Cabinet Mission Plan 1946

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.

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