Ghandi, India, Pakistan Flashcards
What was the outcome of Gandhi’s involvement in the independence of India and Pakistan in 1947?
Gandhi’s involvement is seen as both good and bad; the Indian empire was broken into two, with most Indians unhappy with partition while most Pakistanis cheered for independence.
What was the major migration movement during the partition of India in 1947?
One of the biggest forced migration movements occurred, with approximately 17 million people forced to move due to religious violence.
What was the historical context of British rule in India leading up to independence?
India had been under heavy British domination since the 18th century, with a failed rebellion in 1857/8 leading to direct British governance over provinces and princely states.
What was the role of the All India Congress Party (AICP) in the independence movement?
The AICP, formed in 1885, evolved from mild nationalism to demanding dominion status by the 1920s, with Gandhi becoming its head and leading non-violent campaigns.
What was Gandhi’s strategy for resisting British rule?
Gandhi’s strategy included nationwide non-violent campaigns called ‘Satyagraha’, which involved boycotting British goods to hurt the British economy.
What concessions did the British offer to India before World War II?
The British gradually offered autonomy concessions, including the Government of India Act of 1919 and 1935, which provided more power to elected Indian governments at the provincial level.
What was the impact of World War II on Indian nationalism?
During WWII, the Indian National Congress withdrew from provincial governments in response to British actions, leading to increased tensions and demands for independence.
What was the significance of the Muslim League in the independence movement?
The Muslim League, formed in 1906, aimed to represent Muslim interests and eventually adopted the idea of a separate state, Pakistan, leading to communal tensions.
What was the idea behind the term ‘Pakistan’?
The term ‘Pakistan’ was coined by Ramik Ali in 1933, combining the first letters of regions in northwest India to represent a separate Muslim state.
What were the differing perspectives on the blame for the Partition of India?
Blame for Partition is attributed to British divide-and-rule policies, the actions of Hindu and Muslim elites, and the structural power of communal identities in India.
What was the outcome of the 1946 elections in India?
The Congress party won almost all seats in provinces, while the Muslim League won all seats in others, highlighting the immediate impact of communalism.
What was the role of Lord Mountbatten in the Partition?
Lord Mountbatten was appointed to oversee the division of India, which included splitting the provinces of Bengal and Punjab into Hindu and Muslim areas.
What were the consequences of the Partition in 1947?
The Partition led to widespread violence, with many people dead and millions displaced, as religious zealots and gangsters contributed to the chaos.
