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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