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Questions and Answers
What was the Two-Nation Theory proposed by Muhammad Ali Jinnah?
What was the Two-Nation Theory proposed by Muhammad Ali Jinnah?
Which mass movement did the Indian National Congress lead in 1942?
Which mass movement did the Indian National Congress lead in 1942?
What was the primary outcome of the Cripps Mission in 1942?
What was the primary outcome of the Cripps Mission in 1942?
What consequence did Direct Action Day in 1946 lead to?
What consequence did Direct Action Day in 1946 lead to?
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What was the effect of World War II on the Indian independence movement?
What was the effect of World War II on the Indian independence movement?
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What was a significant feature of the Mountbatten Plan?
What was a significant feature of the Mountbatten Plan?
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What was the primary demand of the Muslim League during the Lahore Resolution in 1940?
What was the primary demand of the Muslim League during the Lahore Resolution in 1940?
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What was a significant response by Indians to the Cripps Mission negotiations?
What was a significant response by Indians to the Cripps Mission negotiations?
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Study Notes
Factors Leading to Independence and Partition
- Communalism: Religious divisions (Hindus and Muslims) intensified due to British "Divide and Rule" policies.
- Two-Nation Theory: Muhammad Ali Jinnah proposed Hindus and Muslims are separate nations, justifying a separate state (Pakistan).
- British Policies: Used a "Divide and Rule" strategy; inconsistent reforms like the 1935 Government of India Act contributed to unrest.
Role of the Indian National Congress
- Advocated for Purna Swaraj: Sought complete independence.
- Opposed Communalism: Emphasized unity amongst all Indians.
- Led Mass Movements: Organized Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India movements.
Role of the Muslim League
- Founded in 1906: Initially focused on protecting Muslim interests.
- Shift to Separate Nation: Later demanded a separate state (Pakistan) in the 1940 Lahore Resolution.
Impact of World War II
- Weakened British: The war left Britain economically and politically vulnerable.
- Rise in Nationalism: Wartime hardships fuelled Indian nationalist sentiment.
- Demand for Independence: Indians refused unconditional support without promises of independence.
- Quit India Movement (1942): A significant mass protest demanding immediate independence, led by Mahatma Gandhi.
Cripps Mission (1942)
- British Negotiation Attempt: Sent by the British to negotiate with Indian leaders.
- Dominion Status Offered: Promised Dominion Status after the war, but with the provinces' right to secede.
- Rejected by Congress and Muslim League: Both organizations rejected the offer.
Post-War Developments (1945-47)
- INA Trials (1945): Tried Indian National Army (INA) soldiers, sparked nationalist support for Subhas Chandra Bose.
- Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (1946): Unrest amongst armed forces revealed widespread discontent.
- Cabinet Mission Plan (1946): Failed to reconcile Congress and League's differing perspectives.
- Direct Action Day (1946): Mobilized by Jinnah; triggered communal violence, especially in Calcutta.
Mountbatten Plan and Partition
- Partition Proposal: Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy, proposed partitioning India into India and Pakistan.
- Independence Dates: India and Pakistan gained independence on August 15, 1947.
- Princely States: Princely states could choose alignment with either India or Pakistan.
- Punjab and Bengal Divided: These areas were divided between both new nations.
- Consequences: Mass migration of people, communal violence, and the creation of two separate nations.
Important Dates
- Quit India Movement: 1942
- Lahore Resolution: 1940
- Direct Action Day: August 16, 1946
- Independence and Partition: August 15, 1947
Key Terms
- Two-Nation Theory: Foundation for Pakistan's creation, based on Jinnah's belief that two nations existed (Hindu and Muslim).
- Mountbatten Plan: Plan by Mountbatten for partition.
- Cripps Mission: Offering of Dominion Status from the British.
- Direct Action Day: Triggered significant riots leading to partition.
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Description
This quiz explores the key factors that led to the independence and partition of India, including communalism, the role of the Indian National Congress, and the Muslim League's advocacy for a separate state. It also examines the influence of British colonial policies and the impact of World War II. Test your knowledge on this significant historical period!
