Second World War is part of Modern History of India. Below are notes on 4 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers (coming soon).
India's involuntary entry into WWII and initial political responses
On Sept 3, 1939, Viceroy Lord Linlithgow 1. unilaterally declared India a belligerent in WWII without consulting Indian political leaders. Congress's Initial Response: Condemned 2. Nazi aggression; demanded a clear declaration of British war aims, specifically regarding India's post-war independence. Jawaharlal Nehru articulated Congress's anti3. Nazism but conditional war participation: "The Congress is as much opposed to victory for Nazism as any Britisher can be. But their objective cannot be carried to the extent of their participation in the war." From Oct 26 to Nov 15, 1939, Congress min4. istries in 8 provinces resigned in protest against the Viceroy's inadequate response to
- Nawab fled to Pakistan; Indian forces entered in November 1947.
- A plebiscite was held in February 1948, confirming its merger with India.
- Shyamaji Krishna Varma did not serve in Junagadh (he served in Ratlam, Udaipur, Kutch).
- Kashmir:
- Ruler at the time of India's Independence (1947): Maharaja Hari Singh.
- Initially opted to remain independent.
- Pakistan-backed tribal invasion occurred in October 1947.
- Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession with India on October 26, 1947, leading to Indian military intervention.
- Operation Blue Star:
- An internal security mission by the Indian Army (June 1-8, 1984).
- Aimed at removing Sikh militants accumulating weapons in the Harmandir Sahib Complex (Golden Temple), Amritsar, Punjab.
- Considered the biggest internal security mission undertaken by the Indian Army.
their demands for independence and selfgovernment. March 1940 (Ramgarh Congress Session): 5.
- Chaired by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
- Resolved to support British war efforts only if a provisional national government was formed at the centre and India was granted complete independence. Aug 8, 1940 (August Offer by Viceroy Lin6. lithgow):
- Proposals: Expand Viceroy's Executive Council (more Indians), establish an advisory War Council, form a constituent assembly after the war (primarily Indians, but subject to British approval), ultimate goal of Dominion Status.
- Condition: Safeguarding minorities' interests (a de facto veto to Muslim League).
- Rejection: Congress rejected it as inadequate; Muslim League also rejected it as it didn't explicitly guarantee Pakistan. March 1942 (Cripps Mission): 7.
- Proposed post-war Dominion status, a constituent assembly, and the right for provinces to opt out of the Indian Union.
- Rejected by both Congress (demanded immediate responsible government) and the Muslim League (no clear Pakistan guarantee).
Japanese expansion in Southeast Asia and the threat to India
- Japanese expansion in Southeast Asia during WWII posed a direct threat to India, particularly its eastern borders.
- Battle of Kohima: Fought in 1944 between British/Allied forces and the Japanese Army on India's border.
- "The Hump" (WWII):
- Dangerous aerial supply route over the Eastern Himalayas.
- Used by Allied forces (e.g., British, Chinese) to supply troops fighting the Japanese.
- Also known as the 'aluminium trail'.
- Stillwell Road: Constructed by the American Army during WWII as a crucial supply route connecting India to China, bypassing Japanese-controlled territories.
The Cripps Mission (1942) and its rejection by Indian parties
- Context: British attempt to secure Indian support during Second World War (WWII) amidst Japanese threat to India.
- Head: Sir Stafford Cripps (a member of the War Cabinet and Labour Party).
- Arrival in India: March 23, 1942.
- Key Post-War Proposals:
- Grant of Dominion Status to India.
- Establishment of an elected Constituent Assembly (members elected by provincial assemblies, princely states nominated) to frame a new constitution.
- Right for any province or princely state not accepting the new constitution to form its own separate constitution or retain its existing status (the 'opt-out' clause).
- Key Immediate Proposals:
- Formation of an interim government with Indian members, but the Defence portfolio would remain with the British Viceroy.
- Rejection by Indian National Congress:
- Demanded immediate full independence and a truly national government with full powers, not merely an expanded Executive Council.
- Opposed the 'opt-out' clause as it promoted fragmentation/partition of India.
- Mahatma Gandhi called it "a postdated cheque on a crashing bank."
- Rejection by Muslim League:
- Demanded a clear declaration for Pakistan or two separate constituent assemblies, not just the 'opt-out' clause which was ambiguous.
- Opposed a single Indian Union; found the proposals insufficient for Muslim self-determination.
- Outcome: Mission failed; its failure contributed significantly to the launch of the Quit India Movement.
- Chronological Context:
- August Offer: August 8, 1940.
- Cripps Mission Arrival: March 23, 1942.
- Quit India Resolution (Congress Working Committee, Wardha): July 14, 1942.
- Quit India Resolution (AICC, Bombay): August 8, 1942.
- The Great August Uprising (part of Quit India Movement): August 9-11, 1942.
- C.R. Formula: 1944.
- Wavell Plan: 1945.
The Wavell Plan and Simla Conference (1945)
- Wavell Plan (June 1945): Proposed by Lord Wavell, then Viceroy of India, to resolve political deadlock and move towards selfgovernance.
- Key Proposals of Wavell Plan:
- Formation of a new Executive Council where all members, except the Viceroy and Commander-in-Chief, would be Indians.
- Equal representation for Caste Hindus and Muslims within the Executive Council.
- Defence to remain under British control (Viceroy); Foreign Affairs transferred to an Indian member.
- Council would function under the framework of the 1935 Act; Viceroy's veto power retained.
- Simla Conference (June 25 - July 14, 1945): Convened by Lord Wavell to discuss and implement the Wavell Plan.