Modern History Playlist
19 chapters • 0 completed
Advent of Europeans in India
10 topics
Decline of the Mughal Empire
7 topics
Emergence of Regional States
11 topics
Expansion and Consolidation of British Power
23 topics
British Government & Economic Policies (1757-1857)
7 topics
Social Reform Movements
24 topics
People’s Resistance before 1857
13 topics
The revolt of 1857
7 topics
Growth of Nationalism and Moderate Phase of Congress
9 topics
British Administration in India
9 topics
Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909)
6 topics
First Phase of Revolutionary Activities(1907-1917)
8 topics
India’s Response to First World War and Home Rule Movement
5 topics
Emergence of Gandhi
10 topics
Non-Cooperation Movement and Khilafat Movement
10 topics
Emergence of Swarajists, Socialist Ideas, Revolutionary Activities
8 topics
Struggle For Swaraj: 1928-1935
16 topics
Period from 1935-42
12 topics
Period from 1942-47
25 topics
Chapter 18: Period from 1935-42
Chapter TestPeriod from 1935–42: Ideological Debates and the 'Struggle–Truce–Struggle' Cycle
The period from 1935–42 was characterized by continuous strategic debate within the Congress about the Government of India Act, 1935. This oscillation between constitutional engagement (1937–39 ministries) and mass confrontation (1942 Quit India) is historically known as the 'struggle–truce–struggle' cycle, defining the final phase of nationalist preparation.
The period from 1935–42 was characterized by continuous strategic debate within the Congress about the Government of India Act, 1935. This oscillation between constitutional engagement (1937–39 ministries) and mass confrontation (1942 Quit India) is historically known as the 'struggle–truce–struggle' cycle, defining the final phase of nationalist preparation.
Congress Strategy, 1935–42
| Phase | Years | Strategy | Analytical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Stage Debate | 1935–37 | Decision to contest elections (Tactical Entry) | Demonstrated political pragmatism and willingness to use colonial structures. |
| Second Stage (Truce) | 1937–39 | Congress Ministries formed; Progressive Reforms introduced. | Proved Indian capacity to govern and provided a platform for mass contact. |
| Final Struggle | 1939–42 | Ministries resigned (1939); demand for war aims; led to Quit India Movement. | Reaffirmed commitment to Purna Swaraj over collaboration during a global crisis. |
Fun Facts
The 1937 elections under the 1935 Act were the first time Congress exercised real administrative power at the provincial level.
Subhas Bose defeated Gandhi’s candidate Pattabhi Sitaramayya in the 1939 Congress presidential elections.
The resignation of Congress ministries in 1939 was celebrated as 'Day of Deliverance' by the Muslim League.
Mains Key Points
Prelims Strategy Tips
1937 Elections and Formation of Congress Ministries
The 1937 Provincial Elections , held under the Government of India Act, 1935, marked the first large-scale electoral test for Indian nationalists. The Congress contested on a strong anti-colonial manifesto and emerged with a sweeping victory, forming ministries in seven provinces by July 1937, thereby demonstrating Indian capacity for self-governance.
The 1937 Provincial Elections , held under the Government of India Act, 1935, marked the first large-scale electoral test for Indian nationalists. The Congress contested on a strong anti-colonial manifesto and emerged with a sweeping victory, forming ministries in seven provinces by July 1937, thereby demonstrating Indian capacity for self-governance.
Congress Performance in 1937 Elections
| Province | Result | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute Majority | Madras, Bombay, Central Provinces, United Provinces, Bihar, Orissa (6) | Proved pan-Indian acceptance of Congress. |
| Largest Party | NWFP, Assam | Ministries formed in 7 provinces (including NWFP). |
| Muslim League | Won 108/485 Muslim seats | Showed League's weak base among Muslim masses pre-1937. |
Fun Facts
The resignation of Congress ministries in 1939 was celebrated as 'Day of Deliverance' by the Muslim League.
C. Rajagopalachari introduced prohibition of liquor in Madras Presidency.
The ministries lasted for 28 months (July 1937 to October 1939).
Mains Key Points
Prelims Strategy Tips
Work Under Congress Ministries (1937–1939): The Experiment with Power
The Congress Ministries (1937–1939), formed in seven provinces, introduced significant reforms in agrarian relief, labor welfare, and social justice. Despite the limitations imposed by the Governor’s overriding powers (under the 1935 Act), they successfully demonstrated Indian administrative capability and strengthened people’s faith in Congress as a governing body.
The Congress Ministries (1937–1939), formed in seven provinces, introduced significant reforms in agrarian relief, labor welfare, and social justice. Despite the limitations imposed by the Governor’s overriding powers (under the 1935 Act), they successfully demonstrated Indian administrative capability and strengthened people’s faith in Congress as a governing body.
Key Reforms by Congress Ministries (1937–39)
| Sector | Reforms | Mains Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Rent reduction, tenancy protection, and debt relief laws. | Challenged the Taluqdari/Zamindari system; strengthened peasant base. |
| Labor | Recognition of trade unions, regulation of working hours, minimum wage laws. | Showed pro-worker bias and aligned with nationalist labor agenda. |
| Social | Campaigns against untouchability; temple entry allowed. | Implemented the Gandhian Constructive Programme. |
| Civil Liberties | Political prisoners released, press restrictions relaxed. | Demonstrated commitment to democratic norms and rule of law. |
| Constraint | Governor’s Veto Power, Financial limitations | Exposed the hollowness of the 1935 Act's Autonomy. |
Fun Facts
The resignation of Congress ministries in 1939 was celebrated as 'Day of Deliverance' by the Muslim League.
The ministries gave Congress practical experience in running governance before independence.
In UP, Govind Ballabh Pant pushed strong tenancy reforms, winning peasant support.
Mains Key Points
Prelims Strategy Tips
Nationalist Response in the Wake of World War II (1939–1942)
The outbreak of World War II (1939) exposed deep divisions within Indian nationalism. Mahatma Gandhi emphasized moral, non-violent opposition and demanded independence before cooperation, while Subhas Chandra Bose advocated militant struggle and sought to use the war to launch an armed revolt (INA) with international support.
The outbreak of World War II (1939) exposed deep divisions within Indian nationalism. Mahatma Gandhi emphasized moral, non-violent opposition and demanded independence before cooperation, while Subhas Chandra Bose advocated militant struggle and sought to use the war to launch an armed revolt (INA) with international support.
Contrasting Views: Gandhi vs. Bose during WWII
| Leader | Strategy | Approach to WWII | Mains Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gandhi | Non-violent satyagraha, Individual Satyagraha | Support Britain only if independence promised (Moral Stance) | Prioritized moral high ground and long-term organizational discipline. |
| Subhas Bose | Militant struggle, Armed Revolt (INA) | Use war to ally with Axis powers to defeat Britain (Opportunistic Stance) | Advocated militant opportunism; created the first army of liberation abroad. |
Fun Facts
Bose escaped from house arrest in Calcutta in 1941 disguised as a Pathan before reaching Germany.
Gandhi initially described WWII as a 'clash between imperialists' but still sought India’s moral stance.
The Congress’s refusal to form ministries led to Governor’s rule in the provinces from 1939 until 1946.
Mains Key Points
Prelims Strategy Tips
Haripura Session of Congress (1938) and Tripuri Crisis (1939): The Clash of Ideology and Authority
The Haripura Session (1938) and the subsequent Tripuri Crisis (1939) represent a pivotal internal struggle between the radical Left (led by Subhas Chandra Bose) and the pragmatic conservative wing (loyal to Mahatma Gandhi). This conflict confirmed Gandhian organizational dominance and determined the strategic path Congress would adopt in the lead-up to World War II.
The Haripura Session (1938) and the subsequent Tripuri Crisis (1939) represent a pivotal internal struggle between the radical Left (led by Subhas Chandra Bose) and the pragmatic conservative wing (loyal to Mahatma Gandhi). This conflict confirmed Gandhian organizational dominance and determined the strategic path Congress would adopt in the lead-up to World War II.
Haripura vs. Tripuri Sessions of Congress
| Session | Year | Leader | Key Policy/Event | Analytical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haripura | 1938 | Subhas Chandra Bose | Proposal for National Planning Committee (NPC); Socialist emphasis. | Introduced the economic blueprint for independent India. |
| Tripuri | 1939 | Subhas Chandra Bose (re-elected) | Bose resigned due to CWC opposition; formed Forward Bloc. | Confirmed Gandhian organizational dominance; exposed limits of radicalism. |
Fun Facts
At Haripura, the session pandal was designed like a village hut, emphasizing Congress's rural connections.
Gandhi publicly called Bose's re-election in 1939 his 'personal defeat'.
Bose’s Forward Bloc later became a platform for radical nationalists and leftists.
Mains Key Points
Prelims Strategy Tips
Bose’s Resignation, Post-Tripuri Developments, and INC’s Stand on World War II
The period was defined by the ideological fracture between Mahatma Gandhi's moral non-violence and Subhas Chandra Bose's militant opportunism. Bose’s resignation ( April 1939 ) confirmed Gandhi’s organizational dominance. Simultaneously, the INC’s refusal to support WWII without a promise of independence led to the resignation of Congress ministries (October 1939), setting the stage for the final struggle.
The period was defined by the ideological fracture between Mahatma Gandhi's moral non-violence and Subhas Chandra Bose's militant opportunism. Bose’s resignation ( April 1939 ) confirmed Gandhi’s organizational dominance. Simultaneously, the INC’s refusal to support WWII without a promise of independence led to the resignation of Congress ministries (October 1939), setting the stage for the final struggle.
INC’s Response to World War II vs. Bose’s Approach
| Leader/Body | Approach | Strategic Rationale | Mains Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| INC Ministries (1939) | Resigned from ministries | Reaffirmed Purna Swaraj commitment; refused support without political control. | Demonstrated nationalist assertion over administrative benefits. |
| Gandhi (1940) | Non-violent opposition; Individual Satyagraha | Asserted right to dissent; kept mass base disciplined for a larger struggle. | Prioritized Ahimsa and long-term organizational discipline. |
| Subhas Bose (1941) | Advocated Axis Alliance (INA) | Used war as a military opportunity (Enemy’s enemy principle) for immediate liberation. | Highlighted the ideological rift between non-violence and militant opportunism. |
| Muslim League | Supported British war effort | Opportunistic strategy to gain concessions and consolidate power during the political vacuum. | Accelerated the Pakistan demand by utilizing Congress's political absence. |
Fun Facts
Bose escaped house arrest in Calcutta in 1941 disguised as a Pathan before reaching Germany.
Gandhi described WWII as a 'clash between imperialists' but still sought India’s moral stance.
The Congress’s refusal to form ministries led to Governor’s rule in the provinces from 1939 until 1946.
Mains Key Points
Prelims Strategy Tips
August Offer (1940) and Nationalist Response
The August Offer , announced by Viceroy Lord Linlithgow on 8 August 1940 , was Britain’s attempt to secure Indian support in World War II. It promised post-war Dominion Status and council expansion. Congress rejected it as inadequate and delayed, confirming its demand for Purna Swaraj , while the Muslim League welcomed the minority veto clause.
The August Offer , announced by Viceroy Lord Linlithgow on 8 August 1940 , was Britain’s attempt to secure Indian support in World War II. It promised post-war Dominion Status and council expansion. Congress rejected it as inadequate and delayed, confirming its demand for Purna Swaraj , while the Muslim League welcomed the minority veto clause.
August Offer 1940: Provisions and Reactions
| Aspect | Provision/Response | Analytical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Political Promise | Dominion Status after WWII | Rejected by Congress as inadequate; goal was Purna Swaraj. |
| Administrative | Expansion of Viceroy’s Executive Council | Limited concession; did not grant real power to Indians. |
| Minorities Clause | Assurance of veto in constitution making | Emboldened the Muslim League; institutionalized the communal barrier. |
| Congress Response | Rejected; Gandhi’s 'post-dated cheque' remark | Affirmed INC's shift to uncompromising Purna Swaraj. |
| Outcome | Triggered Individual Satyagraha (1940) | End of political truce; beginning of new phase of struggle. |
Fun Facts
August Offer was the first time Britain mentioned Dominion Status after the war, but India had already moved to demand full independence.
Muslim League saw the offer as a diplomatic win, calling it a recognition of 'Two-Nation Theory' indirectly.
The individual satyagraha was limited to ensure the movement did not degenerate into violence or mass chaos.
Mains Key Points
Prelims Strategy Tips
Individual Satyagraha (1940–41): Assertion of Moral Authority
The Individual Satyagraha , launched by Mahatma Gandhi in October 1940 , was a highly controlled and symbolic form of protest. It followed the failure of the August Offer (1940) and was designed to affirm the moral authority and right to free speech of Indians against the unilateral involvement in World War II, all while preserving the Congress organization from outright repression.
The Individual Satyagraha , launched by Mahatma Gandhi in October 1940 , was a highly controlled and symbolic form of protest. It followed the failure of the August Offer (1940) and was designed to affirm the moral authority and right to free speech of Indians against the unilateral involvement in World War II, all while preserving the Congress organization from outright repression.
Key Facts: Individual Satyagraha (1940–41)
| Aspect | Details | Strategic Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 17 October 1940 | Followed the rejection of the August Offer. |
| First Satyagrahi | Acharya Vinoba Bhave | Emphasized the moral and ethical basis of the protest. |
| Second Satyagrahi | Jawaharlal Nehru | Confirmed the political nature and Congress's endorsement. |
| Method | Symbolic public speeches against war, courting arrest | Avoided full-scale repression while keeping momentum alive. |
| Arrests | Around 25,000 by May 1941 | Demonstrated the widespread political discontent. |
Fun Facts
Gandhi chose Vinoba Bhave as the first satyagrahi to emphasize moral purity over political stature.
The individual satyagraha was one of the smallest in scale but strategically vital in keeping the freedom struggle alive during WWII.
It was designed to avoid large-scale repression (unlike the NCM/CDM).
Mains Key Points
Prelims Strategy Tips
Cripps Mission (1942): Proposals, Response, and Failure
The Cripps Mission, led by Sir Stafford Cripps, arrived in March 1942 as Britain’s final, urgent attempt to secure Indian cooperation in World War II (WWII). It promised Dominion Status and a new Constituent Assembly after the war, but failed spectacularly due to the British refusal of immediate power and the controversial provincial secession clause.
The Cripps Mission, led by Sir Stafford Cripps, arrived in March 1942 as Britain’s final, urgent attempt to secure Indian cooperation in World War II (WWII). It promised Dominion Status and a new Constituent Assembly after the war, but failed spectacularly due to the British refusal of immediate power and the controversial provincial secession clause.
Cripps Mission 1942: Proposals and Responses
| Proposal | Response | Analytical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Dominion Status after WWII | INC rejected; wanted immediate independence | Confirmed INC's goal was Purna Swaraj (since 1929). |
| Right of Provinces to Secede | INC opposed; Muslim League opposed (no guarantee) | First explicit British reference to partition; alienated both major parties. |
| Defence under British control | Rejected by Congress | Showed Britain's unwillingness to trust Indians with real power during the crisis. |
| Immediate Inclusion in Executive Council | Seen as token concession | Did not grant effective cabinet status or end Viceroy's power. |
Fun Facts
Cripps was considered a friend of India and came with liberal intentions, but his hands were tied by Winston Churchill’s conservative government.
Gandhi famously dismissed the proposals as another 'post-dated cheque'.
Failure of the mission directly triggered Quit India Movement in August 1942.
Mains Key Points
Prelims Strategy Tips
Ramgarh Congress Session (1940): Finalizing the Anti-War Stance
The Ramgarh Session (March 1940), held under the presidency of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, was the last annual session before the launch of the Quit India Movement (1942). It formally condemned the August Offer's promise of Dominion Status and firmly reiterated the demand for Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence).
The Ramgarh Session (March 1940), held under the presidency of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, was the last annual session before the launch of the Quit India Movement (1942). It formally condemned the August Offer's promise of Dominion Status and firmly reiterated the demand for Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence).
Ramgarh Session (1940)
| Year/Month | President | Location | Key Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 1940 | Maulana Abul Kalam Azad | Ramgarh (Bihar) | Reiterated Purna Swaraj; rejected August Offer approach; authorized Gandhi to lead CDM. |
Fun Facts
The 1940 session was disrupted by rains, forcing delegates to hold the proceedings in a simpler enclosure.
Azad served as the Congress President continuously from 1940 to 1946 due to the wartime political crisis and subsequent arrests.
Mains Key Points
Prelims Strategy Tips
Movements in Princely States (1938–1942): Praja Mandal and AISPC
The Praja Mandal Movement and the All India States’ People’s Conference (AISPC) led the struggle for democratic rights and responsible government against the autocratic rule of the Princely States. This movement intensified post-1938, becoming integrated with the main national struggle.
The Praja Mandal Movement and the All India States’ People’s Conference (AISPC) led the struggle for democratic rights and responsible government against the autocratic rule of the Princely States. This movement intensified post-1938, becoming integrated with the main national struggle.
Princely States Movement (Post-1937)
| Organisation | Year | Key Focus | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| AISPC | 1927 | Central coordination body for Praja Mandals | Linked local struggles across states; sought responsible government. |
| INC Policy Shift | 1938 (Haripura) | Active support for States' people's struggles | Integrated the States' struggle into the main nationalist agenda. |
| Rajkot Satyagraha | 1938–39 | Demand for democratic reforms in Rajkot State | Led by Vallabhbhai Patel; brought the issue of autocracy to the fore. |
Fun Facts
The AISPC later became an important negotiating partner during the integration of the Princely States into the Indian Union.
Many INC leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru, actively championed the cause of the Praja Mandals.
Mains Key Points
Prelims Strategy Tips
Congress Socialist Party (CSP) (1934): The Left Wing
The Congress Socialist Party (CSP), founded in 1934 within the Indian National Congress (INC), represented the left-wing, socialist, and secular ideological current. Its goal was to radicalize the INC's agenda, demanding Purna Swaraj and a socialist reconstruction of the Indian economy.
The Congress Socialist Party (CSP), founded in 1934 within the Indian National Congress (INC), represented the left-wing, socialist, and secular ideological current. Its goal was to radicalize the INC's agenda, demanding Purna Swaraj and a socialist reconstruction of the Indian economy.
Congress Socialist Party (CSP) Summary
| Year | Founders | Ideology | Key Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1934 | Acharya Narendra Dev, J.P., Minoo Masani | Democratic Socialism (rejecting capitalism and colonial rule) | Acted as a pressure group within the INC; organized Quit India underground resistance. |
Fun Facts
The CSP was critical of Gandhi's withdrawal of the CDM but respected his leadership.
The group’s youth and energy were instrumental in sustaining the freedom struggle during the political lull of the mid-1930s.
Jayaprakash Narayan (J.P.) became a national hero for his daring actions and leadership during the 1942 Quit India Movement.
Mains Key Points
Prelims Strategy Tips
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