Chapter 9: Mass Phase of the National Movement (1915-1947) - Part 2

1. The Forward Bloc and INA

Key Figure Subhas Chandra Bose ("Netaji"):
A fiery nationalist leader who believed that freedom could not be won by non-violence alone. He famously said, "Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!" He twice became the President of the Indian National Congress (Haripura 1938, Tripuri 1939).

The Forward Bloc (1939)

After a disagreement with Mahatma Gandhi over the methods of the freedom struggle, Subhas Chandra Bose resigned as Congress President in 1939. He then formed a new political party within the Congress called the Forward Bloc.

Objectives of the Forward Bloc:

To rally all left-wing and radical sections within the Congress.
To organize a mass struggle for the immediate expulsion of the British from India.
To establish a socialist society in India after independence.

The Indian National Army (INA)

The INA (Azad Hind Fauj) was originally founded by Captain Mohan Singh with Indian Prisoners of War (POWs) captured by the Japanese in Malaya and Singapore. In 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Southeast Asia, took command of the INA, and revitalized it.

Objectives of the INA:

To wage an armed struggle against the British to achieve complete independence for India.
To organize a provisional government of Free India to mobilize Indians living abroad.
To march to India with the help of the Axis powers (Japan) and liberate it.

Contribution of Subhas Chandra Bose:

He gave a new dimension to the freedom struggle by mobilizing armed resistance outside India's borders.
He set up the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind Sarkar) in Singapore in 1943.
He raised the slogan "Delhi Chalo" (March to Delhi) and gave the greeting "Jai Hind".
He integrated women into the armed forces by creating the Rani of Jhansi Regiment.
Although the INA was ultimately defeated when Japan surrendered in 1945, the INA trials sparked massive nationalist uprisings in India, hastening the British departure.

2. Independence and Partition of India

The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)

After WWII, the British Labour government sent a Cabinet Mission to India to discuss the transfer of power. The mission rejected the Muslim League's demand for a separate Pakistan.

Clauses Clauses of the Cabinet Mission Plan:

Federal Union: There would be a Union of India comprising British India and the Princely States, which would deal with Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Communications.
Provincial Autonomy: All other subjects would be vested in the provinces.
Grouping of Provinces: Provinces would be grouped into three sections (A: Hindu majority, B: Muslim majority in North-West, C: Muslim majority in North-East). Each group could have its own constitution.
Constituent Assembly: A Constituent Assembly would be elected to frame a new constitution for India.
Interim Government: An Interim Government would be set up immediately, representing all major political parties.

Both Congress and the Muslim League initially accepted it, but later disagreements arose. The Muslim League launched "Direct Action Day" (Aug 16, 1946) leading to widespread communal riots.

The Mountbatten Plan (June 3, 1947)

Lord Mountbatten was sent as the last Viceroy with the mandate to transfer power quickly. Seeing the severe communal violence, he concluded that partition was the only solution.

Clauses Clauses of the Mountbatten Plan:

Partition: India would be partitioned into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan.
Bengal and Punjab: The provincial assemblies of Bengal and Punjab would vote on whether to partition their provinces. If partitioned, a Boundary Commission would draw the borders.
Sindh and NWFP: The Legislative Assembly of Sindh would decide its future. A referendum would be held in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) and the Sylhet district of Assam to decide which dominion to join.
Princely States: The treaties with Princely States would end. They would be free to join either India or Pakistan, or remain independent.
Constituent Assemblies: Existing Constituent Assembly would frame the constitution for India. A separate Constituent Assembly would be set up for Pakistan.

Acceptance of the Mountbatten Plan:

The Muslim League accepted it because it conceded their demand for Pakistan.
The Congress, though opposed to partition, accepted it to avoid a full-scale civil war and further communal bloodshed. They also felt that a smaller, united India with a strong centre was better than a weak, divided larger India.

The Indian Independence Act (1947)

Based on the Mountbatten Plan, the British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act in July 1947.

Clauses Clauses of the Indian Independence Act, 1947:

Two Independent Dominions: Two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, would be set up on August 15, 1947.
End of British Rule: The British government would transfer all powers to these two Dominions. The office of the Secretary of State for India was abolished.
Governor-General: Each Dominion would have its own Governor-General appointed by the British King on the advice of the Dominion's cabinet.
Constituent Assemblies as Legislatures: The Constituent Assemblies of the two Dominions would serve as their respective central legislatures and have full power to make laws.
Princely States: British paramountcy over the 562 princely states lapsed. They became fully independent and could join either India or Pakistan.
Title of Emperor: The British King would drop the title of 'Emperor of India'.

On the midnight of August 14-15, 1947, India awoke to life and freedom, but with the tragic legacy of partition.