India's Struggle for Independence Post-Government of India Act, 1935
The Government of India Act, 1935, enacted by the British Parliament, was a pivotal, though
highly contentious, development that immediately preceded the final, intense phase of India's
freedom struggle. While the Act introduced significant constitutional changes, particularly
Provincial Autonomy, it fell far short of the demand for complete independence, prompting
renewed and more radical nationalist action.
1. The Context of the 1935 Act
The Act aimed to establish an All-India Federation and grant Provincial Autonomy (abolishing the
Dyarchy system in the provinces).
Provincial Autonomy and Congress Ministries: The Indian National Congress (INC) reluctantly
participated in the 1937 provincial elections held under the new Act and won an absolute
majority in five provinces, forming governments in eight. This brief period (1937–1939) allowed
Indian leaders to gain administrative experience but also showcased the limitations of the
autonomy, as the British Governors retained extensive "special powers" and veto authority.
The Unimplemented Federation: The crucial All-India Federation part of the Act, which required
the Princely States to join, never materialized due to the reluctance of the Princes and the
outbreak of World War II.
2. World War II and the "Quit India" Moment (1939–1945)
The onset of World War II in 1939 dramatically escalated the struggle for independence.
Resignation of Congress Ministries: Viceroy Lord Linlithgow declared India a belligerent in the
war without consulting the Indian political leadership. In protest, the Congress Ministries
resigned in October 1939, bringing the Provincial Autonomy experiment to an end.
The Demand for Pakistan (1940): The All-India Muslim League, under Muhammad Ali Jinnah,
passed the Lahore Resolution (or Pakistan Resolution) in March 1940, formally demanding the
grouping of Muslim-majority areas in the Northwest and East to constitute "Independent States."
This marked a decisive shift toward the demand for a separate nation.
The Cripps Mission (1942): Sent by Britain to secure full Indian cooperation in the war, the
mission offered Dominion Status after the war and the formation of a Constituent Assembly. It
was rejected by the Congress because it did not offer immediate, genuine transfer of power and
by the Muslim League because it did not explicitly grant Pakistan.
The Quit India Movement (1942): Following the failure of the Cripps Mission, Mahatma Gandhi
launched the 'Quit India' (or August) Movement in August 1942, with the rallying cry "Do or Die."
This was a spontaneous, leaderless mass uprising after nearly all major Congress leaders were
imprisoned. It involved widespread protests, attacks on symbols of British authority, and
significant underground activity, demonstrating the Indian people's unwavering resolve for
complete freedom.
3. Towards Transfer of Power (1945–1947)
The post-war period was dominated by intense negotiations and the grim reality of communal
tension.
The Indian National Army (INA): Outside India, Subhas Chandra Bose mobilized the INA, fighting
alongside the Axis powers with the goal of freeing India. The subsequent INA Trials in 1945
galvanized public opinion across the nation.
The Cabinet Mission (1946): Sent to find a framework for the transfer of power, the Mission
proposed a federal structure for India. While initially accepted by both Congress and the Muslim
League, it ultimately failed due to conflicting interpretations over the nature of the proposed
grouping of provinces.
Direct Action Day: The failure of the Cabinet Mission plan led the Muslim League to call for
'Direct Action Day' on August 16, 1946, which resulted in horrific communal riots, particularly in
Calcutta, pushing India closer to Partition.
Mountbatten Plan and Independence: In 1947, Viceroy Lord Mountbatten was sent to expedite
the transfer of power. His plan, which Congress and the Muslim League eventually accepted,
proposed the Partition of India into two sovereign states: India and Pakistan.
The struggle officially culminated with the passing of the Indian Independence Act, 1947, leading
to India's freedom on August 15, 1947, alongside the painful reality of Partition.