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    India Independence 1945–1947: Movements, Partition & Colonial Legacy

    Explore India’s independence (1945–1947) from nationalist movements and Partition to the lasting impacts of British colonial rule.

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    India Independence Struggle Post-WWII: From Revolts to Elections

    • The end of World War II marked a significant shift in India, with a rise in popular initiatives across the country. 
    • There were various anti-imperialist movements, such as the country-wide strike wave, the Tebhaga Movement, the Warlis Revolt, the Punjab Kisan morchas, the Travancore people's struggle, and the Telangana Movement​.
    • Despite the repression of the Quit India Movement in 1942 and the hardships of the war, the Indian populace remained resilient​.
    • The election campaign saw large crowds and frantic excitement. In the provincial elections, the Congress won over 90% of the general seats, and the Muslim League did the same in Muslim constituencies. The campaign sought to mobilise Indians against the British, not just voters for the elections.
    • The repression in 1942 and the Indian National Army trials were significant issues during the election campaign. 

    India Independence and Partition: India, Pakistan and End of British Rule

    Independence of India and Pakistan through Partition

    • Clement Attlee's Labour Government developed legislation based on the Mountbatten Plan or the 3rd June Plan.
    • The British Prime Minister announced on February 20, 1947, that British India would attain self-governance by June 1948.
    • The Mountbatten Plan was agreed upon by Indian National Congress and Muslim League leaders and implemented on June 3, 1947.
    • The Independence Act, embodying the Mountbatten Plan, declared India and Pakistan independent from August 15, 1947.
    • The Boundary Commission delineated new borders, and British suzerainty over princely states ended.
    • Princely states had to choose to join India, Pakistan, or stay independent; over 560 opted for India.
    • Until the new dominions established their constitutions, Governor-Generals acted as heads of state with the ability to assent to laws through Constituent Assemblies.
    • The Royal Assent to the Independence Act was granted on July 18, 1947, bringing it into effect.

    The passage of the Indian Independence Act in 1947 marked a turning point in India's constitutional journey. This legislation heralded the dawn of a new era of liberty in India, even though it was met with discontent among many citizens. Regardless of its shortcomings, the Act undoubtedly culminated in the cessation of British dominance in India.


    Impact of British Rule on Indian Society and Path to Independence

    Positive Impacts

    • Modern Education: Various commissions, like Hunter, Raleigh, etc., for education reforms.

    • Infrastructure Development: Construction of railways, roads, bridges, and ports. For example, Dalhousie changed the map of India by introducing the telegraph and railways.

    • Legal and Administrative Reforms: These reforms, through the codification of laws, rule of law, etc., laid the foundation for a more organised governance system in India.

    • Technological Advancements: Modern machinery and scientific knowledge led to the growth of industries and agriculture. E.g., Engineering College in 1847 and Agricultural College at Pusa in 1905.

    Negative Impacts

    • Economic Exploitation: They imposed heavy taxes and extracted raw materials from India. The Charter Act of 1833 further opened the Indian market.

    • Social Disruption: The introduction of land policies and the Zamindari system caused widespread impoverishment, leading to various riots like the Deccan riots in 1875

    • Cultural Suppression: This is seen through Macaulay's minutes of 1835, which favoured anglicists (Modern education), and his downward filtration theory.

    • Political Subjugation: Indians were subjected to discriminatory laws and excluded from political participation, such as the Arms Act of 1878 and the Illbert Bill controversy.

    • Divide and Rule: They exploited divisions between different communities to perpetuate their rule. Ex: Bengal division 1905, separate electorates, etc.

    UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS (PYQs)

    1. Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s (2019, 10 Marks).
    2. Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom (2016, 12.5 Marks).
    3. In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? (2014, 12.5 Marks).
    4. Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from the mid-eighteenth century till independence (2014, 12.5 Marks).
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