The “Communal Holocaust and Interim Government” is a significant topic in the history of India’s struggle for independence. It encompasses the period marked by intense communal violence and the formation of an interim government. This phase was characterized by communal tensions between Hindus and Muslims, resulting in widespread riots and bloodshed across the Indian subcontinent. Meanwhile, efforts were made to establish a temporary government to oversee the transition to independence. In this blog series, we will delve into the causes, events, and consequences of this tumultuous period, exploring how communal conflicts shaped political decisions and the path towards self-governance. We will analyze the challenges faced by leaders, the impact of communal violence on society, and the efforts to establish an interim administration amidst the chaos. Understanding this critical juncture in India’s history is essential for grasping the complexities of its journey towards independence and the foundation of its democratic institutions.
In 1946, Muhammad Ali Jinnah declared 16 August as ‘Direct Action Day’ and urged Muslims across the country to stop all businesses. This was to pressure the British government to accept the Muslim League’s demand for a separate Pakistan. Direct Action Day is seen as a key moment in the struggle for independence, leading to India’s partition. It resulted in widespread riots between Muslims and Hindus, particularly in Calcutta (now Kolkata), Bengal.
Background
In 1946, during India’s fight for independence from British rule, Prime Minister Clement Attlee sent a three-person Cabinet Mission to discuss transferring power from British to Indian leaders. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, leader of the Muslim League, initially accepted the Cabinet Mission Plan, as did the Congress. However, Nehru later said Congress might change the plan. Worried about Hindu dominance, Muslim League leaders pushed Jinnah to stand firm. Jinnah then rejected the plan, fearing Congress’s dominance in the interim government, and boycotted the Constituent Assembly. In July, Jinnah announced plans for a struggle, and later declared 16 August 1946 as “Direct Action Day.”
Consequences
- Communal tensions were high after the riots in Calcutta in February 1946.
- Hindu and Muslim newspapers fueled animosity between the communities with biased reporting.
- ‘Direct Action Day’ led to several days of violence known as the ‘Week of the Long Knives’.
- Politicians didn’t expect the violence to be so severe.
- The violence became a symbol of the intense political struggle in 1947.
- Muslims became more determined to fight for a separate nation to escape communal violence.
- This decision would benefit both Jinnah and elite politicians in Congress.
- On 6 August 1946, violence between communities reached a peak, marking a dark day in history.
Aftermath
- Suhrawardy, the Chief Minister in charge of Calcutta’s Home Portfolio, was criticized for being biased.
- Sir Frederick John Burrows, the British Governor of Bengal, was blamed for not taking control of the situation.
- The Hindu press blamed Suhrawardy’s government and the Muslim League.
- The riots were said to be instigated by Muslim League members and its Volunteer Corps to support their demand for Pakistan.
- Indian National Congress members, including Gandhi and Nehru, were shocked and criticized the riots.
Interim Government
- The interim government of India was established on 2 September 1946, based on the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946.
- The plan aimed to ease tensions between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League regarding India’s future.
- It suggested a federal system with a central government having limited powers and strong provincial governments.
- Additionally, it recommended a separate Constituent Assembly for the Muslim-majority regions of India.
Formation of the Interim Government
The interim government was created by the newly elected Constituent Assembly of India. The Congress Party, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, won the most seats, and Nehru became the prime minister. The Muslim League also joined the interim government, but it did not agree with the Cabinet Mission Plan.
The End of the Interim Government
The interim government ended on 15 August 1947, when India and Pakistan became independent. It was dissolved, and both countries established their own governments.
Importance of the Interim Government:
- The interim government was an important step towards India’s independence. It brought together the main political parties and set the stage for the creation of India and Pakistan.
- It helped to reduce communal violence and promote economic development in the region.
Figures of Interim Government
| Minister | Portfolio | |
| Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru | Vice President of the Executive Council, External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations | |
| Vallabhbhai Patel | Home, Information and Broadcasting | |
| Baldev Singh | Defence | |
| Dr. John Mathai | Industries and supplies | |
| C. Rajagopalachari | Education | |
| C.H Bhabha | Works, Mines and Power | |
| Rajendra Prasad | Food and Agriculture | |
| Asaf Ali | Railways | |
| Jagjivan Ram | Labour | |
| Liaqat Ali | Finance | |
| TT Chundrigar | Commerce | |
| Abdur Rab Nishtar | Communication | |
| Ghazanfar Ali Khan | Health | |
| Jogendra Nath Mandal | Law |
The interim government in 1946 was an important part of India’s move towards independence. It brought together the two main political parties and set the groundwork for the creation of India and Pakistan. The interim government also helped to lessen violence between communities and boost economic growth.
Also Read: Cabinet Mission.