Question

Consider the following events of the Indian National Movement:

I. RIN Mutiny

II. Cabinet Mission

III. Cripps Mission

IV. Shimla Conference

What is the correct chronological order of these events?

• A. III, IV, I, II
• B. IV, III, II, I
• C. III, IV, II, I
• D. III, II, IV, I

Answer 1

Answer:

C. III, IV, II, I

Understanding Key Events of the Indian National Movement

• I. Cripps Mission (March 1942)

  • The Cripps Mission was sent by the British government to India in March 1942, headed by Sir Stafford Cripps.

  • Purpose: It aimed to secure India's full cooperation and support in the ongoing World War II. This was crucial as the war situation was deteriorating for the Allied powers.

  • Proposals: It offered Dominion Status to India after the war, the formation of an elected Constituent Assembly to frame a new constitution, and the right for provinces to opt out of the Indian Union.

  • Reason for Failure: Both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League rejected the proposals. The Congress demanded immediate full independence and a truly representative Constituent Assembly, while the Muslim League found the offer of a single Indian Union unacceptable without a clear provision for Pakistan. Mahatma Gandhi famously called it a "post-dated cheque on a failing bank."

• II. Shimla Conference (June-July 1945)

  • The Shimla Conference was convened by Viceroy Lord Wavell in June-July 1945.

  • Purpose: It was an attempt to break the political deadlock in India after World War II and to discuss the Wavell Plan for Indian self-government.

  • Wavell Plan: Proposed a new Executive Council where all members, except the Viceroy and the Commander-in-Chief, would be Indians. It also suggested equal representation for Hindus and Muslims.

  • Reason for Failure: The conference collapsed due to the insistence of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Muslim League that only the Muslim League should nominate Muslim members to the Executive Council, a demand rejected by the Congress.

  • Significance: This failure highlighted the growing chasm between the Congress and the Muslim League, making a united India seem increasingly unlikely.

• III. RIN Mutiny (February 1946)

  • The Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Mutiny, also known as the Bombay Mutiny, occurred in February 1946 (specifically, from February 18th to 25th).

  • Causes: The mutiny was sparked by poor living conditions, racial discrimination, unpalatable food, and the arrest of Indian National Army (INA) officers.

  • Spread: Starting in Bombay (Mumbai), it quickly spread to other naval establishments across India, involving ratings from various ships and shore establishments.

  • Significance: This event was highly significant as it demonstrated the rapid deterioration of discipline and loyalty among the Indian armed forces, which had historically been a pillar of British rule. It convinced the British that they could no longer rely on the loyalty of Indian troops to maintain control, thereby accelerating the process of transferring power.

• IV. Cabinet Mission (March-June 1946)

  • The Cabinet Mission arrived in India on March 24, 1946, and presented its proposals on May 16, 1946. It consisted of three British Cabinet ministers: Lord Pethick-Lawrence (Secretary of State for India), Sir Stafford Cripps (President of the Board of Trade), and A.V. Alexander (First Lord of the Admiralty).

  • Purpose: Its primary objective was to discuss the transfer of power to Indian leadership and recommend a framework for India's constitution. It aimed to preserve a united India.

  • Proposals: It proposed a three-tier federal structure: a Union Centre, Groups of Provinces (based on Hindu-majority, Muslim-majority, and mixed areas), and individual Provinces. It also suggested the formation of an interim government and a Constituent Assembly. The mission explicitly rejected the demand for a separate Pakistan.

  • Outcome: Both the Congress and the Muslim League initially accepted the plan, but subsequent disagreements over its interpretation and the grouping of provinces led to its eventual failure, contributing to the escalation of communal violence and the eventual partition of India.

• Chronological Order of Events

  1. Cripps Mission (March 1942)

  2. Shimla Conference (June-July 1945)

  3. RIN Mutiny (February 1946)

  4. Cabinet Mission (March-June 1946)

  Therefore, the correct chronological sequence is III, IV, I, II.