The Noakhali Massacre was a tragic episode of communal violence that occurred in October 1946 in the Noakhali district of Bengal (now in Bangladesh), following the tensions created by Direct Action Day and the Muslim League’s campaign for Pakistan. Background The Direct Action Day (16th August 1946) in Bengal had sparked widespread communal riots. Hindu–Muslim …
Direct Action Day was declared by the Muslim League to press for the creation of Pakistan. It marked a turning point in India’s struggle, as it led to mass communal violence, particularly in Bengal. Background After the Cabinet Mission Plan (1946), negotiations between the Congress and Muslim League over India’s future failed. Jinnah and the …
The Cabinet Mission was sent by the British government to India in March 1946 to discuss the transfer of power and avoid the imminent communal conflict between the Congress and the Muslim League. It was led by P. J. Attlee (Prime Minister), Lord Pethick-Lawrence (Secretary of State for India), and Sir Stafford Cripps. Objectives To …
The period following the Second World War was the final phase of India’s freedom struggle. Britain, weakened economically and militarily, faced intense pressure from Indians for immediate independence. Political Context The British Labour government (elected in 1945) was more willing to negotiate India’s transfer of power than wartime governments. Congress emerged as the dominant nationalist …
The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny, also known as the Bombay Naval Uprising, was a large-scale revolt by Indian sailors against British rule in February 1946. It became a significant event in India’s freedom struggle, reflecting the declining authority of the British in India. Background The mutiny was triggered by poor living conditions, low pay, racial …
The INA Trials, also called the Red Fort Trials, were held by the British to prosecute officers of the Indian National Army (INA) after the Second World War. Instead of weakening nationalism, the trials became a powerful rallying point for India’s freedom movement. Background After Japan’s defeat in 1945, thousands of INA soldiers were captured …
The Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, was a military organization formed during the Second World War with the aim of securing India’s independence from British rule. It became a symbol of patriotic zeal and inspired the Indian freedom struggle. Background During the Second World War, thousands of Indian soldiers …
The Wavell Plan was proposed by Lord Wavell, the Viceroy of India, in June 1945. It aimed to resolve the political deadlock in India during the final phase of British rule and became the basis of the Shimla Conference (1945). Background The Second World War was ending, and Britain needed Indian cooperation for the post-war …
The Shimla Conference was convened by the British government in June–July 1945 at Shimla under the Viceroy Lord Wavell. It aimed to resolve the political deadlock in India and discuss the Wavell Plan for Indian self-government. Background The failure of Gandhi–Jinnah Talks (1944) and the Desai–Liaqat Pact (1945) showed the inability of Congress and the …
The Desai–Liaqat Pact was a political understanding attempted between Congress and the Muslim League in early 1945, just before the Simla Conference. It was an effort to find a common ground for cooperation, but it remained unofficial and unsuccessful. Background After the failure of the Gandhi–Jinnah Talks (1944), political deadlock continued. The British were preparing …