Topic: Pakistan Movement

1939 Outbreak of WWII

// Congress resigns from ministries & call for complete independence

// M.L/Jinnah Day of deliverance.

1940 Pakistan/Lahore Resolution

1941 Japan entered in the war

1942 Cripps Mission

// Quit India Movement/Resolution

1944 Gandhi- Jinnah talks

1945 Wavell's plan and Simla conference

1945 to 1946 Elections

1946 Cabinet Mission Plan

// Direct action day/Great Calcutta Killings

// Interim Govt.

1947 3rd June plan

15th July 1947 Indian Independence Act

14th August 1947 Pakistan created

 Outbreak of WW-II

Introduction

• On 3rd September British announced it was at the war with Germany.

• Congress objected to the fact that it had not been consulted before this announcement.

• Congress said that if India had to fight then British had to promise of full independence
but instead of full independence, British promised to give the “Dominion status”.

• Congress could not accept this so called its members to resign from the ministries.

Q. Why did Congress resign from ministries in 1939? [7]

full answer) First of all, in 1939, the British went to war with Germany and British viceroy
Lord Linlithgow announced that India, too, was at war with Germany. The Congress party was a
major political group of India and the elections of 1937 proved it the most successful political
party as it was able to make its ministries in eight provinces. However, Congress objected to not
being not been consulted before the announcement. Therefore, to show their anger, they
resigned from the ministries in 1939.

Moreover, Congress stated that India would only fight, if granted a promise of
full independence in return of their support during the WW-II. However, British refused their
demand and offered them Dominion status instead. As a result, Congress resigned to
create administrative disturbance in India to achievement of their demand of full
independence.

Besides that, British were involved in WW-II and had less focus on their colonies. Recognizing
this opportunity, Congress aimed to benefit from the situation by resigning from their
ministries. This resignation was a way to pressurize British during their difficult time in WW-
II hence, they resigned.

DAY Of Deliverance
(Dec 1939)

• On 3rd September British announced it was at the war with Germany and India was also
part of it.

• Congress objected to the fact that it had not been consulted so all the provincial
government resigned.

• Muslims had to face a lot of difficulties during the Congress rule so when they resigned
Muslims were pleased to see an end of Hindu government .
 • They supported M.L and on Jinnah’s call celebrated the end of congress rule on 22nd
December which is known as Day of Deliverance.

• Many meetings and rallies were arranged at different areas of India to celebrate this
day.

Q. Why did Muslim league/Jinnah celebrate/call for Day of Deliverance in 1939?

[7]

Full answer) Day of deliverance was called by Muslim league on 22nd December 1939
because Congress resigned from the ministries. During Congress rule 1937- 39, Muslims
had to suffer a lot due to many official and unofficial policies like Wardha scheme or
ban on Azan. This shows that Muslims were greatly oppressed by exploitation of
Congress so when Congress resigned from the ministries, Muslims celebrated the Day of
Deliverance as they now after the resignation they would no longer be exploited by
them.

Moreover, Muslim league presented some demands to provide help to British during
WW-II in which they asked to stop anti- Muslim activities and to form coalition
government etc. All these demands were refused by both British and congress,
which greatly disturbed Muslims. Consequently, to show their anger to British and
Congress, Muslims participated in Day of Deliverance.

With that, Congress was demanding complete independence and was pressurizing
British to accept their demand. It was a great threat for Muslims as there were chances
that they had to come under the rule of Hindu majority permanently ,so in order to
oppose demand of Congress and to show their different approach to British , Muslims
called for Day of deliverance.

Q. Do you agree that the celebration of DOD was justified . Give reasons of your answer [14]

L3

• It was justify due to Bande Matram

• Wardha Scheme

• Hindi was made official language

• Religious restrictions like Azan was banned.

• Jinnah's demands were not accepted.

 • To avoid Hindu dominance.

L4

• Congress offended and Nehru said that there were now very less chances of grounds
between two nations.

• Many policies like Banday matram was not by congress but by other political parties.

• Hindus had helped Muslims during the Khilafat movement

• They were living with each other from centuries.

Pakistan Resolution 23rd March 1940

Introduction

• The annual session of M.L was held on 22nd March 1940 in Lahore.

• This resolution called for independent state.

• Maulvi Fazal- Ul – Haq put forward a resolution demanding that

“Regions in which the Muslims are numerically a majority as in the north western and eastern
zone of India, should be grouped to constitute independent states in which the constituent
units shall be autonomous and sovereign.

• This resolution was passed on 23rd March 1940.

• It soon became known as the “Lahore Resolution”.

• The Hindus press began referring to it as “The Pakistan Resolution”. And that title was
soon adapted.

• This resolution was really important for the achievement of Pakistan.

Q. Why did Muslim league pass Pakistan Resolution in 1940? [7]

Q: Why did Jinnah change his mind from unity to partition and complete independence? {7}

The Muslim League passed the Pakistan Resolution in 1940 in response to Congress rule, which
lasted from 1937 to 1939. During this time, Congress introduced several official and unofficial
policies such as the Vardha Scheme, Vidya Manair, and a ban on Azaan. These policies demonstrated
a significant undermining of Muslim religious, social, and educational rights under Congress rule.
Consequently, the Muslim League decided to advocate for a separate country where they could
safeguard their rights and live freely.

Furthermore, the Muslim League demanded a coalition government, requiring that no law affecting
Muslims should pass without the support of two-thirds of Muslim members, and an end to anti-
Muslim policies. Congress did not accept these demands, indicating its unwillingness to cooperate
with Muslims even in the short term. This rejection raised doubts about the feasibility of long-term
coexistence/harmony. Consequently, the Pakistan Resolution was passed in 1940, reflecting the
growing sentiment that Muslims might not attain equal status in a united India.

With that, Congress officially demanded complete independence from the British, which posed a
threat to Muslims as there were chances of permanent domination by Congress in the new
country once the British left. This prospect was entirely unacceptable to Muslims. To avoid Hindu
dominance, Muslims demanded a separate homeland in 1940.

Q. Explain why Pakistan resolution was important in the history of Pakistan”[7]

L2’s

• Muslims got an aim to struggle for.

• M.L was divided in to fractions and after Pakistan resolution they reunited and put in all
the efforts to get their own homeland from British.

• Muslims of India realized the importance of M.L and started supporting it for the same
cause.

Q.ExplainwhyPakistanresolutionwasimportantinthehistoryofPakistan? [7]

Answer) PakistanresolutionwaspassedattheannualsessionofMuslimleaguein1940inwhichMuslim
leaguedemandedseparatestateforMuslims. AccordingtoMaulviFazal, Muslimpoliticalstrengthshouldbe
consideredinsteadoftheirnumericalstrengthandareaswhereMuslimsarenumericallymoresuchasin
north-westernandeasternzonesofIndiashouldbegroupedtoconstituteindependentstate.Sothedemand
ofseparatecountryprovidedanaimtoMuslimstostrugglefor. Asaresult,finallyin1947Pakistanwas
established.

Before1940,theMuslimLeaguewasdividedintodifferentfactionsduedifferenceinleadershipsstyle,
ideologiesandvisionsforMuslimcommunity.PakistanResolutionof1940playedacrucialroleasitbroughtthe
MuslimLeaguefactionstogetheronthesameplatform andsignificantlycontributedtotheMuslimLeague's
abilitytoworktowardsachievingitsgoalofanindependentstateinthefollowingyears.

Mostimportantly,MuslimsofIndiawhoweregreatlyexploitedordominatedbynon-Muslims,sawthis
resolutionawaytosolvetheirproblemsunderMuslimrule. Thus,theystartedsupportingM.Lmorestrongly.
ThissupporthelpedthemtoincreasetheirpoliticalstrengthwhichmadePakistanmovementevenstronger.
 The Cripps Mission 1942

INTRODUCTION

• In March 1942 British sent Sir Stafford Cripps, a member of Cabinet, to India to see if a
compromise could be reached which could win support for the British war effort.

• British had still not accepted that their control of country should end.

Cripps proposed:

• After the war an Indian union would be setup with dominion status (though provinces
could opt out of the union and negotiate their own independence).

• New constitution would be framed by constituent Assembly.

• Election would immediately be held after the war.

Q. Why Cripps mission was presented in 1942? [7]

Answer. Cripps mission was sent into India in 1942 when the British were involved in WW-
II and wanted Indian support for their war efforts. At that specific time, Congress was
demanding complete independence while M.L was asking for partition. Since, the British
were not willing to leave India; they sent Sir Stafford Crips to present some proposals
such as dominion status and new constitution which could help to strengthen their rule
over India.
Moreover, World War II began in 1939, and during this time period, the British faced both
manpower and economic losses. By offering concessions through missions like the Cripps
Mission, including promises of post-war elections and a new constitution, they aimed to
persuade Indians to provide them with additional manpower during the war.
With that, Japan entered the war in 1941 and advanced to the borders of Burma.
Consequently, it became increasingly difficult for the British to withstand them in the war
without assistance from India. Therefore, they decided to secure Indian support through
missions like the Cripps Mission in 1942, aiming to address the Japanese threat.

( 1824-1948 Part of British) (Burma province was separated from British India in 1937)

Q. Explain why the Cripps Mission had limited success in 1942? [7]
Q.WhydidCrippsmissionof1942fail?[7]

• Complete independence was not granted so congress opposed

• Partition was not granted so ML opposed.
• British could not be trusted by the Indians as they betrayed them after WWI
• Provinces could opt for their independence after ten years indicated formation of Pakistan
so congress rejected.

QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT 8th AUGUST 1942

❑ According to Gandhi there would no longer be a threat of Japanese invasion if the
British left the India so on 8th August 1942; all India Congress Committee passed its
“Quit India Resolution” calling for the immediate withdrawal/departure of the British
from India.
❑ To support the campaign “a mass struggle on non- violent lines on the widest possible
scale” was suggested.
❑ There was widespread rioting for several weeks and British lost control in some parts of
India.
❑ Senior Congress Figures like Nehru and Gandhi were arrested and Congress party was
banned.
❑ M. L did not approve it as it saw the Hindu attempts to drive British out as means of
gaining control in India to exercise their own anti -Muslim wishes.

How was the Quit India movement controlled? [4,7]

❑ Strongest measures like bombing helped them to restore their rule at the cost of
thousands of Indian lives.
❑ Congress party was banned
❑ Gandhi, Nehru and other senior congress figures were arrested.
❑ Use of machine guns to control the situation.

Q. Why did Congress start the "Quit India movement” in 1942? [7]

Ans) Quit India movement was started by Congress in 1942 because they wanted to pressurize
the British to leave India immediately and hand over all the powers to them. When British sent
the Cripps Mission to India in March 1942, Gandhi realized that British desperately wanted the
Indian support during War. Therefore, he saw this as the best opportunity to get rid of the
British rule and started the “Quit India movement.”

Moreover, it was started by Congress to show their opposition to the Cripps mission of 1942.
It proposed new constitution, elections and dominion status. Congress rejected these proposals
and Gandhi called it as “A postdated cheque on failing bank”, because Congress wanted
immediate independence not the dominion status while British were reluctant to do so. This
annoyed Congress and to achieve their aim, they initiated Quit India Movement in 1942.
Furthermore, Japan had entered in the war and had reached at the boarders of Burma. There
was a threat that it could also attack on India. In the meeting of Congress held in May 1942 at
Allahabad, Gandhi argued that if British left India, then there would no longer be a threat of
Japanese Invasion. Hence, the Quit India movement was introduced to avoid Japanese threat
by pushing the British out of India.

Q. Why did Muslims not participate in Quit India movement? [7]

• Congress wanted British to leave India instantly and was demanding
independence while Muslims were in favor of partition.
• They did not support Quit India movement because M.L wanted to avoid
Congress dominance over Muslims.
• Jinnah stated that Congress was exploiting British problem and he did not want
to be part of this exploitation.

Gandhi Jinnah Talks

1944

• Gandhi who was imprisoned during the Quit India movement was released by
new Viceroy, Lord Wavell (Labour part) in May 1944, Gandhi proposed to Jinnah
that they both can meet, to discuss the future of India after the British departure.
• Throughout September 1944 the two met at Jinnah’s home in Bombay.
• Although many people expected that they would make decision soon, but the
talks broke down for a number of a reason.

Gandhi Jinnah

1. He wanted M.L to 1. He wanted to secure

give Immediate the partition before
support for removal the British left.
of British from India,
then partition could
be considered.

2. He wanted Central 2. He wanted key points

government to have in the hands of
control on key areas. provinces.
 3. He considered 3. Reminded him that he
himself to be was only the
speaking for all spokesman of
Indian. Congress.

4. Gandhi gave 4. Two nation theory was

impression that he official league policy.
did no support the
“Two nation theory”.

Q. Why were Gandhi Jinnah talks arranged in 1944? [7]

• Both parties wanted to reach to a compromise between two communities so that they
could push British out of India.

• QIM failed due to lack of support from Muslim league so now Gandhi wanted their
support.

• Gandhi realized that ML was an important and influential Muslim political Party so
wanted to get confidence of this party for their struggle of complete independence.

• To avoid increasing communalism.

Q. Why were Gandhi Jinnah talks held in 1944? [7]

Gandhi was released from prison on medical grounds in May 1944 by new Viceroy, Lord Wavell. As the
British were involved in WW-II since 1939, they were now in great economic loss and their departure
was inevitable. Hence, Gandhi decided to meet Jinnah to consider the future of India after the British
departure and thus the talks were arranged in 1944.

Moreover, both political parties had different aims. Muslim League was demanding partition while
Congress was demanding complete independence. Gandhi was keen to get the support of Muslims to
push British out of India so Gandhi Jinnah talks were away to have mutual understanding among the
two communities as on one side it would help to bridge communal differences and on the
other side, they will be able to pressurize British to leave India.

Furthermore, Congress started Quit India movement to show their opposition against the Cripps mission
and most importantly to avoid the Japanese invasion as Japan had reached at boarders of Burma. This
movement failed due to lack of Muslim support. Hence, Gandhi, being a member of Congress, decided
to arrange the Gandhi Jinnah talks in 1944 to convince Jinnah to stand with Congress to drive British
out of India for the removal of Japanese threat.
Extra L2: To avoid increasing communalism

Q. Why did Gandhi Jinnah talks fail?[7]

Facts;

• Gandhi wanted M.L to give immediate support to Congress in its struggle to remove
British from India but Jinnah knew that he had to secure the partition before the British
departure .

• Gandhi wanted the central government to have control over key areas such as defense
and foreign policy while Jinnah wanted all these matters in the hands of provinces.

• Gandhi considered himself to be a speaking for all of India while Jinnah reminded him
that he was just the spokesman of Congress.

• Gandhi gave the impression that he did not support the two nation theory, while it was
the official policy of M.L now which could not be changed.
Q. WHY DID GANDHI JINNAH TALKS FAIL? [7]

First of all, Gandhi wanted full independence and was seeking Muslim league’s support, while
Jinnah wanted to secure partition. As relations between Hindus and Muslims were poor so
Jinnah feared that it would be impossible to get partition from Hindus after the British
departure. Thus, due to difference of opinion, these talks failed.

Moreover, Gandhi wanted central government to control the key areas such as defense and
foreign policy while Jinnah wanted key points in hands of provinces and wanted maximum
provincial autonomy. Hence, Jinnah refused the proposals made by Gandhi and both strongly
disagreed with each other, causing failure of talks in 1944.

Lastly, Gandhi gave an impression by his statements that he was not in favor of the 2-
nation theory which had become the main objective and official policy of Muslim league. This
theory was presented by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and according to it; Hindus and Muslims were
two different nations living together in the sub-continent. As Gandhi indirectly refused to
accept Muslims as a separate nation by not accepting this theory, these talks broke down.
Extra L2:
Gandhi considered himself to be speaking for all Indians while Jinnah reminded him that
he was only spokesman of Congress.
Q. How did Gandhi – Jinnah talks contribute to the Pakistan movement? [7]

• Accepted the idea of Pakistan by Gandhi as he said that after the British left could
partition be considered.

• Popularity and respect of Jinnah increased helped in Pakistan movement

• Congress recognized the M.L as a party or voice of Muslims.

May/June 2022

‘Disagreement over the future role of central government in the

subcontinent was the main reason for the breakdown of the Gandhi–
Jinnah talks in 1944.’ How far do you agree with this statement? Explain
your answer.

May agree that the disagreement over the future role of central government in
the subcontinent was the main reason for the breakdown of the Gandhi–
Jinnah talks in 1944:

• Gandhi wanted central government to have control over defence and

foreign policy.

• Jinnah thought such matters should be in the hands of local government

and/or provinces

counter-arguments might include:

• Gandhi felt that partition should not be discussed until after the British
left India. Jinnah wanted partition before the British left as Congress
were unlikely to agree to it once the British had gone.

• Gandhi considered himself to be speaking for all of India. Jinnah

reminded him that, as a Hindu, Gandhi was only the spokesman of
Congress.

• Gandhi and Jinnah disagreed over the ‘Two-Nation’ Theory which had
become official Muslim League policy.
 Topic: Year 1945

Transfer Of Power Plan

Introduction

• By early 1945 it was clear that the WW-II was drawing to an end.

• Now British decided to leave India.

• What they desperately needed was an agreement on what should happen when they
did leave India.

Q. Why did British decide to leave India in 1945?

L2’s

• United Nations was established in 1945 and its main aim was to maintain international
peace and security to avoid such big Wars like the World War-II. It suggested
decolonization.

• British were getting financially weak as since 1939, they were in war and now they
wanted to focus on their own economy.

• Indians were getting politically strong and demanding the separate country. M.L
partition, Congress Independence. Therefore, it was difficult for them to continue their
rule over India.

Full answer) First of all, United Nations was established in 1945 and its main aim was to
maintain international peace and security to avoid Wars like the World War-II. This war had
caused great losses to many countries so U.N (United Nations) suggested decolonization. Thus,
due to era of decolonization, British decided to leave India.
Moreover, British were at war since 1939 so a lot of money was wasted which created financial
issues for them and now they wanted to focus on their own economy. Hence, to strengthen
their own economy, they decided to leave India.
With that, Indians were getting politically strong. M.L was demanding a separate state for
Muslims and Congress was demanding Independence. Therefore, it became difficult for British
to continue their smooth rule over India so they thought of leaving India in 1945 respectfully.
 WAVELL’S PLAN AND SIMLA CONFERENCE 1945

Introduction

• WW-II was about to end, although the British were victorious but this war had badly
affected their economy and they wanted focus on their economy so they decided to
leave India through proper plan.

• Lord Wavell, who was the Viceroy of India, presented a plan and discussed it with
Indians, known as “ Wavell’s plan.”

Wavell’s plan:

• An Executive Council should be set up to govern the country under the present
constitution.

• The Executive Council would contain equal numbers of Hindus and Muslims. 5 H, 5 M, 2
Scheduled Castes, Sikhs and other groups.

• All members would be Indian apart from Viceroy and a member controlling defense.

SIMLA CONFERENCE

• This conference was held in June 1945

• Wavell proposals were discussed in this conference with Indians in which there were
leaders of Congress, Muslim League, the Scheduled Casts, Sikhs and other groups.

• Jinnah, Liaquat Ali Khan and Khawaja Nazimuddin led the league delegation.

• Gandhi led the Congress group, but President Abdul Kalam Azad was included in it.

• All parties agreed on Executive council.

• What caused its failure was, who was to be on the council.

• Wavell wanted equal number of Hindus and Muslims, but Jinnah pointed out, as Sikh
and scheduled caste on the council were bound to vote for Hindus so this would mean
permanent Muslim minority.

• Jinnah also objected Congress suggestion to nominate Muslim member.

• This was another British attempt to find solution which failed.

Q. WHY DID WAVELL PRESENT HIS PROPOSLAS IN 1945? [7]

L2’s

• WW-II was about to end and British were economically weak therefore to focus on their
own economy intended to leave India and presented these proposals

• Indians were politically strong now, therefore these proposals were presented to satisfy
Indians and to give them equal representation to Indians.

• There were a lot of communal violence in India which made it difficult for British to rule
smoothly; hence they were keen to leave India in an organized manner.

Full answer) Wavell presented his proposals in 1945 for transfer of power as WW-II was about
to end and British were getting financially weak as they were at this war since 1939. Thus, they
intended to leave India to focus on their own economy, so these proposals provided them a
way to leave India.
Secondly, Indians were getting politically strong. M.L was demanding a separate state for
Muslims and Congress was demanding Independence. Therefore, British presented these
proposals to satisfy each community by giving them equal representation in executive council
through the Wavell’s plan.
Lastly, there was a lot of communal violence in India which made it difficult for British to rule
India smoothly or in an organized manner. Hence, Wavell presented his proposals in 1945 so
that the peace can be maintained and British could leave India in a respectful way.

Q. Why was Simla Conference arrange inJune 1945? [7]

• All above points and this point.

• Simla conference was held to discuss the Wavell Proposals.

Q. Why was Simla conference fail? [7]

L2’s

Congress view

• Congress said that it should have the right to nominate the Muslims members as the
president of Congress was Abdul Kalam Azad who was Muslim, representing Muslims as
well.

• Objection on equal representation as Congress said we are 80% while Muslims are 20%.
 • Congress said that the demand of Pakistan is a political demand not the national
demand as only M.L demanding it.

M.L View:

• Congress should not be threatened by Muslims as they have the joint electorate while
Muslims had separate electorates.

• M.L said Pakistan was a national demand not a political demand and said conduct the
elections you will see it’s a national demand.

• M.L won all the by- elections for last two years and was undisputed voice of Muslims.

Full answer)

Simla conference was failed as Wavell wanted an equal number of Muslims and Hindus in executive
council for satisfaction of both the communities but Jinnah pointed out that Sikh and scheduled casts on
the council were bound to vote for Hindus which means that Muslims would be dominated by the
Hindus as they would have permanent Muslim minority in the Executive Council so seat issue led to
failure of Simla conference.

Moreover ,Jinnah also objected to the suggestion of Congress that they could nominate
Muslims as well as Hindus. He reminded that Muslim league had won all by elections for the
last two years which proves that it was undisputed voice of all Muslims so it had right to
nominate all Muslim members. As a result, Jinnah's disapproval, and lack of coordination
between the 2 political groups resulted in the failure of the Simla conference.

With that, Congress called Pakistan an unrealistic and political demand as it was demanded by
only Muslim league while other Muslim political parties were not concerned about it. Jinnah got
offended and he demanded elections to prove “Pakistan” a national demand which further
increased the gap between the two communities and the conference failed.

Q. How did the Simla Conference impact the course of Indian history? [7]

Answer:

The Simla Conference had a significant impact on the course of Indian history for several reasons. Firstly,
it represented a rare moment of cooperation and compromise between the Congress and the Muslim
League, which had been deeply divided over issues of religion, identity, and power. The conference
provided a platform for both parties to discuss their grievances and work towards a common goal which
had great impact on the course of Indian history as both realized that they had little grounds common
between them and they protected their rights accordingly.

Secondly, the Simla Conference paved the way for the eventual partition of India, which took place in
1947. The conference failed to reach a consensus on the issue of power-sharing between the Congress
and the Muslim League, leading to the formation of two separate Countries; India and Pakistan - based
on religious lines.

Jinnah was determined for the cause of Pakistan and he did not compromise on the nomination issue
and on Congress accusation that Pakistan was a political demand not a national demand , he insisted
that that Pakistan was a national demand. So, he called for elections which clearly showed the
difference of aim between Congress and Muslim league to the British government and
eventually led to partition in 1947, indicating significant impact of Simla conference on Indian
sub-continent.

ELECTIONS 1946

Q. Describe the Elections of 1945-46 [4]

1. The Labour party replaced the Conservative party as Winston Churchill was defeated.
2. Lord Wavell was told to organize elections for setting up an Executive Council.
3. Elections were held in 1945.
4. Congress fought Elections on the policy of an undivided independent India.
5. Muslim league fought elections on the policy of establishing independent homeland.
6. Muslim League won 87% of Muslim votes.
7. Congress won 91% of non –Muslim votes and it won 19 Muslim seats to the Leagues 17
seats.
Q. Why were elections held in 1946? [7]
Not elaborated
• Jinnah demanded these elections in the Simla conference to prove Pakistan a national
demand. Therefore, these elections were conducted to fulfill the Jinnah’s demand and to
reach an agreement for the future of India.
• British wanted to leave India as soon as possible in a smooth way. Hence elections were
conducted with the hope of reaching a compromise after clearing the situation.
• Communal conflicts were increasing due to difference of aim of Hindus (undivided India)
and Muslims(partition). Thus, to overcome increasing communalism after reaching an
agreement, these elections were conducted in 1945.
Q.Why was Muslim league successful in the elections of 1937?[7] PG 89 answer
L2’s
• The image problem (Party of Nawabs or elite class party) was solved.
• It focused on both Muslim minority and majority provinces.
• Muslim League had passed the Pakistan Resolution and Jinnah was fighting to show
Muslim league an equal force in politics to Congress which increased importance of
Muslims league and Muslims supported it in elections of 1945 -46, leading to their
success/which made them success.
 THE CABINET MISSION PLAN
(1946)

• In March 1946 the British made the final effort to settle the difference within Indians.

• 3 member delegation was sent to India to find the settlement acceptable to all.

• This mission arrived in New Delhi on 4 March 1946 and met the representatives of M.L,
Congress, the Sikhs and Hindu Mahasabha.

• Soon this delegation found that both the parties have very little grounds in common.

• Jinnah's demanded Pakistan and once this was established then he would think of
central agency.

• Congress opposed any partition.

• The Cabinet Mission decided that they would set up an interim government.

➢ The government would form an All India commission from members of Provincial and
Central Legislature.

➢ It would decide that there would be one or two states.

➢ Both the parties were not agreed on it, but the delegation continued its work and
announced its final plan in May 1946.

FINAL PALN OF CABINET MISSSION

➢ It rejected the idea of establishing Pakistan.

➢ There would be three parts to post -British India.

❑ The Hindu majority territories.

❑ The Western Muslim provinces.

❑ Bengal and Assam.

➢ Each part would have local autonomy and would be able to draw up its own
constitution.

➢ Foreign affairs, defense and communication would be managed by a central Indian

Union.
 • After the announcement of plan M.L stated that it was prepare to nominate the
members.

• Nehru gave a statement “Congress would not feel bound by the plan once the British
had left”.

• M.L now felt that this statement made further discussions pointless so the Cabinet
mission plan was dropped.

Q.WHY WAS CABINET MISSION PLAN PRESENTED? [7]

L2’s

• 1946 elections proved the difference of opinion among two communities so Cabinet
mission plan was another approach for British departure by satisfying both communities
through division based on religion.

• For transfer of power in an organized manner.

• To prevent communalism

Ans) It was presented in 1946 as the results of elections 1945-46 showed that Muslim population
wanted partition by giving 87% of support to M.L while and non- Muslims wanted full independence by
supporting congress with 91% of votes. This indicated the difference of approach between the two
communities. Therefore, the Cabinet mission plan was a way to satisfy both the communities through
the division based on religion within the same country.

Besides that, as Wavell’s proposals were criticized and Simla conference was failed, there was a need
to make another transfer of power plan because British intended to leave India, but in an organized
manner especially after the WW-II, when they wanted to focus on their own economy. Hence, Cabinet
mission plan was another attempt to give power to Indians

Furthermore, increasing tension among the two communities had led to more communalism and
violence in India which was disturbing peace of Country. Therefore, Cabinet Mission was a way to
prevent communalism by satisfying both, the Hindus, and Muslims.

Q. Why did cabinet mission plan fail? [7]

L2’s

• Division was on religious basis. So Congress strongly retaliated.

• This commission said that each part would have local autonomy and would be able to
draw up its own Constitution. Different Constitution in same country was not possible.
 • Due to Nehru’ statement.

Full answer) First, Division was on religious lines. Although Muslims were agreed to the plan
first, but Congress retaliate very strongly as it considered that the partition was on religious
lines which indicated that British were indirectly granting partition to Muslims.
Therefore, Congress was annoyed and refused to accept this plan leading to its failure.

Besides that, Congress also objected on one of the suggestions at these proposals that each
part would have local autonomy and would be able to make its own constitution. Congress
said how is it possible to have more than one constitution in the same country.
Hence, Congress opposed the plan and refused to cooperate with British in their transfer of
power program as a result the plan failed.

Congress was overly concerned about the future of India and Nehru gave a statement
that “Congress would not feel bound by the plan once the British had left.” It was direct threat
for Muslims. The League felt that this statement made further discussions pointless and any
agreement might just be overturned after the British had gone. Thus, Muslims decided to take
decisive action for independent state and called for direct action day so the Cabinet
Mission plan could not be implemented.

DIRECT ACTION DAY

1946

• By late summer 1946 it was clear that British withdraw from India was imminent.

• The Muslim feared that British might just pull out and leave India to sort out its own
problems and Muslims would surely suffer at the hands of overwhelming Hindu
majority.

• Therefore, to show Hindus and the British, Muslim unity and strength, in July 1946
Muslim league passed a resolution declaring that it should prepare for the final struggle
against both Congress and British.

• On 16 August the Direct Action day was called which is also known as “1946 Calcutta
killings”.

• There were a lot of peaceful demonstrations but with the passage of time,
demonstrations turned to violence in which up to 4000 people died in “Great Calcutta
Killing”.
Q. Why did Muslim League call for Direct Action Day? [7]

• Due to Nehru’s statement.

• Muslims wanted to show their power to Congress and British both.

• To Show British and Congress that Muslims would not compromise

Ans) After cabinet mission plan, Nehru gave a statement that Congress would not feel bound to
any plan once the British had left. This gave Muslims a realization that they had to take
partition directly from the British to avoid Hindu dominance forever. Therefore, direct action
day was called to pressurize British for partition by showing them strength of Muslim feelings.

Besides that, in July 1946, Muslim League had passed a resolution declaring that it should
prepare for the final struggle against both the British and the Congress so this direct-action day
was away to show Muslim power solidarity to both communities British and Congress through
peaceful demonstrations.

One of the major reasons for celebrating direct action day was to show British and
Congress that Muslims would not compromise on the demand of separate country and that
may cause more communal disturbance so direct-action day was to present an overview of a
joint India to the British government after British departure.

TOAWRDS INDEPENDENCE

• Despite the violence and the failure to reach an agreement between Congress and M.L,
British were determined to make arrangements for their departure from India.

• So in Aug 1945 British asked Nehru to form an Executive Council to act as Interim
government.

“It had task of assisting the transition of British rule to Indian people and it remained in place till
the independence of both nations.”

• Viceroy’s Executive Council served as the Executive Branch of Interim Government.

• Jinnah refuses to nominate members until Congress accepted that it had no right to
nominate Muslims, therefore Council was sworn in with only Congress members.

• Soon Jinnah realized that it was important that there were league members in Council.

• Therefore 5 Muslim members were nominated including Liaquate Ali Khan . He also
nominated one Hindu member.
 THE 3rd JUNE PLAN

1947

BACKGROUND:

• After the failure of Cabinet mission plan by league and retaliation of Congress, British
Prime minister, Atlee decided that it was time for decisive action.

• In February 1947, Attlee( Leader of labour party, British PM from 1945 to 1951)
announced that British would leave India no later than June 1948.

• A new Viceroy Lord Mountbatten was sent to work out a plan for transfer of power.

• In March 1947, there were a lot of riots and killings between Muslims and Hindus in
Punjab. There was kind of civil war which resulted thousands of deaths.

• Same month Mountbatten arrived India and had meetings with political members and
realized that partition would be given.

Final 3rd June 1947

• On 3rd June 1947 plan was announced and according to this plan.

1. Two states should be set up, India and Pakistan.

2. Interim Constitution for both states was 1935 Government of India Act.

3. Each state would have Dominion Status.

4. Muslim majority would vote either to stay in India or join Pakistan.

5. Sindh and Balochistan voted for Pakistan in provincial legislature.

6. NWFP after referendum joined Pakistan

7. Punjab and Bengal would decide whether provinces should be partitioned into Muslim
and non- Muslim areas, both decided to join Pakistan but the Muslim minority areas
should stay in India.

8. Sylhit in Assam a Muslim majority district joined Pakistan.

9. Prince will take the decision that they would like to be the part of India or Pakistan.
 DRAW BACKS

After the announcement of 3rdJune plan, British announced that transfer of power might be
brought forward from June 1948 to 15 August 1947. So, only 7 weeks left to deal with the
problems, involved in partitioning India.

• Boundaries between Muslims and non- Muslim areas were not decided.

• Issue of Princely states was also unsolved, as what would happened if Prince wanted to
join one country while his population want to join other Country.

• Division of assets was undecided.

India decided Mountbatten as first Governor General of India, while Jinnah was to be Pakistan’s
first Governor- General. Consequently, Pakistan's relations with Britain still had to be resolved.

THE RADCLIFFE AWARDS:

(Radcliffe was architect, chairman of boundary commission)

• Radcliffe Awards or the Boundary Awards were announced on 16 August 1947, after
two days of independence of Pakistan.

• Mountbatten appointed Radcliffe to head the Boundary Commission to establish the

boarders especially in Bengal and Punjab.

• Radcliffe had 4 assistants, 2 nominated by League and 2 from Congress.

According to this:

➢ Calcutta was given to India, even though it was surrounded by Muslim so Muslim
league was disappointed.

➢ In Punjab both Ferozpur and Gurdaspur were given to India. Muslims were greatly
disappointed as Gurdaspur gave India a way to Kashmir and Ferozepur gave all the head
works of canals to India.

• Jinnah called these Awards wrong, unjust, perverse.

 INDEPENDENCE ACT 1947

• On 15 July 1947 the Indian independence Act was passed.

• The Act stated that from 15 August British India would be partitioned into two dominion
states, India and Pakistan.

• Each state would have complete freedom to pass any law it wished.

• The Government of India Act would be the Provincial constitution until the states
devised their own.

• On 14 August a new Country came into being- Pakistan.

• On 15 August India declared its independence.

Q. Why Radcliffe awards were considered unsatisfactory?[7]

Calcutta was given to India … jute processing industries were located there so caused problems

Gurdaspur was given to India which gave India a way to Kashmir … wars/relations deteriorated.

Ferozpur gave head works of canals to India…. Water dispute

Chittagong hills a Hindu majority area was not allocated to India.

Sikh also wanted Independence but was not granted.

Q.Why did Congress accept partition in 1947? [7]

L2’s
Ans) British wanted to leave India and Mountbatten was a close friend of Nehru so he persuaded him to
accept partition.
There was lack of coordination during the interim government of 1946 ,between Muslim league and
Congress, so Congress realized that it would be difficult for them to administrate the Country in an
effective way in joint India.
Direct Action Day 1946 caused a lot of violence in India so Mountbatten convinced Congress that
partition would bring peace in the Country.
Q. Who was Lord Mountbatten?[4]

Q. Who was Radcliffe? [4]

TIMELINE QUESTIONS

Q Do you agree that that during the WW-II (1939- 1945) there was no significant progress
towards Independence in the sub- continent? Give reasons for your answer. [14]

No progress towards Independence

 • Cripps Mission( 1942) proposed that after the war India would have the Dominion status
and there would be new constitution and elections. Congress and M.L both immediately
rejected it as it didn't grant the Independence.

• Quit India Movement 1942 started by Congress to pressurize but this movement failed
as British did not leave India rather took strict actions against Congress and arrested
many Congress members.

• Failure of Gandhi- Jinnah talks (1944), as their disunity delayed the process of
Independence.

• Simla Conference(1945) was to discuss the Wavell's proposals. It also failed due to
difference among two communities as a result Independence was delayed.

Successes towards independence:

• Day of deliverance(1939) which shows lack of coordination between two communities

and brought them on the path of conflict, made Muslims politically strong which helped
them during Pakistan movement/led to independence.

• Pakistan Resolution 1940, it provided an aim to Muslims to struggle for and was a proof
that the both communities were not willing to work together so it resulted in partition
in later years.

• Cripps Mission(1942) indicated that provinces could opt for Independence after 10
years, which shows a move towards independence.

• Gandhi –Jinnah talks 1944: Gandhi accepted league and its importance increased which
helped to achieve independence.

• Simla conference 1945: It indicated gap between the two communities which proved a
success for M.L as it led to Independence.

Q.Day of declaration of the Day of Deliverance in 1939 was Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s greatest
achievement in the year 1929 to 1947? Do you agree? Explain your answer. [14]

L3: day of deliverance

L4: other achievements

Q. Were the Gandhi- Jinnah talks the most important factor during 1940’s that led to the
partition of the sub-continent?

• Gandhi accepted the demand of Pakistan once the British left India
 • Enhanced the importance of M.L

• Increased the popularity of Jinnah

However there were many other events during 1940s which contribute in the partition of sub-
continent.

• Lahore Resolution 1940

• Cripps Mission 1942

• Simla Conference 1945

• Victory of M.L in 1945 elections

• 3rd June plan 1947

………………….

Q. “During the 2nd world war negotiations aimed at independence achieved little” Do you agree?
Explain your answer.
OR
Q. How successful were the negotiations during 1939 to 1945?
Ans: Negotiations during 2nd world war aimed at independence achieved some successes, such as British
presented the Cripps Mission Plan in 1942 in which British suggested that provinces could opt out of
union and negotiate their own independence. Therefore, these proposals indicated the success for
Muslims as British realized the need to protect the interest of minority (Muslim) and later or sooner
there were the chances of independence for provinces so it was a successful step.

Moreover, Gandhi- Jinnah talks also played a key role towards the independence as due to these talks,
Congress accepted League as an important organization of India who spoke with authority on behalf of
Muslims, so it was a significant step which increased the influence of league over all Muslims of India
which further helped them to achieve their aim of independence with the confidence of majority of
Muslims of India.

Besides that, Simla conference was held to discuss the proposals of Wavell which proposed the
Executive Council for India due to many disagreements between M.L and Congress this agreement failed
but it was a success for Muslims as this lack of coordination between both parties made British to think
about other solutions which gradually led to independence in 1947.

However, there were some failures too

First, Day of Deliverance was called by Muslims to celebrate the end of Congress rule. This showed that
the Hindu- Muslim relations were at low ebb and it broadened the gap between them which further
delayed the process of independence as there were not only the communal differences but also the
British did not accept the demand of independence.
Secondly, Cripps Mission gave different proposals to Indians but these proposals were rejected by both
the major parties of India, Muslim league, and Congress. Muslim League found no reference to
establishment of Pakistan, while Congress was demanding immediate control of India and were not
prepared to wait. So, it was a failure as Cripps mission was unable to fulfill the demand of Indians and
showed that British were not keen to leave India.

Moreover, Quit India Movement was called by Congress for immediate withdrawal of British from India
so it was a failure for them (Hindus) as due to it many members including Nehru and Gandhi were
arrested and Congress party was banned so now it was difficult for it to carry out its political functions.
Besides that, many people expected from Gandhi- Jinnah talks a compromise to be reach but the talks
broke due to many differences of opinion between Gandhi and Jinnah which hindered the chances of
unity and still the aim of independence was not achieved.

Wavell proposals and Simla conference were also failed to produce the significant results as there were
many conflicts between Congress and Muslim League on the nomination for Executive Council which
shows British attempts to find solutions had failed so independence delayed.

Personalities:

Allama Iqbal
Rahmat Ali
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
R. Who was Rahmat Ali/Allama Iqbal/ Muhammad Ali Jinnah?[4/4/4]
Q. Explain importance of the contributions of Rahmat Ali/Allama Iqbal/ Muhammad Ali
Jinnah?[7/7/7]

Q. Assess the significance of the contributions of Allama Iqbal and Rahmat Ali to the Pakistan
Movement. Explain your answer. [14] May/June 2020

L3: Allama Iqbal

• His poetry awakened a sense of nationhood among the Muslim community urging them to be active
in making progress along a distinctive Islamic path and not capitalist in nature. This approach was
popular with many Muslim people who adopted this vision;

• He was opposed to the British control of India – believing the conquest of others was wrong. He was
the first Muslim politician to advocate the creation of a separate Muslim state; after his Allahabad
address in 1930, many Muslim people seriously considered separatism for the first time;

• He persuaded many that the Muslim League had to build an effective mass political party to challenge
the domination of the Congress.

• Jinnah adopted many of his ideas, later leading the Muslim League.

L4: Rahmat Ali

• In 1933, Rahmat Ali and other students produced a very popular pamphlet called ‘Now or Never’. The
pamphlet argued that the subcontinent should be partitioned to provide a Muslim homeland and was
an important step forward;

• He also founded the Pakistan National Movement and campaigned for the idea of Pakistan, the name
given to this separate homeland by Rahmat Ali and his followers;

• By 1940 the Muslim League supported Rahmat Ali’s view that a separate Muslim homeland was
needed;

• Rahmat Ali was unpopular as he criticised other Muslim leaders including Jinnah over what he saw as
the abandonment of Muslim communities in places such as Delhi as well as accepting a divided Bengal
under the terms of partition in 1947.

Oct/Nov 2019

(c) Explain how Jinnah transformed the Muslim League between 1937 and 1939. [7]

Jinnah persuaded the Muslim League that it needed to build up support from the grass roots as in the
elections victory had come from local branches of the party established before 1937.

• Jinnah persuaded the party to be more egalitarian and began to mobilise the Muslim community and
make the League more attractive to so that they would support it / take part in its activities;

• Jinnah persuaded the chief ministers of Assam, Bengal and Punjab to join the party and as a result by
1938 membership of the League rapidly increased.

• Jinnah repeatedly warned the Muslim community that they must organise themselves to resist
Congress’ idea to establish Hindustan in the subcontinent.

(c) Were Jinnah’s 14 Points the most important development in the Pakistan Movement between
1929 and 1940? Explain your answer. [14]

14 Points • Set out the demands of any future negotiations with either Congress or the British
Government. It was apparent that any Hindu-Muslim cooperation had now come to an end;

• Formed the basis of demands for a separate homeland. It also convinced the movement that Hindu
and Muslim communities should form separate nations. Muslim groups were united in support of these
demands, which became their ultimate goal.

Other developments

• Allama Iqbal further developed the concept of two separate nations in 1930 with the Allahabad
Address in which he became the first Muslim leader to suggest partition in keeping with the Two-Nation
Theory; his views became an inspiration to Muslims;
• Rahmat Ali also developed the Pakistan Movement in 1933 with his ‘Now or Never’ pamphlet in which
he stated that the Muslim community should have their own homeland called Pakistan;

• The Government of India Act of 1935 introduced a federal system of government, but the Muslim
League had expected more concessions from the British. However it was important to the development
of the Pakistan Movement as it was in place at partition and became the instrument by which Pakistan
was first governed;

• The Pakistan Resolution (Lahore Resolution) in 1940 set out the path towards independence in the
1940s, the Muslim League became the driving force of this process by

May/June 2017

3 (a) How did the name ‘Pakistan’ originate? [4]

e.g. • Chaudhry Rehmat Ali devised the name.

• Stated in pamphlet ‘Now or Never’ in 1933.

• By end of the year most Muslims within India knew the name and its importance.

• Punjab, Afghania (NWFP), Kashmir, Sindh and Balochistan.

• Muslim League thought his ideas were impractical and ignored by Jinnah. Note: Allow a second mark
for a developed statemen

Oct/Nov 2016:

(c) Did Allama Iqbal contribute more to the Pakistan Movement than Rahmat Ali? Explain your
answer. [14]

Allama Iqbal

• He was the first Muslim leader to advocate the partition of India and the creation of a separate Muslim
state. • After his Allahabad address in 1930 when he put forward this view, many Muslims seriously
considered separatism during the 1930s.

• He was opposed to British control of India – conquest of others was wrong and went against the
Muslim faith, this strengthened his view of a separate homeland, independent of the British.

• He persuaded many Muslims that the Muslim League had to build an effective mass political party to
challenge the domination of the Congress.

• Jinnah took up many of his ideas and went on to lead the Muslim League as a highly effective political
party.

• Iqbal’s poetry awakened a sense of nationhood among Muslims and he urged them to be active in
making progress along a distinctive Islamic path and not capitalist in nature.
• Many Muslims adopted this vision as a view of the future.

Rahmat Ali

• In 1933 he and some fellow students produced a pamphlet called ‘Now or Never’ in which he argued
in favour of partition and gave the name Pakistan to this new Muslim state that would be formed.

• This became popular amongst most Muslims during the 1930s.

• He wanted a separate independent state.

• He criticised plans to abandon Muslim communities in such places as Delhi as well as accepting a
divided Bengal. • Jinnah refused to meet him.

• Ali’s vision of the future was adopted in the longer term.

Q ‘The 14 Points were Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s greatest achievement in the years 1929 to 1947.’ Do
you agree? Explain your answer. [14] (J2009/P1/4c)

Examiner Comments: In their responses to (c) on the achievements of Jinnah from 1929 to 1947, many
candidates found great difficulty in scoring high marks since they were unable to deal with the
requirements of the question set. The result was that there were many descriptive answers about his
career rather than a consideration of his achievements. As a result, most candidates were only able to
score a mark within Level 2 at best.

Marking Scheme: Explains at least TWO achievements, including the 14 Points. Also produces a
judgement or evaluation.

➢ Jinnah’s 14 Points of 1929 set out the demands of future negotiations with Congress and/or the
British Government. These demands were also to form the basis of Muslim League’s demand for
a separate Muslim homeland. It argued that Hindus and Muslims were two separate nations and
won much British approval for such a view.
➢ However, he also achieved much more.
➢ After the 1937 elections, Jinnah set out to reform the Muslim League at grass root level and, as
a result, membership had grown significantly by mid-1938. Without this growth, the League
would have struggled to be recognised by the British as a powerful player in Indian politics, and
hence the fortunes of the Pakistan Movement would have possibly failed to bear fruit when it
did.
➢ Jinnah used the Lahore Conference in 1940 to ensure that the Muslim League would only accept
a solution to the sub-continent which ensured partition. This was called the Pakistan Resolution.
➢ He also opposed the proposals of the Cripps Mission that saw Dominion status for the sub-
continent. In doing so he helped ensure the British realised the need to protect Muslim
interests.
➢ Although the Gandhi-Jinnah Talks of 1944 broke up without agreement, Congress was left in no
doubt that the League was an important organisation that spoke with authority on behalf of
many sub-Continent Muslims.
➢ Due to continued pressure from the League and Jinnah, the 3 June Plan of 1947 announced that
separate states would be set up – India and Pakistan.