Question

What was the possible alternative to the Partition of India? What responses did this alternative receive and what was the outcome?

Answer 1

Instructions:
To answer this question, you need to cover the following points:

• Alternative: Proposal of the Cabinet Mission: To create a loose three-tiered confederation to ensure India stays united
• Response: Disagreement of both parties due to opposing misinterpretations
• Outcome: Led to mass agitations and the eventual Partition of India

Solution:

• The British Cabinet sent a three-member Cabinet Mission to consider the demand of the Muslim League for a separate state and to suggest a political framework for free India. The alternative that the Cabinet Mission suggested was a three-tiered confederation.
• Initially, both parties agreed to this plan but later, both of them backed out of the agreement due to opposing misinterpretations.
• The Muslim League felt that their needs would be taken seriously only if they took some action. Hence, they decided 16th August 1946 to be a ‘Direct Action Day’. The day was marked with riots and mass violence.
• After multiple discussions, Lord Mountbatten announced that India would be freed, but also partitioned.