India Wins Freedom

1. Azad's Early Nationalism and Muslim Identity

In Egypt, Iran and Turkey the Muslims were engaged in revolutionary activities for the achievement of democracy and freedom.

Early Influences. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad's journey began with a traditional Islamic education, but he soon embraced modern thought and developed a strong sense of nationalism. His travels in the Middle East exposed him to revolutionary movements in Muslim countries, shaping his belief that Indian Muslims should actively participate in the struggle for independence.

Reconciling Faith and Nation. Azad challenged the Aligarh line of remaining aloof from the freedom movement, advocating for Muslim cooperation in the work of political liberation. He started the Urdu weekly Al Hilal to promote nationalism among Muslims, facing opposition from both the Aligarh party and the British government.

Commitment to Unity. Azad's early experiences solidified his conviction that Indian Muslims must work alongside other communities to achieve freedom. He believed that active hostility or indifference from Muslims would hinder the struggle, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation.

2. Congress's Initial Hesitations and Eventual Governance

It was only in the Punjab and Sind that the Congress did not achieve comparable success.

Reluctance to Participate. The Congress initially hesitated to contest elections under the Government of India Act 1935, wary of the special powers reserved for Governors. However, Azad argued for participation to educate the masses and prevent less desirable elements from capturing legislatures.

Assumption of Office. Despite internal divisions, the Congress eventually decided to assume office in several provinces, marking its first foray into administration. This decision was a trial for the Congress, as people watched to see if the organization would live up to its national character.

Challenges to Nationalism. Despite efforts to ensure justice for all minorities, the Congress faced challenges in living up to its ideals. Incidents in Bihar and Bombay, where communal considerations influenced leadership selection, revealed the limitations of Congress's nationalism at the time.

3. The Shadow of War and Conflicting Ideologies

In the opinion of the Congress, it is urgently necessary for India to direct her own foreign policy as an independent nation, thereby keeping aloof from both Imperialism and Fascism, and pursuing her path of peace and freedom.

Deepening International Crisis. The looming war in Europe cast a dark shadow over Indian politics, creating a sense of expectancy and fear. This uncertain backdrop heightened the importance of the Congress Presidentship, leading to Azad's election in 1940.

Ideological Differences. Azad clashed with Gandhiji over India's participation in the war, advocating for alignment with the democracies if India were free. This difference highlighted a fundamental divide within the Congress, with some members prioritizing pacifism while others emphasized India's freedom.

Individual Satyagraha. Despite differing views, Azad and Gandhiji agreed on a limited civil disobedience movement to protest India's forced involvement in the war. This movement, though limited, marked a period of intense political activity and sacrifice.

4. Chiang Kai-shek's Mediation and the Cripps Mission's Failure

The Generalissimo then asked me, 'Where does India rightly belong? Is its place with Nazi Germany or with the democracies?'

External Pressure for Resolution. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek's visit to India underscored international concern over India's voluntary participation in the war. His meetings with the Viceroy and Congress leaders aimed to find a settlement, but revealed the complexities of the Indian political landscape.

Cripps's Proposals. The Cripps Mission of 1942 brought proposals for a new Executive Council and a promise of Indian independence after the war. However, disagreements over the powers of the Council and the option for provinces to opt out led to the mission's failure.

Shifting Positions. Azad's initial optimism about the Cripps offer waned as negotiations progressed, revealing a change in Cripps's position. The failure of the mission highlighted the deep-seated distrust between the Congress and the British government.

5. The "Quit India" Resolution and Mass Arrests

The Congress hereby declares again that nothing short of complete independence can be accepted by the people of India.

Demand for Immediate Independence. The failure of the Cripps Mission fueled widespread anger and disappointment, leading the Congress to adopt the "Quit India" resolution. This resolution demanded an immediate end to British rule and sparked a mass movement of resistance.

Government Repression. The British government responded swiftly, arresting Congress leaders and suppressing the movement with force. This crackdown marked a turning point in the struggle, leading to widespread violence and disruption.

Diverging Views on Resistance. Azad and Gandhiji held differing views on the nature of resistance, with Azad advocating for any means necessary to oppose the Japanese. However, the government's actions ultimately united them in opposition to British rule.

6. Imprisonment, Personal Loss, and Political Shifts

I was in a state of mental distress when the order of release reached me.

Detention and Isolation. Azad and other Congress leaders were imprisoned, cut off from the world and forced to grapple with the implications of the failed Cripps Mission and the escalating war. This period of detention brought personal loss and a sense of humiliation.

Subhas Chandra Bose's Influence. Subhas Chandra Bose's escape to Germany and his alliance with the Axis powers had a profound impact on Indian politics, influencing Gandhiji's views and creating divisions within the Congress. This development further complicated the already complex political landscape.

Rajagopalachari's Dissent. Rajagopalachari's advocacy for accepting the Muslim League's demands created further divisions within the Congress, highlighting the challenges of navigating communal tensions and the pursuit of independence. His resignation from the Working Committee underscored the depth of these divisions.

7. The Simla Conference: A Communal Divide Emerges

The Congress is further of the opinion that while it will always be ready, as it ever has been, to make every effort to secure communal harmony, no permanent solution is possible except through a Constituent Assembly...

Wavell's Initiative. As the war drew to a close, the British government sought to break the political deadlock by convening the Simla Conference. This conference aimed to bring together Indian leaders to discuss the formation of a new Executive Council.

Communal Representation. The Simla Conference ultimately failed due to disagreements over the composition of the Executive Council, specifically the representation of Muslims. Mr. Jinnah's insistence that only the Muslim League could nominate Muslim members proved to be a major stumbling block.

Shift in Focus. The Simla Conference marked a significant shift in Indian politics, with negotiations failing not on the issue of independence, but on communal divisions. This failure highlighted the growing divide between the Congress and the Muslim League.

8. Partition Accepted: A Nation Divided, A Dream Shattered

The Congress hereby declares again that nothing short of complete independence can be accepted by the people of India.

AICC's Endorsement. Despite reservations, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) endorsed the Working Committee's resolution on the Cripps Mission, signaling a commitment to achieving independence. However, this decision was met with mixed reactions and a sense of unease.

Diverging Paths. The failure of the Cripps Mission and the growing communal divide led to a divergence in the paths of Jawaharlal Nehru and Shri Rajagopalachari. Nehru sought to minimize differences with the British, while Rajagopalachari advocated for accepting the Muslim League's demands.

A Turning Point. The events following the Cripps Mission marked a turning point in India's struggle for freedom, setting the stage for the eventual partition of the country. The dream of a united India began to fade as communal tensions escalated.

9. Mountbatten's Arrival and the Inevitability of Partition

The Congress considers the declaration by the British Government of India as a belligerent country, without any reference to the people of India, and the exploitation of India's resources in this War, as an affront to them, which no self-respecting and freedom loving people can accept or tolerate.

New Viceroy, New Approach. Lord Mountbatten's appointment as Viceroy signaled a shift in British policy, with a firm deadline set for the transfer of power. His arrival brought a renewed sense of urgency and a focus on finding a solution to the Indian problem.

Persuasion and Influence. Mountbatten skillfully navigated the complex political landscape, winning over key figures like Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru to the idea of partition. His charm and persuasive abilities played a significant role in shaping the course of events.

The Inevitable Divide. Despite Azad's efforts to preserve unity, the momentum towards partition proved unstoppable. The acceptance of partition by key Congress leaders marked a tragic turning point in Indian history.

10. The Aftermath: Violence, Grief, and a Divided Legacy

The Congress is further of the opinion that while it will always be ready, as it ever has been, to make every effort to secure communal harmony, no permanent solution is possible except through a Constituent Assembly, where the rights of all recognised minorities will be fully protected by agreement, as far as possible, between the elected representatives of various majority and minority groups, or by arbitration if agreement is not reached on any point.

Tragedy Amidst Triumph. India achieved independence, but at the cost of partition, unleashing widespread violence and displacement. The joy of freedom was tempered by the grief and suffering of millions.

Breakdown of Order. The partition led to a breakdown of law and order, with communal violence erupting in various parts of the country. The newly formed governments struggled to maintain control, and the army was divided along communal lines.

A Divided Legacy. The partition of India left a lasting legacy of division and mistrust. The dream of a united, harmonious India was shattered, replaced by the reality of two separate nations grappling with the challenges of independence.

Last updated: April 23, 2025