History Notes Chapter 12 India gains Independence Class 8 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – History Class 8
1. Introduction

• During World War II, the Indian freedom struggle became more intense and widespread.
• The British government realized they could no longer ignore the demand for India’s independence.
• This chapter discusses the events and plans that led to India’s independence and the creation of Pakistan.

2. Rise of the Two-Nation Theory

• Indian National Congress believed in secularism, where all religions and communities were equal.
• The British used the divide and rule policy to create religious differences between Hindus and Muslims.
• Muslim League was formed to represent Muslim interests.

A. Key Figures Behind the Two-Nation Theory:

1. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal (1930): Suggested the idea of a separate Muslim state.
2. Chaudhary Rahmat Ali: Coined the term “Pakistan.”
3. Barrister Muhammad Ali Jinnah: Proposed the Two-Nation Theory-arguing that Hindus and Muslims were separate nations.

3. Wavell Plan (1945)

• Proposed by: Lord Wavell, the Viceroy of India.
• Purpose: To give Indian leaders more power while keeping British control.

Main Provisions:

1. Equal representation of Hindus and Muslims in the Viceroy’s Executive Council.
2. Proper representation for Dalits and minorities in the government.
3. Formation of a new government by Indian leaders.

Outcome:

• Failure: The plan failed because Jinnah demanded that only the Muslim League should represent Muslim members, which Congress rejected.

4. Cabinet Mission (1946)

• Reason: After World War II, the British wanted to transfer power peacefully.
• Mission Members:
  1. Pethick Lawrence
  2. Stafford Cripps
  3. A.V. Alexander

Main Provisions:

1. India would remain united but divided into three groups:
   • Group A: Hindu-majority areas
   • Group B: Muslim-majority areas (Northwest)
   • Group C: Muslim-majority areas (East)
2. Indian Constituent Assembly would frame India’s Constitution.

Outcome:

• Congress opposed it because it weakened national unity.
• Muslim League rejected it because Pakistan was not created.

5. Direct Action Day (16 August 1946)

• Reason: Muslim League was unhappy because their demand for Pakistan was not accepted.
• Event:
  • Jinnah declared Direct Action Day to pressure the British.
  • Violent riots broke out, especially in Noakhali (Bengal), causing massacres of Hindus.
  • Mahatma Gandhi went to Noakhali to restore peace.

6. Interim Government (1946)

• Purpose: Prepare India for full independence.
• Leader: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the head of this temporary government.

Outcome:

• Initially, Muslim League refused to join.
• Later, they joined but disrupted the government’s work, causing tension.

7. Mountbatten Plan (1947)

• Reason: British Prime Minister Attlee announced that Britain would leave India by June 1948.
• Purpose: To divide India and transfer power peacefully.
• Prepared by: Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India.

Main Provisions:

1. India would be divided into two independent nations:
   • India (Hindu-majority).
   • Pakistan (Muslim-majority).
2. Princely States could join India, Pakistan, or remain independent.

Outcome:

• Congress opposed the partition but accepted it to avoid civil war.
• Muslim League accepted the creation of Pakistan.

8. Indian Independence Act (18 July 1947)

• Passed by: British Parliament based on the Mountbatten Plan.
• Key Provisions:

1. On 15 August 1947, India and Pakistan would become independent nations.
2. British rule and control over India would end.
3. Princely States were free to join either country or stay independent.

9. India Gains Independence (15 August 1947)

• Event:
  • At midnight, the Union Jack (British flag) was lowered.
  • The Indian tricolor was hoisted at Parliament House in Delhi.
  • Jawaharlal Nehru gave the famous speech “Tryst with Destiny” to mark India’s freedom from 150 years of British rule.

10. The Pain of Partition

• Violence and Migration:
  • The partition caused mass violence between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs.
  • Millions of people migrated between India and Pakistan.
  • Families were displaced, and thousands lost their lives.
• Mahatma Gandhi’s Role:
  • Gandhi did not celebrate Independence.
  • He worked to stop communal violence in Bengal and promote peace.

11. Assassination of Mahatma Gandhi

• On 30 January 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse.
• Reason: Godse opposed Gandhi’s efforts for Hindu-Muslim unity.
• Legacy: Gandhi’s death was a huge loss to the nation, but his principles of non-violence and truth continue to inspire the world.

12. Significance of India’s Independence

1. End of British Rule: India became free after 150 years of colonial domination.
2. Birth of Two Nations: India and Pakistan emerged as separate, sovereign countries.
3. Foundation for Democracy: India’s freedom led to the creation of the world’s largest democracy.