Describe the various forms which the popular protests took between 1945 and 1947.

Q. Describe the various forms which the popular protests took between 1945 and 1947.

Forms of Popular Protests in India Between 1945 and 1947

The period between 1945 and 1947 was one of profound political and social transformation in India. This era marked the final phase of British colonial rule, a time of immense political struggle, and the beginning of the partition of India. Popular protests during this period were diverse in form and nature, as they were fueled by a range of issues—from demands for independence to concerns about communal tensions, economic hardships, and political uncertainty.

These protests can be categorized into several forms: large-scale mass movements, strikes, demonstrations, civil disobedience campaigns, communal riots, and uprisings. The forms of protest were also influenced by shifting political strategies and the participation of different social groups, including the working class, peasants, women, students, and political organizations. This period also saw the rise of new political dynamics, including the influence of the Indian National Congress (INC), the Muslim League, and other regional and subnational political groups.

1. Mass Movements and Civil Disobedience

By 1945, World War II had ended, and Britain was exhausted from the war effort. The war had economic repercussions on the Indian subcontinent, exacerbating issues such as inflation, famine, and unemployment, and creating a volatile situation. The Indian nationalist movement, especially under the leadership of the Indian National Congress, found itself at a crucial juncture, where mass movements once again became an important tool of resistance.


·         Quit India Movement (1942) and its Aftermath: Although the Quit India Movement had been suppressed in 1942, the demand for full independence from Britain continued to simmer. Following the end of the war in 1945, the INC revived its push for independence. The Congress was invigorated by the British government's failure to consult India in the post-war order and continued economic hardships. Popular protests and strikes were organized by INC leaders to intensify pressure on the British.

·         The 1946 General Elections: In 1946, the Provincial Legislative Assembly elections held in British India further highlighted the deepening political polarization between the INC and the Muslim League. While the INC secured a majority in several provinces, the Muslim League’s call for Pakistan gained significant traction. Protests and strikes were organized in response to political developments, such as the Direct Action Day riots in August 1946, which were a direct consequence of the Muslim League’s demand for a separate Muslim state.

2. Strikes and Labour Movements

The economic consequences of the war and the resulting hardship on the common people, particularly the working class, contributed to widespread protests in the form of strikes and industrial action. The period saw various sectors of society demand better working conditions, pay, and an end to the exploitation of workers under colonial policies.


·         Working-Class Struggles: Industrial workers, particularly in urban centers like Bombay (Mumbai), Calcutta (Kolkata), and Ahmedabad, were at the forefront of these protests. With the collapse of the wartime economy, industries were under strain, and labor unrest grew. Workers in textiles, railways, and other industries went on strikes demanding better wages, improved working conditions, and job security.

·         The 1946 Bombay Textile Strike: One of the most significant strikes of this period was the 1946 Bombay Textile Strike, which lasted for several months. Led by leaders like S.A. Dange and supported by unions, workers protested against the exploitation of labor and poor working conditions. The strike was a key episode in the rise of organized labor movements in India and demonstrated the increasing political and social unrest among the working classes.

3. Communal Riots and Religious Protests

The political climate between 1945 and 1947 was fraught with tensions, particularly communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims. The partition of India was becoming an increasingly contentious issue, and religious identities played a pivotal role in shaping protests during this period.


·         Direct Action Day (August 16, 1946): One of the most significant events of this period was the Direct Action Day called by the Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, to demand the creation of Pakistan. This day led to violent communal riots in Calcutta, where Hindus and Muslims clashed, resulting in large-scale casualties. The riots quickly spread to other parts of Bengal and later to other regions of India, marking a dark chapter in the lead-up to partition.

·         The Great Calcutta Killings (1946): The Great Calcutta Killings marked a violent turning point, as communal riots left thousands dead and thousands more injured. The events led to a spiral of communal violence, with mass migrations and tensions growing between the two communities. The violence also contributed to the increasingly polarized political climate, with the INC and Muslim League drawing increasingly stark lines of division.

·         Riots in Punjab and Other Areas: As the demand for partition gained momentum, riots broke out in Punjab and North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), particularly between Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims. This period witnessed an escalation of religious violence that shaped the post-independence partition process. The riotous atmosphere had widespread consequences on political protests, as the INC struggled to maintain control over the rapidly evolving situation.

4. Peasant Uprisings and Rural Protests

Rural India saw significant unrest during this period, especially in areas where economic deprivation, oppressive landlordism, and colonial policies had worsened conditions for peasants. The post-war period intensified these issues, and peasants in various regions of India rose up in protest against exploitative practices.

·         The Tebhaga Movement (1946-47): One of the most significant peasant uprisings of this period was the Tebhaga Movement in Bengal. The movement arose in the context of sharecropping, where peasants were compelled to give away two-thirds of their crop to the landowners. The peasants demanded that they be allowed to retain two-thirds of their harvest, leading to widespread protests and strikes. Although the movement was largely suppressed, it revealed the growing discontent among rural communities, particularly the poor peasantry.

·         The Telangana Rebellion (1946-51): The Telangana Rebellion, which began in 1946, was another major peasant revolt that was partly linked to communist-led movements in the region. Peasants, led by the Communist Party of India (CPI), rose up against the landlords and the ruling Nizam of Hyderabad, protesting their exploitation and feudal control. The rebellion spread across the Telangana region and became one of the most important rural uprisings of the period, leading to significant changes in the political landscape of the region.

·         Peasant Movements in UP and Bihar: Similar uprisings and peasant protests occurred in regions like Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar, where peasants demanded better conditions, land reforms, and a reduction in oppressive taxes. These movements reflected the growing rural unrest and dissatisfaction with the colonial administration and the economic system in place.

5. Student Protests and Youth Mobilization

Student movements played an increasingly important role in the protests of the late 1940s. The youth, inspired by nationalist ideals, participated in strikes, demonstrations, and other forms of protest.

·         The 1946-47 Student Agitations: Students, especially in urban centers like Calcutta, Delhi, and Bombay, became increasingly active in political protests, particularly against British colonial policies and the political developments surrounding partition. These movements often involved protests against the repression of nationalist activities and calls for greater autonomy for India.

·         The Role of the All India Students Federation (AISF): The All India Students Federation (AISF), a left-wing student organization, organized protests against the partition and supported the demands for a united India. The student movements during this period often intersected with the broader struggle for independence, with students participating in strikes, protests, and anti-colonial activities.

6. Women's Participation in Protests

Women's participation in popular protests increased significantly during this period. The role of women in the freedom struggle had always been important, but during the 1945-47 period, the mobilization of women became more visible, particularly in the form of civil disobedience, strikes, and demonstrations.

·         Participation in Civil Disobedience: Women were actively involved in civil disobedience campaigns, particularly in rural and urban areas. They participated in the Quit India Movement, protested against price hikes, and were involved in regional uprisings like the Tebhaga Movement and the Telangana Rebellion. Women like Kasturba Gandhi, Aruna Asaf Ali, and Sarojini Naidu continued to play key roles in the nationalist movement.

·         Women in Protests Against Partition: As the prospect of partition grew more imminent, women were drawn into protests against the division of India. Many women participated in peace movements and protests to avoid the communal violence that accompanied partition. Women's participation was particularly significant in the wake of the Great Calcutta Killings, where efforts to organize women to resist violence and preserve peace were central to civil society’s efforts to navigate the deepening crisis.

7. Conclusion

The period between 1945 and 1947 was marked by intense political and social upheaval in India. The forms of popular protests during this time were varied and widespread, ranging from organized mass movements and labor strikes to communal riots and rural uprisings. The growing demand for independence, alongside economic hardship, communal tensions, and the looming threat of partition, made this period one of the most tumultuous in India’s history. These protests, with their diverse forms, ultimately contributed to the weakening of British rule and set the stage for India's eventual independence in 1947. The popular protests of this period were crucial in shaping the political landscape of the subcontinent and marked the beginning of a new chapter in India's long struggle for freedom.

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