The Rule Of Congress(1937-39)

Question 1

How did the congress react to the win?

Answer 1

• Initially they were reluctant to participate
• They were stunned by the overwhelming support
• They took on the responsibility and assumed office
• The congress members, took their seats, and formed cabinets in 8 provinces
• They did this after receiving assurances from Lord Linlithgow, that the provincial governors wouldn’t use their special powers.

Question 2

How did the congress treat the Muslim League?

Answer 2

• The congress, was scornful towards the League after their victory
• In areas where the league was the largest single party, they refused to cooperate
• In Muslim majority provinces, the congress allowed Non-League Muslims only to form the government
• The congress also believed that it represented all of India, this frustrated many
• Congress subsequently introduced a multitude of measures, threatening Muslim culture.

Question 3

What was Bande Matram?

Answer 3

• Congress measure
• Nationalist Hindu Song, encouraging the expulsion of Muslims from ‘Hindustan’
• Was sung before the start of official business
• Offended many Muslims

Question 4

What was the Wardha Scheme?

Answer 4

• Congress Measure
• Education Scheme based on Ghandi’s views
• Teaching in Hindi, Spinning cotton by hand was introduced, & No religious education
• Students were made to bow before portraits of Ghandi
• These measures were seen as an attempts, to siphon the love of Islam, from the hearts of children, and convert them.

Question 5

What was the “Congress Tyranny”

Answer 5

• Hindu extremists behaved appallingly
• Forbidden to eat beef
• Punishments for slaughtering cows
• Azaan was banned & mosques were attacked
• There was constant commotion outside mosques, & pigs were put there as well
• Anti-Muslim protests, which saw property and houses set ablaze
• Wardha Scheme
• Bande Matram

Question 6

Day of Deliverance

Answer 6

• Britain went to war with Germany in 1939
• They declared that India was a part of it as well
• The congress objected, stating they hadn’t been consulted
• This led to Congress Provincial Governors resigning, ending the Rule of Congress, on 22nd December 1939
• Muslims rejoiced and supported Jinnah’s call to celebrate its end, as the Day of Deliverance.