Naval Mutiny, Cabinet Mission & British Proposals (1940–1946)

Explore the 1946 Naval Mutiny—India's last major uprising before independence and how it influenced British plans like the Cabinet Mission.

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It is often called the last war of independence. Fought just before India gained independence, it was a significant struggle against British rule. In February 1946, sailors in the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) revolted for various reasons. The Naval  mutiny was mostly in Mumbai and Maharashtra and was a crucial blow to the British Empire in India.



Impact of the Naval Mutiny 1946

  • Demonstrated Unity and Resolve against colonial rule: It involved about 20,000 sailors and spread across various naval establishments, indicating widespread discontent with British rule​.
  • Widespread Public Support: For example, in Mumbai, a general strike was called, demonstrating the solidarity between the naval personnel and the general populace. This mass support further pressured the British authorities​.
  • Political Significance: Though major political leaders initially did not support the Naval mutiny, fearing it might disrupt the imminent independence, the event underscored the urgency of India's independence. The Naval mutiny played a crucial role in compelling the British to expedite the transfer of power​.
  • Symbolic End to British Authority: The Indian sailors hoisted flags of the Congress, Muslim League, and Communist Party. This act of defiance was a significant psychological boost for the Indian independence movement​​.

The 1946 Naval Mutiny was a pivotal event that highlighted the collective frustration of Indian servicemen and civilians under British rule. It showcased the strong nationalist sentiments prevalent in the country and contributed to the momentum that eventually led to India's independence in 1947.


Naval Mutiny and Cabinet Mission in India’s Independence Struggle

  • The Cabinet Mission was a delegation sent by the British government to India in 1946 to propose a plan for India's independence and constitutional arrangements.
  • Objective: The mission aimed to find a solution to the growing political tensions between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, representing Hindu and Muslim interests.


  

A Comparison of August Offer, Cripps Mission, and Cabinet Mission

Aspects

August Offer

Cripps Mission

Cabinet Mission

Date

August 1940

March 1942

March 1946

Purpose

Address Indian political demands during WWII

Secure Indian cooperation for war effort

Devise a constitutional framework for India

Main Objective

Expansion of Viceroy's Executive Council

Post-war dominion status promised

Dominion status with complete external and internal autonomy

Creation of constituent assembly

Provision for provinces to form groups

Reaction

Rejected by Congress for being inadequate

Rejected by Congress for lack of independence guarantee

Accepted by Congress and Muslim league but later led to partition due to disagreements



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