View Categories

Cabinet Mission Plan 1946

3 min read

Cabinet Mission Plan 1946: Factors, British Exit, and India’s Road to Independence #

Path to Indian Independence: Understanding the Cabinet Mission Plan #

Several factors converged in the years preceding the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 to create an environment in which the British withdrawal from India appeared imminent. This article examines the key reasons why the British Empire began to consider relinquishing control of India, laying the groundwork for the Cabinet Mission Plan and the nation’s subsequent independence.

Factors Leading to British Exit: India’s Shift to Independence #

  • Struggle For Hegemony: The success of nationalist forces in the struggle for hegemony was evident by the end of the War.  
  • Favour Of Nationalism Among The Bureaucracy: There was a demonstration in favour of nationalism among the bureaucracy and the loyalist sections due to the lack of European ICS recruits and a policy of Indianisation.  
  • British Unable To Wield Authority: The British strategy of conciliation and repression had limitations and contradictions, as nonviolent resistance was repressed with force, and if the government did not clamp down on sedition or make truce offers, it was seen to be powerless.  
  • Dilemma For Authority: This policy of an unclear mix presented a dilemma for the services, who nevertheless had to implement it.  
  • Morale-Booster Sentiments Deeper Penetration: Constitutionalism or Congress Raj had proved to be a morale-booster and helped in deeper penetration of patriotic sentiments among the masses.  
  • All-Out Repression Seemed Impossible: The only alternative to all-out repression of a mass movement was an entirely official rule, which seemed impossible now because the necessary numbers and efficient officers were not available. 
  • A Peaceful Withdrawal: The British government sought a peaceful withdrawal from India after a settlement on the transfer of power and the nature of post-imperial India-Britain relations.  

Congress’ Demands & Britain’s Diplomacy: Prelude to Independence #

  • The Congress Demands: It Demanded that power be transferred to one centre and that minorities’ demands be worked out in a framework ranging from autonomy to Muslim-majority provinces.  
  • Divided India A Blot On Britain’s Diplomacy: The British bid for a united and friendly India and an active partner in defence of the Commonwealth, as a divided India, would lack in defence and would be a blot on Britain’s diplomacy.  

Conclusion #

The convergence of postwar realities, India’s unwavering struggle for independence, war-weariness in Britain, international pressure, shifting global sentiments, contributions of the Indian armed forces, and internal challenges within India all contributed to an environment in which the British withdrawal from India appeared imminent on the eve of the Cabinet Mission Plan. The mission itself became a significant turning point, as it represented the British government’s sincere attempt to find a political solution for India’s future. Finally, the Cabinet Mission Plan and the events that followed paved the way for India’s independence and the birth of the world’s largest democracy.

Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024
Know about Physics Wallah

Physics Wallah is an Indian online education platform, that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students of classes 6 to 12 and those preparing for JEE and NEET exams. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample papers, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers, which makes us a one-stop solution for all resources. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.

We Stand Out because

We successfully provide students with intensive courses by India's qualified & experienced faculties. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.

Our Key Focus Areas

Physics Wallah’s main focus is to create accessible learning experiences for students all over India. With courses like Lakshya, Udaan, Arjuna & many others, we have been able to provide a ready solution for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formulae to giving e-books of eminent authors, PW aims to provide reliable solutions for student prep.

What Makes Us Different

Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others.

Aiming for UPSC?

Download Our App

# #
Quick Revise Now !
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD SOON
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध
Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

<div class="new-fform">






    </div>

    Subscribe our Newsletter
    Sign up now for our exclusive newsletter and be the first to know about our latest Initiatives, Quality Content, and much more.
    *Promise! We won't spam you.
    Yes! I want to Subscribe.