Popular protests in India between 1945 and 1947 were a culmination of various factors such as economic hardship, political oppression, and the desire for independence from British colonial rule. These protests were sparked by a variety of factors, including the Indian National Congress’s call for immediate withdrawal from British colonial rule, communal riots, labour strikes, peasant movements, and student movements. These protests were met with repression by the British authorities, but they helped to build support for the independence movement and contributed to the eventual withdrawal of British colonial rule.
The Quit India Movement, launched by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress in 1942, was one of the most significant forms of popular protest during this period. The movement called for the immediate withdrawal of British colonial rule and was characterized by mass strikes, boycotts, and non-violent resistance. The British government’s repression of the movement led to the arrest of many leaders of the Congress and thousands of protesters were killed or injured.
The Great Calcutta Killings of 1946 was another significant form of popular protest during this period. The riots broke out in the city of Calcutta between Hindus and Muslims and resulted in the deaths of thousands of people and the displacement of hundreds of thousands more. These riots were a major turning point in the independence movement and helped to solidify the demand for a separate Muslim state, Pakistan.
Workers’ strikes and labour protests were also significant forms of popular protest during this period. Workers in various industries such as textiles, mining, and transportation went on strike to demand better wages, working conditions, and the right to unionize. These strikes were often met with repression by the British authorities, but they helped to build support for the independence movement and to mobilize the working-class population.
Student movements were also a significant form of popular protest during this period. Students in various regions of India, particularly in urban areas, formed student unions and organized protests to demand better education, more opportunities, and an end to British colonial rule. These student movements were often met with repression by the British authorities, but they helped to build support for the independence movement and to mobilize the student population.
Popular protests in India between 1945 and 1947 were a result of various factors such as economic hardship, political oppression, and the desire for independence from British colonial rule. The Quit India Movement, the Great Calcutta Killings, workers’ strikes, labour protests, and student movements were some of the forms that popular protests took during this period. These protests were met with repression by the British authorities, but they helped to build support for the independence movement and contributed to the eventual withdrawal of British colonial rule. The protests also highlighted the issues of communalism, labour rights, land rights and education which needed to be addressed by the newly independent government. Additionally, these movements helped to mobilize and unite different sections of society to strive for a common goal of independence, which ultimately led to the withdrawal of British colonial rule in 1947 and the birth of the new nation of India.