12. India gains Independence

(1) Which demand was advocated by Barrister Jinnah?

Barrister Muhammad Ali Jinnah put forth the two Nation theory and demanded a separate Muslim nation named Pakistan.

(2) Write the name of the ministers participating in Cabinet Mission.

A delegation of British ministers namely Pethick Lawrence, Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander participated in the Cabinet Mission.

(1) The Indian National Congress approved the partition.

• The unity of the nation was the basic stand of the Indian National Congress, and they strongly opposed the plan of partition.
• However, the Muslim League remained adamant on the creation of a separate nation, Pakistan.
• Due to this uncompromising stance and the prevailing circumstances, the National Congress was left with no other option but to accept the decision of partition with complete helplessness.

(2) The working of Interim government could not run smoothly.

• Viceroy Wavell established the Interim Government with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as its head.
• The Muslim League initially denied participating in the Interim Government, but later they joined it.
• However, the leaders of the Muslim League adopted a policy of obstruction from within. Hence, the Interim Government could not work smoothly.

(3) The Wavell Plan could not become successful.

• A meeting of all major political parties in India was organized at Simla to consider the Wavell Plan.
• Barrister Jinnah insisted that only the Muslim League should have the right to suggest the names of Muslim representatives to the Viceroy's Executive Council.
• The Congress opposed this demand. Therefore, due to this disagreement, the Wavell plan could not be successful.

(1) Why did the British took steps towards granting freedom to India?

• During the period of the Second World War, the Indian freedom struggle had become much more extensive.
• The demand for the complete independence of India was gaining immense strength.
• The British rulers realized that it was necessary to take a serious note of it. Accordingly, the British government started preparing various plans for granting independence to India.

(2) Write information about Mountbatten Plan.

• On the background of the transfer of power, Lord Mountbatten was appointed as the Viceroy of India.
• He held discussions with prominent leaders of India and prepared a plan for the creation of India and Pakistan as two independent nations.
• The Indian National Congress opposed the plan of partition, but the Muslim League remained adamant on the creation of Pakistan.
• The Congress was left with no option but to accept the decision, and based on this plan, the Indian Independence Act was eventually passed.

(3) Why did Muslim League declare to observe 16 August as Direct Action Day? What were its effects?

• The Cabinet Mission plan was not fully accepted by either the Congress or the Muslim League, as it had no clear provision for an independent Muslim state.
• Since their demand for Pakistan was not being fulfilled, the Muslim League decided on direct action and declared 16 August 1946 to be observed as 'Direct Action Day'.
• Effects: The followers of the Muslim League resorted to violent ways, leading to severe Hindu-Muslim riots in various parts of the country. Tragic massacres occurred in the Noakhali region of Bengal.