable to Congress. Like proposals of
Individual Provinces to opt Indian federation or remain independent.
Hence, Congress wanted to revoke proposals of Cripps Mission by
launching a movement against the British government.

Failure of Quit India Movement:

Q: Why was the Quit India Movement unsuccessful? (7)
− Quit India Movement was unsuccessful because the main leaders of the
congress were arrested by the British such as Nehru and Gandhi. There was no
appropriate guidance for the protesters and the common people hence, death
of leadership lead toward failure of Quit India Movement.
− The British used aerial bombing and machine guns against the Quit India
Movement supporters. These attacks of the British spread terror and chaos on
the sub-continent. Many protestors left support of QIM because they did not
want to lose their lives as more than a thousand people were executed
through these bombings. Hence, the interest of people ended and QIM
became weak.
− Jinnah completely opposed the Quit India Movement because he considered it
a black mailing attempt by congress. Therefore, due to the lack of support
from Muslims, the strength of the congress became very weak. Due to these
reasons, Quit India Movement was rejected.
Importance of Quit India Movement:
Q: Why was the Quit India Movement important for the formation of Pakistan?
(7)
− QIM was important because congress demanded general independence from
the British while Jinnah rejected it because he did not want to compromise on
an independent state for Muslims. Moreover, it also motivated Jinnah to
quicken the pace of his struggle for a separate homeland. Hence, it was
important for the awareness of Jinnah.
− Due to the arrest of the Congress Leadership, like Gandhi and Nehru, Muslim
leaders like Muhammad Ali Jinnah became very prominent and they got
benefits from the arrest of Gandhi and gained public support. In this way, the
QIM was a blessing in disguise for Muslims.
− Jinnah criticized Quit India Movement by saying it was a blackmailing attempt
of Congress. As Jinnah believed that Congress wanted to make benefit from
weak position of the British during WWII. When Jinnah opposed Quit India
Movement it brought Muslims and the British closer as they didn’t participate
in this Movement. Thus, it was important for the formation of Pakistan.

5. Gandhi-Jinnah Talks – 1944

Q: What were the Gandhi-Jinnah Talks? (4)
Gandhi was released on medical grounds in 1944 and throughout the year, both
leaders exchanged letters with one another and formal meetings were held from
9th September to 23rd September, 1944 at Bombay. In these talks, Gandhi and
Jinnah tried to negotiate with one another and many issues were discussed like
defense and foreign policy, structure of central government and concept of two-
nation theory. However, these talks ended without any positive results.

Q: Why did Gandhi-Jinnah Talks fail? (7)

− Gandhi wanted to make central government stronger by giving powers of
Foreign Affairs and defense, while Jinnah wanted to make provinces
independent and autonomous. Therefore, negotiations could not become
successful in 1944 to resolve problems between Hindus and Muslims due to
differences in opinions.
− Gandhi completely rejected the idea of a two-nation theory while Jinnah
wanted separation of India on the basis of two-nation theory. Moreover, it was
the primary objective of Muslim League’s struggle in the sub-continent.
Therefore, Indians could not reach any conclusion in Gandhi-Jinnah Talks.
− Gandhi talked about general independence of India from the British while
Jinnah did not compromise on partition of India and then independence. Both
leaders had totally different aims and thus, these talks led towards its demise.

Importance of Gandhi-Jinnah Talks:

Q: Why were the Gandhi-Jinnah Talks important? (7)
− Gandhi-Jinnah Talks clearly defined that the aims and objectives of the Muslim
League were completely different because Gandhi wanted general
independence and Jinnah wanted both partition and independence. Thus it
became clear that India would be partitioned along with independence.
− Jinnah’s position as a leader improved because he did not compromise on
Muslim Rights. Moreover, he handled Muslims’ point of view very intelligently
and fought the rights of Indian Muslims. Hence, after these talks, his position
as a Muslim Leader improved and Muslims started following him throughout
this phase of Pakistan Movement.
− Gandhi-Jinnah Talks were important because they had agreed on a few
common points. They both clearly emphasized on the independence of the
sub-continent from the British. Thus, it gave chances of cooperation between
both these parties in future as they could work jointly for independence of
India.

6. Wavell Plan and Simla Conference - 1945

Q: Who was Lord Wavell? (4)
British appointed Lord Wavell as the new viceroy of India. Before that, he was the
commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the sub-continent. Therefore, he was
aware of the political conditions of the sub-continent. Hence, when he assumed
the position of viceroy, he presented a formula to solve political issues. This
formula was known as the Wavell Plan.
Q: Describe the features of the Wavell Plan. (4)
Lord Wavell proposed formation of an executive council under 1935 India Act
until the new constitution is formed. He also proposed equal number of seats of
Muslims Hindus and other communities in the executive council. All the members
would be Indian except for the viceroy and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed
Forces. Defense of India was to rest in the hands of the British until the transfer of
powers to the Indians.

Q: What was the Simla Conference? (4)

Simla Conference was called by Lord Wavell in 1945. In this conference, he invited
the key politicians of the congress, Muslim League and other parties. In this
conference, Wavell discussed the main points of his Wavell Plan. However, his
plan was not accepted by Jinnah and the leader of Congress, thus the Simla
Conference failed.

Failure of Simla Conference:

Q: Why was the Simla Conference unsuccessful? (7)
− Congress rejected the Simla Conference because they wanted to nominate one
Muslim in the executive council due to many Muslims being members of
Congress, e.g. Abu Kalam Azad who was present in this conference from the
side of Congress. Thus, they rejected the Wavell Plan due to this.
− Jinnah opposed Simla Conference because he claimed that Muslim League was
the only representative of the Muslims in the sub-continent. Therefore, it is
the general right of the Muslim League to appoint all the Muslim members in
the executive council.
− Jinnah further rejected this conference because he did not want equal seats of
Muslim seats in the executive council because untouchables and Sikhs would
always vote for Congress in the executive council. Thus, there were chances of
becoming permanent minorities in the executive council.
Importance of Simla Conference:
Q: Why was the Simla Conference important? (7)
− Simla Conference was important because Jinnah didn’t compromise on
anything against Muslims. He wanted to secure complete freedom for
Muslims. Hence, he handled this conference intelligently and is position as a
leader improved.
− Simla Conference proved that Muslim League and congress leadership had
different point of views. Therefore, there was political deadlock between both
parties. Hence, failure of Simla Conference proved that both parties couldn’t
work together in the Subcontinent, thus, it became clear to the British
government that Partition of India was necessary. Hence, it was important.
− Wavell presented a proposal that they would transfer powers to the executive
council, which meant that British had decided to leave India soon. As Wavell
suggested that Viceory would work as defense minister only and all the powers
would be transferred to the Indians. Hence, it was important turning point for
Muslim League to make their struggle faster.

7. Elections – 1945, 1946:

Q. What were the results of 1945-1946 Elections? [4]
1945-46 Elections were held as per promised by the British. Elections for both the
central assemblies and the provincial assemblies were held. In these elections,
Muslim League won 90% of its total reserved seats. Congress also won reserved
seats for Hindus while Muslim League won all 30 seats of the central assembly. In
this way, these elections were successful for Muslim League.

Q: Why was Muslim League successful in 1945-46 Elections than in 1937

Elections? (7)
− ML was successful because the Muslims who voted for Congress in 1937
Elections gave their votes to ML in 1945 Elections because ML was the
protector of their rights because tyrannical Congress rule changed affiliation
from Congress to ML.
− ML worked in grass root level after 1937 elections and they better organized
themselves which led towards success of ML in all the by.elections. as they
were more mature and experienced now. Due to this success, ML became
more determined and won all the reserved seats in the 1945, 1946 elections.
− ML included Lahore Resolution in its manifesto in these elections, in which
they had suggested a separate Muslim State in India. While, in 1937, they had
no clear aim thus manifesto of 1945-46 was more attractive for people and
thus ML won in these elections.

Importance of 1945-46 Elections:

− Success of ML proved that ML was the only main representative for Muslims in
the sub-continent. Due to this, ML became more determined and achieved
independence in 1947.
− In this election, Muslims voted for ML and Hindus voted for Congress. Thus, it
became very clear to the British that the only solution of Indian problems was
to partition the sub-continent into Hindu majority and Muslim majority areas.
− Victory in these elections motivated many Muslim leaders like Jinnah and
Liaqat Ali Khan to pressurize the British government for Partition of India.
Muslim leaders increased pace of their struggle after this victory, hence, these
elections were important for ML due to these reasons.

8. Cabinet Mission Plan – 1946:

Q: What was the Cabinet Mission Plan? (4)
Q: Describe the Cabinet Mission Plan. (4)
Cabinet Mission Plan was sent by the British in 1946. There were 3 members
included in this mission namely: AV – Alexander, Sir Pathic Lorence and Sir
Stefford Cripps. This mission presented a few proposals in which they proposed to
divide India into 3 Parts: Muslim Majority Provinces of North – Western India in
Zone A. In Zone B, Hindu majority provinces of central India and in Zone C, there
would be Muslim majority provinces of Eastern India like Bengal and Assam.

Q: Why was the Cabinet Mission Plan unsuccessful? (7)

− Cabinet Mission was unsuccessful because when Nehru stated that they would
not be bound by any such proposals once the British would leave India.
Therefore, Jinnah had doubts on Nehru’s point of view and rejected the
Cabinet Mission Plan after accepting it.
− Cabinet Mission was unsuccessful because it was unable to bridge the gap
between Congress and Muslim League as British proposed that they would set
 up an All India Commission which would decide between Partition and a
United India. Hence, Jinnah was suspicious about this feature of the Cabinet
Mission Plan.
− Muslim League had won 1945-46 elections, therefore it was in a better
position to negotiate and achieve something better for Muslims. Thus, they
rejected the Cabinet Mission Plan to achieve independent state for Muslims.

9 – Great Calcutta Killings and Direct Action Day – 1946

Jinnah feared that the British would leave the sub-continent without partition.
Therefore, Jinnah called a peaceful demonstration of Muslims in Calcutta. In this
procession, he wanted to show Muslim strength after 1945-46 elections. While
few Hindus attacked protestors and communal violence began in Calcutta. More
than 4000 people lost their lives in a few hours therefore this incident was also
known as the Great Calcutta Killings. This event proved to the British that they
must divide sub-continent into Muslim and Hindu majority areas.

10 – Third June Plan – 1947:

A new viceroy, Lord Mount-Batten was sent to India in 1947 to negotiate with
local political parties regarding the future of India. Jinnah was determined with his
demand of Pakistan and the viceroy accepted it. In the 3rd June Plan, viceroy
announced that India would be divided in two states, India and Pakistan, Muslim
Majority provinces in North-West and East of India would be a part of Pakistan
while Hindu majority areas would be considered as India. Punjab and Bengal
would be divided into Muslim and Hindu majority areas.

11 – Independence Act – 15th July 1947:

British Parliament passed the Independence Act on 15th July 1947. According to
the Independence Act, British divided sub-continent into two states and
announced that India would be partitioned on 15th August, 1947 and both
countries would work independently. Red Cliff commission would partition Punjab
and Bengal. Both countries would adopt 1935 Act as an intern constitution.
12 – Red Cliff Award – 1947 (18th August):
Red Cliff Award was presented by Sir Cyral Rad Cliff. According to this award,
Punjab was divided into Muslim Majority areas and Hindu Majority areas known
as East Punjab and West Punjab. This commission also divided Bengal into East
and West. East was given to Pakistan and west was a part of India. Rad Cliff award
was considered unjust and unfair because many Muslim majority areas like Feroz
Pur, Pathan Kot and Gurdaspur were given to India.

1Q: ‘Lahore Resolution was the most important political development which led
towards independence of Pakistan between 1940 and 1947.’ Do you agree or
disagree? Give reasons. (14)
o Introduction

o Lahore Resolution and its importance in Pakistan Movement. (P1 AND P2)

o Link statement

o Other political developments.

o (P3) Importance of Cripps Mission in Pakistan Movement

o (P4) Importance of Gandhi Jinnah Talks

o (P5) Success of ML in 1945-46 Elections

o (P6) Cabinet Mission Plan and its importance for Muslims

o (P7) 3rd June Plan

o Opinion

2Q: How successful were negotiations at independence during WWII from 1939-
45 in the sub-continent? Explain your answer. (14)
Negotiation Between
British
 ML Congres
s
o Introduction:
- Few of the negotiations were successful, few were unsuccessful

o August Offer – failed because Indians did not accept it.

- British – Failure
- Indians – Success

o Cripps Mission:
- Success for British - Few points accepted by Indians, e.g.: constituent
assembly.
- Failure for British – Issue of withdrawal was not resolved.

o Gandhi-Jinnah Talks:
- Success for ML and Congress – both agreed on issue of independence
- Failure – could no settle partition agenda for Jinnah

o Simla Conference:
- Success – proposal of executive council was accepted.
- Failure – British could not settle representation issue in executive council.
o Opinion

3Q: ‘Victory or success of Labour Party in British general elections in 1945

was most important reason why British partitioned India.’ Do you agree or
disagree? Give reasons. (14)
o Introduction
o Victory of Labour Party and Partition
o Other reasons
- Indian pressure
• Opposition of Cripps Mission
• Opposition of Congress in form of Quit India Movement
• Opposition to Simla Conference
• Victory of ML in Elections 1945-46
 • Great Calcutta Killings
• Failure of Gandhi-Jinnah Talks
o Opinion
- Indian Disunity was the major reason for partition. Difference of agendas
of ML and Congress. British didn’t want communal violence e.g. Great
Calcutta Killings.