Partition of India & Independence

Okay, here are the notes summarizing the key points from the lecture on the Partition of India and its causes:

Topic: Partition of India & Independence

Introduction:

• The lecture addresses a pending topic in Indian History: the final steps towards Independence, focusing on the Partition.

• It connects the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Mutiny to this final phase.

• The plan is to cover Telangana History after completing this topic.

Significance of RIN Mutiny (1946):

• Considered the last major anti-British revolt in the struggle for independence.

• Often described metaphorically as the "last nail in the coffin" of British rule in India.

Partition & Independence:

• Partition and Independence occurred almost simultaneously.

• This topic is crucial for competitive exams like Group 1 Mains and Civil Services Mains.

Causes & Analysis of Partition:

• Key Premise: Partition was the culmination of a series of demands, particularly from the Muslim League, and the evolution of the Two-Nation Theory.

• Exam Relevance:

  • Mains: Analyze the sequence of Muslim League demands or the evolution of the Two-Nation theory.

  • Objective (Group 2/SI): Focus on factual points like:

    • Pakistan Resolution (Lahore, March 23, 1940).

    • Direct Action Day (August 16, 1946).

    • Who coined the term "Pakistan" (Rahmat Ali, 1933).

    • Who first proposed the idea of a separate Muslim state (Mohd. Iqbal, 1930s - initially autonomous within India).

    • Who moved the Pakistan Resolution (Fazlul Huq).

    • Pirpur Report (Muslim League report alleging INC discrimination post-1937 elections, providing context for the 1940 resolution).

Detailed Factors Contributing to Partition:

1. Communalism in History Writing:

   • James Mill: Periodized Indian history into Hindu, Muslim, and British eras, fostering communal interpretation.

   • Historical conflicts (e.g., Akbar vs. Rana Pratap, First Battle of Panipat) were often political/power struggles but later portrayed with a communal slant. This historical narrative contributed to divides.

2. Socio-Religious & Cultural Movements:

   • Post-1857, with reduced British interference in social matters, Indian reform movements grew.

   • Some Hindu movements (e.g., Arya Samaj's Shuddhi movement - purification/reconversion) were seen as provocative by Muslims.

   • Muslim revivalist movements (e.g., Tablighi Jamaat) also emerged.

   • These movements, while aiming for reform, sometimes increased religious consciousness and separation.

3. Militant/Extremist Nationalism:

   • The methods and symbolism used by some extremist nationalists (e.g., Tilak's Shivaji and Ganpati festivals, Vande Mataram movement's start with Ganga snan and Kali pledge) alienated some Muslims, making them feel excluded from the mainstream national movement.

   • The intention was often mass mobilization, but the effect was sometimes divisive.

4. Role of Communal Organizations:

   • Hindu Mahasabha (1915): Founded by figures like Madan Mohan Malaviya, Kashimbazar Vasi. Promoted Hindu interests.

   • Punjab Hindu Sabha: Figures like Lal Chand advocated "Hindus first, Indians second."

   • RSS (1925): Founded by Hedgewar.

   • Muslim League (1906): Focused on Muslim rights and safeguards, eventually demanding Pakistan.

   • These organizations prioritized community interests over national unity.

5. Shift of Nationalists to Communalists:

   • Sir Syed Ahmed Khan: Initially a proponent of Hindu-Muslim unity ("two eyes of India") and Indian identity. Later, influenced by British figures like Theodore Beck, he advocated loyalty to the British and focused on Muslim separatism (Aligarh Movement). Wrote "Loyal Muhammadans of India."

   • Muhammad Ali Jinnah: Started as an INC member and "Ambassador of Hindu-Muslim Unity" (involved in Lucknow Pact, 1916). Turned staunchly communal after the Muslim League's poor performance in the 1937 elections, fearing Muslim marginalization. He famously stated "First Indian, then Muslim" in his early phase.

6. British 'Divide and Rule' Policy:

   • The British actively fostered divisions.

   • Initially anti-Muslim (post-1857), later became pro-Muslim (post-1870s) to counter growing (Hindu-dominated) nationalism.

   • Partition of Bengal (1905): Proposed by Risley (Home Secretary) to Curzon (Viceroy) to weaken Bengali nationalism ("United Bengal is a power...").

   • Communal Electorates (1909): Introduced by Minto-Morley reforms. Lord Minto is called the "Father of Communal Electorates."

   • INC's Acceptance (Lucknow Pact 1916): The INC accepted separate electorates, which indirectly legitimized communal politics.

7. Evolution of the Pakistan Demand:

   • Mohd. Iqbal (1930s): Conceptualized an autonomous Muslim state within India.

   • Rahmat Ali (1933): Coined the name "Pakistan" and demanded a separate, sovereign nation during the 3rd RTC.

   • Pakistan Resolution (Lahore, 1940): Formal demand by the Muslim League.

8. Final Phase:

   • Cabinet Mission Plan (1946): Rejected partition, proposed a three-tiered federal structure. Failure led to increased tensions.

   • Direct Action Day (Aug 16, 1946): Called by Jinnah after Cabinet Mission failure, leading to massive communal riots (Great Calcutta Killings).

   • Mountbatten Plan (June 3, 1947): Accepted partition as inevitable.

   • Indian Independence Act (1947): Legalized partition and independence.

   • Independence Dates: Pakistan (Aug 14), India (Aug 15, 1947). (Reason for Aug 15: Linked to Mountbatten's memory of Japanese surrender in WWII).

Intermediate Plans (Fact-based points for objective exams):

• CR Formula (Rajagopalachari Formula)

• Desai-Liaquat Pact

• Wavell Plan / Simla Conference

Conclusion:

• This lecture completes the discussion on the 7 major movements leading to independence (as structured by the speaker).

• Reference Materials: Spectrum Modern India, Telugu Akademi books (Old BA History, Second Year Indian History).

• Future Classes: Telangana History, Indian Polity.