Vardaan Learning Institute
Chapter 10: Independence and Partition of India (1945–1947)
Chapter Overview
The end of World War II accelerated India's march towards freedom. The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946) attempted to preserve a united India, but growing communal conflict culminated in Lord Mountbatten's 3 June 1947 Plan and the Indian Independence Act 1947, creating the sovereign nations of India and Pakistan on 15 August 1947.
1. The Cabinet Mission Plan (March 1946)
In March 1946, British Prime Minister Clement Attlee sent a 3-member Cabinet Mission to India comprising Lord Pethick-Lawrence (Secretary of State), Sir Stafford Cripps, and A.V. Alexander.
Main Provisions
- Federal Union of India: A Union of India comprising British Indian provinces and Princely States controlling Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Communications, with power to raise finances. All residual powers rested with provinces.
- Grouping of Provinces into 3 Sections:
- Section A: Hindu-majority provinces — Madras, Bombay, UP, Bihar, Central Provinces, and Odisha.
- Section B: Muslim-majority provinces in NW — Punjab, NWFP, Sindh, and Baluchistan.
- Section C: Muslim-majority provinces in East — Bengal and Assam.
- Constituent Assembly: Set up a 389-member Constituent Assembly (292 elected from provincial assemblies, 4 from Chief Commissioners' provinces, 93 nominated by Princely States).
- Interim Government: Formation of an Interim National Government at the Centre representing all major political parties until the new constitution was enacted.
Rejection & Direct Action Day
Direct Action Day
Though initially accepted, Jinnah rejected the Cabinet Mission Plan after Nehru clarified that Congress was free to alter the grouping scheme inside the Constituent Assembly. On 16 August 1946, the Muslim League observed "Direct Action Day" to demand Pakistan by force, triggering terrible communal riots starting with the Great Calcutta Killings and spreading to Noakhali and Bihar.
2. The Mountbatten Plan (3 June 1947 Plan)
Lord Louis Mountbatten assumed office as Viceroy in March 1947 with orders to effect the transfer of power. On 3 June 1947, he announced his plan for partition:
Key Features of Mountbatten Plan
1. Partition of India
India would be partitioned into two independent Dominions: India and Pakistan.
2. Partition of Bengal and Punjab
The Legislative Assemblies of Bengal and Punjab would meet in two sections (Hindu-majority & Muslim-majority districts). If either section voted for partition, the province would be divided. A Boundary Commission headed by Sir Cyril Radcliffe was set up to demarcate exact frontiers.
3. Referendum in NWFP & Sylhet
A popular referendum was to be held in North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Sylhet district (Assam) to decide whether they would join India or Pakistan.
4. Princely States
British Paramountcy over Princely States ended. Rulers were free to accede to either India or Pakistan, or remain independent.
5. Date of Transfer of Power
The date of transfer of power was advanced to 15 August 1947.
Reasons Why Congress Accepted Partition
- Widespread Riots Large-scale communal violence threatened to plunge India into a bloody civil war. Partition was seen as the lesser evil.
- Deadlock in Interim Govt The Muslim League joined the Interim Government only to obstruct its functioning (Finance Minister Liaquat Ali Khan paralyzed all ministries).
- Need for a Strong Center A united India under the Cabinet Mission plan would have had a weak, paralyzed central authority. Congress preferred a smaller India with a strong Central Government.
3. The Indian Independence Act of 1947
Statutory Provisions
Passed by the British Parliament on 18 July 1947 based on the Mountbatten Plan.
Major Clauses:
- Creation of Two Dominions: Created two independent Dominions — India and Pakistan — with effect from 15 August 1947.
- Abolition of Office of Secretary of State: Abolished the office of Secretary of State for India and British Crown Paramountcy over Princely States.
- Sovereign Constituent Assemblies: Constituent Assemblies of both Dominions functioned as sovereign national parliaments until new constitutions were framed.
- Governor-General: Each Dominion had a Governor-General appointed by the King. Lord Mountbatten became independent India's first Governor-General (later succeeded by C. Rajagopalachari), while Muhammad Ali Jinnah became Pakistan's first Governor-General.
