History Chapter 9

Chapter # 9: Towards Independence (1939 – 1947)

• In 1939, Lord Linlithgow declared that India was at war with Germany alongside Britain.
• The INC rejected this idea stating that they would only support Britain in its efforts if
they are granted immediate independence.
• Viceroy rejected this demand, stating that there was no guarantee regarding
independence but dominion status might be considered.
• Congress denied this offer stating that they did not trust British promises therefore, on
2nd December 1939, congress ministry resigned from offices as a protest.
• The Muslim community celebrated the day of deliverance on the call of Muslim League
on 22nd December 1939, highlighting the end of congress rule.
(PPQ) What was the Day of Deliverance? /4
On 22nd December 1939, a large number of Muslims observed the day of
deliverance on the call of Jinnah and ML. The Muslims showed their disapproval to
the tyrannical rule and now Nehru was forced to say that Muslims and Hindus will
agree on very little. The Hindu-Muslim relations deteriorated and the chances of a
unified India reduced. This meant that Pakistan would be necessary thus hinting
towards future partition.
(PPQ) Why was the day of deliverance celebrated? /7
Congress rule made the Muslims realize that the Hindu community could no longer
accept the Muslims as a part of India. Thus, as the Congress rule ended, the ML
stood up in celebration marking the end of the tyrannical congress rule in 1939. ←
L3/3
INC’s rule had been extremely unpopular amongst the Muslims. Banning of azan,
restrictions on cow slaughter coupled with the acts of discrimination and injustice
had led to the Muslims celebrating the DOD as they could now finally live in peace.
← L3/5
The DOD was celebrated to show the Hindus and the British that the Muslims are
a separate community and that the congress rule was highly disliked by the
Muslims. Hence the Muslims showed that they were unwilling to live in a united,
congress dominated, India. ← L3/7
(PPQ) What was the Lahore Resolution? /4
A landmark session of ML held in Lahore, on 22nd of march 1940. A resolution was
put forth by Khaliquzzaman and was passed by Maulvi Fazl-ul-Haq on the 23th
March 1940. It was agreed that regions in which Muslims have numerical majority
such as North western part of India and Eastern Zone of India should be grouped
together to form an independent Nation, Pakistan.
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 1
(EEQ) Why was the Lahore Resolution passed? /7
Congress rule made the Muslims realize that the Hindu community could no longer
accept the Muslims as a part of India. They intended to impose their culture and
identity on the weaker Muslims. Lahore resolution was henceforth passed to
present the aim of ML to the masses i.e. Partition. ← L3/3
The ML wanted to show the British and the INC along with their supporters that they
stood for the establishment of a separate Muslims homeland. This was in
accordance of the ideas presented by the Chaudhary Rahmat Ali and Allama Iqbal.
Thus, the Muslims passed the Pakistan resolution to implement the ideas of these
leaders. ← L3/5
The Government of India Act (1935) made Jinnah realize that the British were
planning to leave India. The British gave the Indians more concession e.g. full
provincial autonomy indicating the split out. Thus, Jinnah was afraid that the
Muslims would be left at the mercy of the Hindus. As a result, the Pakistan
Resolution was passed to protect the rights of the Muslims by asking for a separate
Muslim homeland. ← L3/7
The Cripps Mission (1942)

EVENTS
• Sir Stafford Cripps was sent to India to propose a solution to Indian political crisis
and gain support for WWII.
• The British feared that the Indians might co-operate with the Japanese in an
attempt to expel the British out of India.
• The INC wanted immediate independence whilst the ML proposed the partition of
India alongside with the creation of a separate homeland called Pakistan.
SALIENT FEATURES
• After the war, an Indian union will be established with dominion status from which
individual provinces can chose to negotiate their independence.
• Setting up of a constituent assembly that would from a new constitution.
• Elections for the constituent assembly were to be held immediately after the war.
REACTION OF INDIANS
• INC, alongside Gandhi, rejected the Cripps Mission as they demanded immediate
independence.
• Gandhi termed Cripps mission as ‘a post-dated cheque on a failing bank’ since he
did not trust the British promises of granting independence after the war.
• INC was not pleased that the British were agreeing to the idea of partition of India
whereas the ML rejected the Cripps mission as it contained no reference to the
establishment of Pakistan.
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 2
Quit India Movement (1942)

 FACT: Gandhi at his Allahabad address urged his supporters to start “A non-violent
mass civil disobedience campaign on the widest scale possible”.
(PPQ) Why was the “Quit India Movement” launched by the congress in 1942? /7
The congress realized that the British were too weak in World War II. This was seen
from the Cripps mission. Therefore, the congress utilized the opportunity and
started the Quit India movement to pressurize the British to grant them immediate
independence. ← L3/3
The Cripps mission suggested that the individual provinces would be allowed to opt
out of the future Indian union. This alerted congress as they saw that the British
were becoming more considerate to the Muslim demand of separate homeland,
thus in order to prevent Mother India from being divided, they started the Quit India
movement. ← L3/5
The Japanese were the rivals of the British and were very close to the borders of
India in 1942. They could attack India at any time as it was a British colony.
Therefore, the congress decided to launch the Quit India movement to prevent the
invasion of Japan and to grant themselves independence. ← L3/7
(PPQ) Why was the Quit India movement unsuccessful? /7
The British reacted in a harsh manner towards QIM. They not only banned congress
but also arrested its main leaders; Gandhi and Nehru. Therefore, the movement
failed as it lost its main guidance and leadership.
The British made use of aerial bombings and machine guns in order to control the
protestors of QIM. Thus, thousands of Indians lost their lives as a result of this brutal
British retaliation. Therefore, QIM failed as its support declined.
The ML did not support the QIM. They believed that the Hindus not only wanted
general independence but also opposed the creation of Pakistan. Therefore, the
movement was unsuccessful as it did not have the support of the 2nd largest
political party in India.
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 3
Gandhi Jinnah talks (1944)

 FACT: Gandhi met Jinnah at his residence in Bombay where a series of negotiations
took place known as the ‘Gandhi Jinnah Talks’.
SALIENT FEATURES
• Gandhi gave the impression that he did not support the two-nation theory whilst
Jinnah stated that the two-nation theory had become the official policy of ML.
• Gandhi stated that he alone represented India whereas Jinnah reminded that there
are two communities within India, the Hindus and the Muslims whereas Gandhi was
only the spokesmen of congress which represented only the Hindu majority.
• Gandhi wanted Jinnah and ML to give immediate support to INC in its claim for
independence. Once the British had left India, the Partition issue would be settled.
Jinnah argued that he would secure the partition before the British left India.
Gandhi wanted the central government to have control over key areas such as
defence, trade and currency whereas Jinnah wanted these areas to be under the
control of provinces.
• Gandhi stated the Muslims were simply converts from Hinduism to Islam.
Therefore, they do not have any right to Independence. Whereas, Jinnah stated that
according to all definition and law, Muslims had the right to independence.
Simla conference and the Wavell plan (1945)

LORD WAVEL PROPOSED:
• An executive council to be established to act as interim government. The executive

council would contain an equal number of Hindus and Muslims and would be
entirely Indian apart from a member controlling defence and the viceroy himself
being the British member of the council.
• To discuss the Wavell plan, the viceroy called a conference in June 1945 to discuss
his proposals with the political parties of India.
SUCCESESS
• All the members agreed to the establishment of the executive councils.
FAILURES
• A deadlock was created regarding the issue on who was to be seated in the
councils.
• Wavell wanted an equal number of Indians and Muslims to be in the councils
whereas Jinnah pointed out that the Sikhs and the secluded castes were bound to
vote for Hindus/INC which meant that there would be a permanent Muslim minority
in the councils.
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 4
• The viceroy was of the opinion that four Muslim members on the councils should
be from ML, and the 5th Muslim member must be from unionist party. As Khizar
Hayat Tiwana was supported by INC, thus Jinnah refused the offer.
• The INC rejected Jinnah’s claim of the sole representation of the Muslims of India
as they also claimed to represent the Muslim community. Jinnah argued that in the
past few years all the bi-elections were won by the ML hence they solely
represented the Muslim community.
CONCLUSION
Due to the resultant deadlock, the Simla conference failed.
1945 – 1946 Elections

 FACT: The British PM, Clement Atlee, told Lord Wavell to organize elections for both the
central and provincial legislatures and to setup an executive council with the
consensus of the major political parties of India.
(PPQ) Why were the Elections of 1945 held? /7
The last elections were held in 1937. Since the British had promised that there
would be fresh elections after WWII ended, therefore the British PM, Clement Atlee,
called the elections in India in 1945 in lieu of their promise. ← L3/3
Wavell plan and Simla conference had failed to set upon interim government.
Hence the British called the elections so that the result of these elections could
help them set up an interim government that would rule India and moreover decide
its fate. ← L3/5
The elections were held to allow the British to estimate the power that each
community had as a result, the results of elections would allow the British to decide
between a unified and a partitioned India. ← L3/7
RESULTS
• The ML won 87% of the entire Muslim vote. All 30 seats in the central legislature
and securing 495 seats in the provincial legislature.
• ML took control of Punjab, Bengal and Sindh whereas it remained the largest party
in Orrisa and Assam.
• INC secured 91% votes of non-Muslims taking control of Madras, Bombay, Bihar,
UP, and central provinces.
(PPQ) Why was the Muslim League successful in the elections of 1945 and 1946? /7
The ML was successful in getting their message across India. Since 1937, they had
organized themselves and became a massive force in politics, telling the Muslim
community precisely what they stood for. ← L3/3
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 5
The congress rule of 1937-1939 was tyrannical for the Indian Muslims. The
Muslims realized that if they did not vote for a party that would protect their political
rights, then they would have to suffer at the hands of the Hindu majority as a result
the Muslims voted in large numbers in favour of ML that promised them a secure
future. ← L3/5
The ML had recently passed the Lahore resolution in 1940. It stressed upon the
formation of a separate Muslim homeland. Furthermore, the image problem of the
ML had been resolved, as the ML now worked tirelessly to gain the mass support
of their Muslim brothers. As a result, allowing them to win the 1945 elections. ←
L3/7
(EEQ) Why were the elections of 1945 – 1946 important for the formation of Pakistan?
/7
The general elections were held in Britain in 1945. The conservative party lost to
the labour party. Thus, this was important for the Muslims of India as the arrival of
the labour party not only increased the chances of general independence but also
of the creation of Pakistan. ← L3/3
The Hindus voted for congress in the elections of the 1945 to form a united India
whereas the Muslims wholeheartedly voted for Muslim league to form a separate
Muslim homeland thus this shows that the Indians were highly divided and that
Pakistan should be necessary if both the communities wished to exist peacefully.
← L3/5
The ML was able to gain large number of Muslim votes. This allowed the ML to hold
the firm positions to pressurize the congress and British for its demand of Pakistan.
As a result, since this demand had now become a democratic one therefore it could
not be side-lined. ← L3/7
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 6
Cabinet mission plan (1946)

 FACT: The cabinet mission plan (CMP) included the following British members:
• Sir Stafford Cripps (President of board of trade)
• A.V Alexander (He was first Lord Admiral)
• Lord Pethick Lawrence (was the Sectary of State of India)
(PPQ) Why was the cabinet mission plan was sent to India? /7
The cabinet mission plan was the last of the British attempt to resolve the political
crisis in India. The British hoped to negotiate with the Indians regarding their fate
of either a united or a partitioned India. Thus, they sent the CMP to discuss the
future of India. ← L3/3
The security conditions of India had worsened. There was mass communal violence
which had resulted due to the difference of opinion between the Hindus and the
Muslims. As a result, the cabinet mission plan aimed at smooth transition of power
in India when the British left. ← L3/5
The Cabinet mission plan aimed to bring a compromise between the INC and ML.
Since the British wanted a united India therefore, they aimed to convince the ML
through the cabinet mission plan to not pursue their aim of a partitioned India. ←
L3/7
SALIENT FEATURES
Short term plan
• Setting of an all India commission from central and provincial legislature that
would decide whether there should be one state or two.
• An interim government would be set up to organize the British withdrawal.
Long term plan
• Rejected the establishment of Pakistan.

• Proposed that India should be divided into 3 portions; Muslim majority, Hindu
majority and Assam or Bengal.
• Defence, trade, communication and foreign policy of these 3 areas would be
controlled by the central government.
EVENTS FOLLOWING THE CABINET MISSION PLAN
• In August 1945 the British asked Nehru to form a central executive council.
• Jinnah refused to nominate members to it unless congress gave up its claim for
nominating the Muslims members.
• As a result, the Executive Council was sworn (oath) with only congress members.
• After negotiations, Jinnah nominated 5 ML members (who were Muslims) and a 6th
Hindu member of the Muslim League.
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 7
• Election for the constituent assembly were held between July and December of
1946. The constituent assembly held its 1st session on 19th December 1946. ML
refused to attend the session as Nehru demanded the resignation of ML members
or else, he would resign with the INC members.
(EEQ) How successful was the cabinet mission plan of 1946? /10
There were many failures of the cabinet mission plan.
When the CMP negotiated with the political parties of India, it realized the level of
differences between them. The congress wanted a united India whereas the ML
wanted partition. Therefore, this led towards the failure of CMP as it was unable to
bridge the gap between the political parties of India. ← L2/2
The CMP suggested that an all Indian commission should be formed. It would
decide whether there would be one state or two states after the departure of British.
As a result, both the parties opposed their decisions as they felt that their
opponents might be able to get their desirable decision thus proposal was rejected.
← L3/4
The CMP gave its final plan to divide the India into 3 parts; Muslim majority, Hindu
majority and Bengal or Assam. These parts were given full provincial autonomy and
even the ability/power to make their own constitution. Jinnah accepted this plan
whereas Nehru, the new president of congress, did not accept it thus this alarmed
Jinnah who feared Hindu domination and thus started to oppose it as well. ← L3/6
On the contrary, there were many successes of CMP.
When CMP negotiated with the main political parties of India, it realized that their
demands were exactly opposite. The British realized that the gap was wide that
partition would be necessary if both the communities wished to exist peacefully.
Thus, moving towards the creation of Pakistan. ← L4/7
In the final plan of CMP, India was to be divided into 3 parts; Muslim majority, Hindu
Majority, Bengal and Assam with full provincial autonomy and constitution making
powers. Jinnah accepted this whereas Nehru, the new president of congress, stated
that he would not be bound by these terms if British left. As a result. Jinnah
quickened his pace towards the Pakistan movement as he feared Hindu
domination and wanted to secure Pakistan in the presence of British which he
finally did in 1947. ← L4/8
The Cabinet mission plan also proposed that if Muslim league agreed to lose
federation with subjects of defence and foreign affairs and communication
centrally decided then it could get whole of Punjab and Bengal but Jinnah rejected
it as it still meant Hindu control of such important subjects. This showed that the
gulf betweenthe two communities existed with each other thus a separation gap
was necessary. ← L4/9
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 8
Direct Action Day

BACKGROUND
In 1946, Lord Mountbatten was appointed as the new viceroy of India, with the task of
transfer of power from the British to the Indians, alongside creation of two separate
states. The date of independence was brought from 1948 to august 1947.
(PPQ) What was the Direct Action Day? /4
In 1946, there were Hindu-Muslim clashes in Calcutta. These clashes resulted in
many deaths especially of Muslim community. Jinnah called upon the Muslims to
show their strength of their feelings to the British through peaceful demonstrations.
Thus, a large number of Muslims observed the direct action day.
(PPQ) What were the great Calcutta killings? /4
They occurred in the aftermath of direct action day 1946. More than 400 Muslims
were killed in the communal violence that started in Calcutta spreading to other
parts of India as well. Thus, this event made it inevitable that the British would now
partition India.
(PPQ) Why was the direct action day called by the Muslim League in 1946? /7
The near departure of the British alarmed the Muslims. Thus, a peaceful protest
was called by the ML to demonstrate and to pressurize the British to partition India,
as it was now the only demand of the ML at this stage.
The ML believed that enough negotiations had been made. They believed that it
was a time to show the Muslim strength to the British in order to obtain a separate
name for themselves. Furthermore, Jinnah made it clear that this demand for
Pakistan was a democratic one thus the Muslims observed the direct action day.
There was mass communal violence across India. The numerous killings of the
Muslims coupled with the failure of CMP alarmed the ML. thus the Muslims leaders
now desperately wanted the British to partition India before they left or else they
would be left at the disposal of the Hindus.
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 9
The 3rd June plan or The Independence act

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE 3RD JUNE PLAN
• Creation of Pakistan as two separate states were made by dividing India.

• The interim constitution will be the government of India act 1935.
• Each state would have dominion status and would be run by an interim government,
responsible to a constituent assembly.
• Princely states were denied independence and were given the choice to either
merge with Pakistan or India.
• Punjab, Bengal, NWFP and Sindh voted for Pakistan whilst Baluchistan joined
Pakistan after conducting a Jirga.
• Punjab and Bengal, were to be divided along communal lines. The district of Sylhet
joined Bengal and Pathankot joined the Indian Punjab.
Analysis
Q. What was the August Offer?
The August offer was made on August 8 1940, on the eve of battle of Britain. The Viceroy
Lord Linlittgrow made a fresh offer that promised to the expansion of Governor General
executive council to include more Indian, the establishment of an advisory war council,
giving full weight to minorities, recognition of Indian rights to frame their own constitution.
Later the war ended, in return it was hoped that all parties and communities in India would
co-operate in Britians war efforts.
Q.’ Regions in which Muslims are numerically a majority as in the North Western and
Eastern Zone of India should be separated to form a separate Muslim Homeland.’
-Molvi Fazl Ul Haq 27TH March 1940.
The Lahore Resolution was put forward by Molvi Khaliq Uz Zaman and passed by Molvi
Fazl Ul Haq, it was a landmark session of the Muslim League in Lahore on the 23rd March
1940. When it declared that the regions in which Muslims are numerically in majority
should be grouped together to form constituent independent state, in which the
constituent units shall be autonomous
Q. Source: ‘Her Majesty’s, Government wishes to make it clear that it is their definite
intention to take the necessary step to ensure the transfer of Power in responsible Indian
hands, by a date not later than June 1948’
Clement Atlee 20th February 1947.
Who was Clement Atlee and what was the 3rd June Plan?
Celment Atlee was the British PM who succeeded Winston Churchill, Atlee sent Lord
Mountbatten to India to negotiate the future of Indians and discuss the partition, which
had become in inevitable. At this stage, the 3rd June plan that there would be 2 states;
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 10
India and Pakistan. Each state will have dominion status, and moreover the Muslim
majority areas would be vote to either stay in Pakistan or India.
Q. Who was Molvi Fazl Ul Haq?
He was one of the four members of the committee that drafted the constitution of the All
India Muslim League in 1906. He was also a delegate of the RTC in 1937, he was elected
as the Chief Minister of Bengal. In 1940 he put forward the Pakistan resolution.
Q. Source: ‘We denounce for all times the use of force to achieve political ends, we call
upon all the communities of India to whatever persuasions they may belong , not only to
refrain from the acts of violence and disorder, but also to avoid at both speech and in
writing any incitement to such acts.’
Signed by MA Jinnah, MK Gandhi 15th April 1947. What is the source referring to?
The source is referring to the events of partition of India, and the subsequent creation of
an independent states; Pakistan. It refers to the arising communal violence that took place
due to the announcement of partition and due to the chaos caused by the British bringing
the Partition date closer. Due to this many Muslims migrated in Pakistan and war threat of
deaths and killings which had stopped.
Q. ‘A mass struggle on non-violent alliance on the violent scale possible’ Gandhi 1940
What was the Quit India Movement?
It was an act of mass civil disobedience started by Gandhi to expel British from India. Gain
immediate independence, as the saw the British to have become weaker due to their, set
path of WW2 through tough measures. Such an aerial bombing and imprisoning the
leaders, the British contained their control and overall the movement eventually failed.
Q. Source ‘ We cannot agree to a single constitution making body, it will mean signing out
a death warrant and we can not agree to consider any interim arrangement unless the
Pakistan scheme is accepted and we will right for it; Pakistan and if necessary die for it,
take it we must or we will persish’
Quid e Azam 1946
What does the source explain?
Rejecting the cabinet mission plan of 1946, Jinnah stated that the establishment of
Pakistan is the only hope left for the Muslims in India. If Pakistan is not created then the
Muslim community shall, suffer at the hands of Hindus, therefore no matter what Pakistan
will perish. It also refers to the call of direct action day where the Muslims will showcase
their power as a community openly.
Q. Source:’ I found no parallel in history for a body of converts and their descendant
claiming to be a nation apart from their parents stock. If India was a nation before the
advent of Islam, it must remain one in-spite of the change of faith of a large body of her
children’
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 11
Gandhi in a letter to Jinnah
What is the source trying to explain?
This source tells, about the Gandhi-Jinnah talks in 1944. Gandhi is trying to give the
impression that the Muslims of India can not classify themselves under the category of
independent community, rather they are just an abomination of converting Hindus and
migrated Muslims. Hence based on this argument he is denying the Muslims their rights
of separate nation, which they were demanding.
Was a Lahore resolution of 1940 the most important event in 1940's that
helped in creation of Pakistan?
Many events helped in the creation of Pakistan, amongst them was the Lahore Resolution
Huge number of Muslims attended the resolution. This showed how much they opposed
the Hindu rule & this pleasing response made the leaders more encouraged and motivated
to get a separate homeland for Muslim masses.
Jinnah had just accepted the idea of two nation theory & passed the Lahore resolution. If
he had not accepted the idea then he would not have dealt all negotiations the way he did
because of it. Thus now after the LR the Muslim community had unfaltering support of
Quaid to guide them.
At the time of LR, 10,000 Muslims attended the session; they all got united under support
of Muslim leaders who gave them a practical solution of all their political problems. Thus
after LR all Muslims got united against the cause to achieve Pakistan.
On the contrary, there were other events that helped in the creation of Pakistan
Cripps mission did not concede Pakistan rather it gave a vague pathway towards it, so
Jinnah rejected it. This shows the determination of Jinnah to get Pakistan at any cost and
thus this same determination later allowed him to tackle all the hurdles of 1940’s and
hence achieve Pakistan
Congress called for immediate Independence. That is why they rejected the Cripps mission,
now the Muslims realized that Hindus just wanted to dominate Muslims thus they
quickened their pace to get Pakistan by asking for partition before congress came in
power.
British introduced the measure of provinces to opt out. Now the Muslims were encouraged
and thought that indeed the British were recognizing some of their rights. Therefore with a
little persuasion they could achieve Pakistan, thus they now availed every opportunity to
achieve it.
Hindus launched Quit India Movement to pressurize the British to leave India. This meant
they wanted control and if that happened Muslims would lose every hope of getting
Pakistan from Hindus so now they knew that they had to achieve Pakistan while the British
were present. Thus they increased their efforts for partition.
During Gandhi-Jinnah talks 1944, Gandhi accepted to make Pakistan on communal lines
by saying Punjab and Bengal Should be divided on communal Lines. Thus the major
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 12
opposed party had accepted the creation of Pakistan indirectly which was an important
step towards it.
In Gandhi-Jinnah talks, the Congress party had been forced to negotiate with Muslim
league on the equal footing thus this meant it had accepted Muslim league as voice of the
Muslims & destroyed its own claim of speaking for whole of India. Thus, Gandhi Jinnah
talks were important as Congress had recognized the existence of Muslims as a nationality
so a similar recognition for a separate nation was possible as well.
After the way Jinnah dealt with Gandhi in talks, the Muslims respect for him peaked & they
trusted him more & they voted for Muslim league in 1945-46 elections & now the Muslims
were able to ask for Pakistan more 'powerfully'. Thus later achieving Pakistan.
After the elections of 1945. Muslims league swept 87% of Muslim Votes & every single
seat in central & 446 in provincial assembly; this justified the Muslim league manifesto of
separate homeland as all Muslims voted for it. Now it became clear that league was the
voice of the entire Muslims & now league gained enough political power to demand
Pakistan.
After the elections the ML demanded that Muslim majority area should be made sovereign
state, or it would refuse to join decisions. This meant that all Muslim majority areas
unanimously accepted the idea of single state for them became more determined to
achieve it.
In Simla Conference & Wavel plan, the congress said it had a right to nominate Muslim
member in the interim government & that they will be included in equal number to Hindus.
Quaid rejected this as he knew that if he agreed, Muslims will always be dominated by
Hindus as they were an outright majority thus this shows how strict the leaders were on
compromising nothing but Pakistan.
On that point where Muslims and Congress were not agreeing on anything. Wavell admitted
his defeat. This shows the level of differences between the two communities that they
never agreed on each other's proposals, thus the British realized that a separate nation
was necessary for these communities to live in peace.
The Cabinet Mission proposed to Jinnah that Sindh, Balochistan, NWFP & Bengal plus
Punjab divided on communal lines could be accepted as Pakistan. Although Jinnah
rejected this but it shows that even British had come round to the idea of a separate state
for Muslims thus a Major achievement.
The CM also proposed that if league agreed to a loose federation with subject of defense
foreign affairs & communication centrally decided then it could get whole of Punjab &
Bengal but Jinnah rejected it as it still meant Hindu control of such important subjects.
This shared that the gulf of two communities was so wide they wanted nothing to do with
each other thus a separation was necessary.
The CM then agreed to form a western Muslim majority, a Hindu majority, & Bengal +
Assam to be made separate Provinces. Nehru stated that Congress would not feel bound
to it after British left even though the Muslims had agreed to nominate members for this
planned interim government. This statement destroyed any good feeling that might be in
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 13
the hearts of two communities and made Muslims more convinced that they have to
achieve Pakistan at any cost before Hindus get into power.
Was response to the Cripps mission of 1942 the most important

contribution of Jinnah to the Pakistan movement? Explain your answer 14
A number of contributions can be credited to Jinnah regarding the Pakistan movement.
When the Nehru Report was published in 1928, it denied certain rights to the Muslims
such as separate electorates. This was unacceptable to Jinnah as the congress was
backing out of their concessions made in the Luck-now Pact 1916. Thus, he rejected the
Nehru Report which showed that Jinnah never compromised when it came to the Muslims.
Furthermore, when Jinnah suggested amendments they were rejected by the conference.
Therefore, to answer the Nehru Report, Jinnah produced his 14 points. These points
helped unify the different factors of Indian Muslims who later curried out the Pakistan
movement as a single community.
As a response to Nehru Report, Quaid issued his 14 points in which he demanded separate
electorates and added weightage for Muslims. This showed that he was not ready to
compromise on Muslims rights and wanted them to be protected at any cost.
In the annual session of the Muslim League at Lahore in 1940 which was presided by
Jinnah, Lahore Resolution was passed which declared that the Muslims of India should
have a separate homeland. Thus Jinnah gave Muslims a clear cut goal to work for i.e.
establishment of Pakistan.
In the Gandhi —Jinnah talks of 1944, Gandhi tried to overpower Jinnah but Jinnah was too
clever to fall for such a trap. Gandhi wanted that partition should he considered after the
British left. Jinnah knew that after the British left, there was no way partition would be
considered. Thus, due to his efficient handling of the talks Gandhi was forced to believe
that Jinnah could not be tricked and he was forced to accept Muslims as an important
community.
In the Simla conference Lord Wavel had said that there would be equal number of Muslims
and Hindus in the Executive council, but Jinnah was of the point that as the Sikhs and
Scheduled castes on the council were hound to vote for the Hindus it would result in It
permanent Muslim minority in the council. This idea of Jinnah was important for the
Pakistan movement as he made sure that the Muslims would not lie dominated by the
Hindus in the wavel plan or in any other scenario.
If moreover, in this conference of 1945, congress said that they also had the right to
nominate Muslim members for the Executive Council. Jinnah argued that this was the
Muslim League's right and thus, the Simla Conference broke down without any result due
to Jinnah's adamant attitude. However, the British and Congress were now clear that the
only solution to political problems of India was the creation of Pakistan, as Jinnah would
riot compromise on Muslims rights.
During the years 1937-45, Jinnah reorganized ML and due to his efforts it was able to
convey its manifesto of 'Pakistan' more effectively to the Muslims of India. Thus due to
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 14
Jinnah’s hard work ML, won the elections of 1945-46 and was in a position to pressurize
both Hindus and British to accept its separate homeland.
On the Contrary, In 1942, Jinnah refused to accept the Cripps mission as it had no
reference to the establishment of Pakistan. By rejecting this mission Jinnah showed his
commitment to get a separate Muslim homeland and encouraged other Muslims to work
with the same enthusiasm
(Jinnah did not trust the British Promises)
A Gandhi Jinnah talk was the most significant event that led to British
leaving India. Do you agree? 14
A Gandhi Jinnah talk was accounted amongst the most significant event that led to the
British leaving India.
The Gandhi Jinnah talks 1944 showed that political parties just wanted independence;
they didn’t accept any other concession other than independence. Jinnah had also made
the two nation theory the official policy of ML; hence it became inevitable that due to
increased political awareness, British would soon grant India with Independence.
The British came under direct pressure from the Indians because of GJ talks. The INC had
accepted that ML was on equal footing with them. The INC had also come around the idea
of partition and creation of Pakistan because of the outcome of GJ Talks. As a result,
increasing Indian support for their local political parties led to British leaving India.
On the contrary there were other events that led to the British leaving India. The
introduction of government of India act 1935. These reforms showed that British had now
come under direct pressure from the Indians as it granted the Indians with massive
concessions. It,furthermore, provided a basis of negotiations which finally resulted in
British leaving India.
The celebration of day of deliverance 1939. Muslims by DOD highlighted and reinforced
the two nation theory. ML had also gained support of the Muslim community and now
demanded for immediate independence. Hence due to the growing political awareness
amongst the Muslims it became visible that British would soon grant Muslims with a
separate nation and leave India.
The introduction of August offer 1940, the offer contained further concessions for the
Indians. The offer was rejected by the ML as they had kept the two nation theory as their
parties’ official policy and wanted the setup of a separate constituent assembly.
Henceforth this increased awareness regarding self rule showed that it was necessary to
grant the Indians with independence.
The introduction of Cripps mission 1941, the Cripps mission was another set of
concessions by the British. The Cripps mission was rejected as INC wanted complete and
immediate independence whilst ML had proposed the partition of India alongside creation
of an independent nation ‘Pakistan’. Henceforth the rejection of every British concessions
showed that British were to grant Indians with Independence in the near future.
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 15
The initiation of Quit India Movement 1942, the QIM was successful in pressurizing the
British. The British necessity was seen as India’s Opportunity. As a result it became
inevitable that the pressurized British would now soon leave India as their control now
weakened.
The failure of Simla conference 1945, political deadlocks were achieved on major issues,
furthermore the Indians refused to cooperate in any manner possible. As a result it became
visible that due to political deadlocks Indians would be soon granted with independence.
In my justified opinion, GJ talks were the most important event responsible for the British
leaving India as it showed that both parties would now choose not to cooperate with the
British and the reinforcement of two nation theory showed that both parties just wanted
Independence.
How successful were the attempts to find solutions to the problems facing
the Sub- Continent in the years 1940-1947. Do you agree? 14
There were many attempts made by the parties to find a solution to the problems of the
subcontinent
Pakistan Resolution was passed by Muslim league in 1940. It clearly asked for Pakistan
to be established and made the Muslim views and demands clear to the British and
Hindus. This later on convinced the British to establish Pakistan as an independent state.
Cripps mission sent by British in 1942 did not achieve its main objectives, However it
included a clause which stated that provinces could opt out of the Indian union in the
future. Jinnah was pleased to see this and it convinced him to work harder towards the
establishment of an independent state.
The Gandhi-Jinnah talks in 1944 broke down for a number of reasons, however some
success can be claimed. Congress had now accepted the ML as an important Organization
that spoke on behalf of all the Muslims in India.
The British held elections in 1945-46 in attempts to clearly find out the views of the Indian
people. These elections clearly stated what the Muslims of India wanted and later helped
the British in deciding for the Partition.
The Direct-Action Day in 1946 finally pushed the British in deciding for partition. the British
feared more communal violence would erupt and hence released the 3rd June plan which
established Pakistan as an independent state.
On the contrary, many attempts made during 1940-1947 were unsuccessful as well.
The Cripps mission sent by the British in 1942 did not gain Indian support for the war
neither did it resolve the political crisis facing India and was rejected by ML and INC. Hence
it failed to achieve its main objectives.
The quit India movement started by Gandhi in 1942 could not achieve its aims either. In
fact, Gandhi and other congress leaders were arrested and extreme measures (e.g. aerial
bombing) once again restored British Rule, making the movement unsuccessful.
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 16
The Gandhi-Jinnah talks in 1944 also broke down for several reasons. Their main objective
was to see if any consensus could be reached by INC and ML. However the talks failed to
do so and proved just how deep the gulf was between two parties.
The Wavell plan and Simla Conference in 1945 also failed to achieve its objective which
was to establish an interim government. No agreement could be reached by INC and ML
as to who was to be on the council and negotiations broke down.
The 1945-46 elections were to setup the executive council with support of the Indian
parties. However, 87% Muslim voted in favor of Pakistan and 91% Hindus voted against
partition, this showed just how divided India had become and further increased pressure
on British.
The cabinet mission plan of 1946 was one of the last attempts by British to reach an
agreement with INC and ML. However both the parties rejected CMP and refused to further
negotiate with the British. Hence forth the CMP also failed.
In my justified opinion the attempts made by the British and the Indians proved successful
as two independent states were established with no dominance of British. This fulfilled the
Indian Demands, of Independence.
How successful were negotiations aimed at Independence during World

War-2. Explain? 14
The negotiations aimed at Independence during WW-2 were very successful.
The Muslims, in 1939 celebrated the ‘Day of Deliverance’. For the first time the Muslim
took an action independently and expressed their deep emotion against the unjust acts of
the INC thus this event highlighted the two-nation theory and the urgent need for the
separate homeland for Muslims.
In 1940, the ML passed the Pakistan Resolution and made the Muslim demands clear to
the British by bluntly asking for Pakistan. The British were convinced that the Muslims
would not agree to anything less than Pakistan which led them to take the idea of partition
into consideration.
In 1942, the Cripps Mission contained clause which state that provinces could opt out of
the Indian union. Although the ML rejected the mission, Jinnah was pleased to see that it
contained some idea of partition. This meant that the British were finally gathering around
the Idea for Independence.
The very fact that Gandhi wanted to host talks with Jinnah in 1944 showed that now the
INC had also come around the Idea that any form of Partition would be necessary in a
failure independent India. This proved that Muslim efforts were now beginning to bear fruit.
On the contrary, many negotiations broke down as well.
In 1942, the Cripps mission was sent by the British to gain Indian support for war by
granting Indians a large level of autonomy. However both ML and INC rejected the Cripps
Mission and, hence it failed in its main objectives.
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 17
In 1942, Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement. It aimed at driving the British out of
India and gaining full independence. However, just after 2 days the Q.I.M leaders were
arrested and strong measures once again restored British Rule.
The Gandhi-Jinnah talks in 1944 were held to see if any negotiations could be reached.
However the talks broke down for a number of reasons and finally persuaded the Muslims
that the Hindus were still negative towards the two nation theory.
Moreover, in 1945 Lord Wavell suggested that an executive council should be setup to
govern India while the British arranged their departure. However no agreement could be
reached on who was to be on the council and all further negotiation broke down.
The 1945 elections were held to form the executive council with the help of the main Indian
parties, but the result showed otherwise. The election showed just how divided India had
become. Hence the British attempt to negotiate for Independence also failed.
In my justified opinion, negotiations aimed at independence were generally a success. One
negotiation after another finally led the British to establish Pakistan as an independent
state free of India dominance.
Do you agree that during Second World War there was no significant
progress towards independence in sub-continent? Explain your answer.
There was some significant progress towards the independence process between 1939-
45 during World War 2 however not all the progress was successful
Cripps mission sent to India to gain Indian support for the war deliberately failed. Sir
Stafford Cripps arrived in India in March 1941 with the objective of granting Indians a
promise of future dominion status & the setting up of a constituent assembly after war
that will draft new constitution for India. But as the Indians did not trust the British
promises, they rejected the mission & its proposals.
The quit India Movement also ended without producing any fruitful results. Gandhi, leader
of the INC, launched its campaign of QIM by 1942 to expel the British & achieving full
Independence. But the British & seemed too powerful to oppose & with their use of
machine guns and aerial bombing the British retained their control. Gandhi & Nehru were
put behind bars & INC was banned thus the effort to achieve independence was not
successful.
Upon the urging of the Viceroy Lord Wavell, Gandhi & Jinnah held a series of talks in 1944.
The main objectives of the talks were to reach a compromise on the key issues dividing
the two parties INC & ML. Wavell hoped that if the two main leaders could reach a
compromise in how India should be Governed then British with-drawl can be organized.
But instead the talks failed to produce any solution, therefore it can be said that there was
no significant progress towards independence in sub-continent.
Moreover by 1945 when it was clear that WW2 was about to end it was also time for British
to leave. What the British needed was an agreement to what would happen to India once
they left. For this purpose, the Simla conference was called by Lord Wavell in 1945 but
once again the conference also failed to produce any significant outcome there was a
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 18
deadlock regarding the issue of number of seats of Muslims & Hindus on the executive
council which would govern India.
On the contrary hand there were some events that took place between 1939-45 that led
the sub-continent towards independence.
By 1940 the Muslims league at their annual & landmark session passed the Lahore
resolution or the Pakistan resolution. The Muslims in India had come around the idea that
regions in which the Muslims are numerically a majority as the eastern & north States.'
Now it was inevitable that no matter what the Muslims would achieve a separate homeland
for them & independence seemed to move nearer.
By 1941, the British sent Sir Stafford Cripps to reach a compromise on the problems facing
India as part of his proposals Cripps included that an Indian union would be established
with dominion status. Though individual provinces could opt out & negotiate their
independence. This showed that British even were ready to grant independence &
indirectly were refereeing to creation of a separation states as province could group
themselves into independent states.
By 1945 it was clear the British would withdraw from India soon. For this purpose Lord
Wavell Proposed that an executive council should be set up to govern India whilst British
withdrawal is organized. For this reason the Simla conference was called which was
attended by the majority leaders who agreed to the setting of an executive council which
would govern India thus in 1945 it was clear independence was moving closer.
In my justified opinion there was significant progress during ww2 in sub-continent to gain
independence the ML had passed the Lahore resolution & now they would not negotiate if
their demand for a separate homeland is not agreed more over the INC had launched a
Mass protest campaign QIM to expel British out of India therefore there was significant
progress to achieve independence.
How successful was British in India during 1930’s and 1940’s. Explain?
British rule in India was successful b/w 1930’s and 1940’s.
The round table conference RTC’s were to resolve the political crisis facing India. British
believed that by gathering the Indians they could reach a consensus over major political
affairs and resolve a major difference amongst Indian parties. As a result this led to the
British rule being successful as the British were taking joint Indian opinions on how India
should be run.
The first round table conference 1930, the British agreed that a form of responsible
representative govt. would be introduced at local level furthermore the rights of princess
were recognized and were made a part of future Indian federation. Hence forth this led to
the British rule being successful as they were deliberately granting Indians with more
representation.
The second-round table conference 1931, in the second RTC, British agreed that Sindh
and NWFP should be granted provincial status with its own respective governors. As a
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 19
result this pleased the ML as of one of their major demand, made in 14 points was
accepted.
The introduction of govt. of India act 1935. It introduced a parliamentary form of govt. with
maximum Indian representation. Furthermore the representation at local level had also
increased. As a result the moderators in India were pleased as more representation had
been granted, with the hope of achieving more, they supported British rule.
The introduction of Cripps mission 1941. Although it was opposed by majority political
leaders, but Jinnah was pleased see that British had come to the clause regarding
individual provinces opting out and negotiating their independence indirectly referred to
creation of Pakistan. As a result this led to British rule being successful as this mission
was successfully able to please the Muslims.
On the contrary, many factors led towards British rule being unsuccessful b/w 1930’s and
40’s.
The failure of the RTC’s. The RTC’s were not able to negotiate and find solutions for the
political deadlock in India. As a result this led to the British rule being unsuccessful as they
were not successful in finding a solution to resolve the deadlock and grant Indians with
more rights.
The rejection of govt. of India act 1935. The Indians were not granted with dominion status.
Furthermore, all authority was vested in parliament which was a British Institution.
Henceforth this led to the Indians rejecting the GOI act 1935 and thus resulting in
unsuccessful British rule.
The failure of the August offer 1940. The offer was rejected by both INC and ML. The ML
had demanded for a separate constituent assembly and INC had demanded for immediate
independence. As a result, this led to increased resentment amongst the Indian as their
demands were not accepted and thus leading to unsuccessful British rule.
The initiating of QIM 1942, the QIM was initiated to pressurize to the British to grant
Indians with immediate independence. By using the Japanese invasion as an excuse, the
QIM was started, hence this led to British rule being unsuccessful as the Indians were not
pleased with British rule and were organizing NCM just to gain independence from British.
In my justified opinion, British rule in India b/w 1930’s and 1940’s was mostly
unsuccessful as Indians were mostly displeased with the new British reforms and no major
and proper concessions had been granted by the British to the Indians which led to
increased resentment amongst Indians.
Do you agree that the celebration of DOD was justified?

Many Aspects show that the celebration of D.O.D was justified
During congress rule Muslims were oppressed. Azan was banned, pigs were pushed into
mosques and procession were carried out to disturb the worshippers hence when INC
resigned it was the right of the ML to celebrate end of the congress tyranny.
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 20
Congress had adopted the scheme of educational policies designed by the Gandhi, in
which religious education was banned thus later these Muslim students celebrated DOD
to show how religiously oppressed they were during INC’s rule.
BandheMahtram was a Hindu nationalist song, written by Bankin Chatterjee. It aimed at
the expulsion of Muslims from India; Anyhow ML celebrated DOD because it was the end
of such degrading acts by the INC.
Communal violence had increased and there were attacks on Muslim communities. When
complaints were lodged, actions were taken against the Muslims. As a result, to celebrate
the end of injustice done by INC rule DOD was celebrated.
Slaughter of cow was banned. Muslims could not celebrate the religious festivals of Eid-ul-
Azha between 1937-39 Thus as the INC ministers resigned in 1939, the Muslims found a
reason to celebrate DOD as they could not celebrate Eid-ul-Azha during the INC’s Tyrannical
rule.
DOD was celebrated to show the strength of ML to British and INC. Now the ML enjoyed
the support of the Muslim masses & thus by celebrating DOD highlighted that they are a
separate community which expressed their need for a separate nation as there was little
common between the communities.
On the contrary, there were many negative aspects of D.O.D which made its celebration
unjustified.
Communal violence had increased, and political crises initialized. ML made it clear that
they want a separate homeland for which they gained support from celebration DOD. As
this idea was disliked by the Hindu community communal violence increased.
After 1939 the Hindu Muslim unity was nonexistent. Hence if there was hope of point to
achieve independence from the British to establish a united India, the DOD’s celebration
crushed all such hopes (mention Jinnah’s Nehru statement)
Bandhe Mathram and other acts of oppression were not INC’s policy. These were acts from
extremist Hindus. Moreover, where Muslim congress members were appointed these acts
were not observed. Thus, it was not justified for ML to celebrated DOD as joy that
highlighted freedom from a rule of many Muslim INC members as well.
Q: The Second World War was in progress and the British government sent sir Stafford
Cripps to India. what was the Cripps mission? 4
Ans: Cripps mission arrived in India in 1941 headed by Sir Cripps to gain Indian support
for the world war against Germany and to grant Indians more concessions. One of its major
proposal included the setting up of an Indian union in which individual provinces could opt
out and negotiate independence.
Q: we cannot agree to a single constitution making body because it will mean signing our
death warrant and we cannot agree to consider any interim arrangement unless the
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 21
Pakistan scheme is accepted and we will fight for it, Pakistan and if necessary die for it,
take it we must or we will perish Quaid Azam 1946. What does the source explain?
Ans: Rejecting the cabinet mission plan Jinnah stated that the establishment of Pakistan
is the only hope left for Muslims in India. if Pakistan is not created then the Muslim
community shall suffer at the hands of the Hindus therefore no matter what either Pakistan
or perish, it also refers to direct action day.
Q: What was the Hindu Mahasaba?
Established in 1900. It stands for the people’s army for Independence Movement. It was
supported by India. The rebelled army attacked the town of Mysore. It declared Muslims
as outsiders and became their worst enemy as they believed Muslims had no relation with
India and that they could not live together.
AFFAN A. SIDDIQI 22

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Chapter # 9: Towards Independence (1939 – 1947)

Chapter # 9: Towards Independence (1939 – 1947)

The Cripps Mission (1942)

Quit India Movement (1942)

Gandhi Jinnah talks (1944)

Simla conference and the Wavell plan (1945)

• An executive council to be established to act as interim government. The executive

• All the members agreed to the establishment of the executive councils.

Due to the resultant deadlock, the Simla conference failed.

1945 – 1946 Elections

Cabinet mission plan (1946)

Short term plan

Long term plan

• Rejected the establishment of Pakistan.

EVENTS FOLLOWING THE CABINET MISSION PLAN

Direct Action Day

The 3rd June plan or The Independence act

• Creation of Pakistan as two separate states were made by dividing India.

Was response to the Cripps mission of 1942 the most important

How successful were negotiations aimed at Independence during World

Do you agree that the celebration of DOD was justified?

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