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Introduction: Cripps Mission
The Cripps Mission in 1942 was a British attempt to offer India some self-government during World War II. Led by Sir Stafford Cripps, it fell short of Indian leaders’ demand for immediate independence, leading to increased agitation and ultimately paving the way for India’s freedom struggle.
Who was Sir Trafford Cripps ?
- The leader of this mission was Sir Trafford Cripps, a cabinet minister of the British Government.
- He was a Leader of the House of Commons in Britain.
- Previously, he became famous as a prominent leader of the Labor Party in the British Parliament.
- Sir Trafford Cripps was also known as an ardent supporter of the Indian National Movement.
Proposal of the Cripps Mission
- Offered India the possibility of full self-government and dominion status within the British Commonwealth after the war.
- The mission proposed a framework for an elected body, to be set up after the war to frame a new constitution of India. This Constitution-making body is to be elected from provincial assemblies and nominated by the rulers in the case of princely states.
Reaction
- However, the provisions fell short of the Indian National Congress’s demand for complete independence and the immediate transfer of power.
- The Indian National Congress, led by figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, rejected the proposals as they did not offer immediate independence.
- Gandhi said that Cripps’ offer of Dominion Status after the war was a “post-dated cheque drawn on a failing bank”.
- The Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, also rejected the mission’s proposals as the proposals didn’t give Pakistan what he wanted, and he was worried because they didn’t talk about Muslims’ right to choose their future for political representation and safeguards in a future independent India.
Indian Leaders’ Demands
- Indian leaders, particularly those in the Indian National Congress, demanded immediate independence and the transfer of power to India.
- They were not satisfied with the offer of dominion status, which would have still maintained some level of British control over India.
Causes of failure of Cripps Mission
- Indian leaders wanted immediate independence, but the mission only offered dominion status after the war.
- The proposals did not sufficiently address the concerns of all parties, particularly regarding the creation of Pakistan and the rights of Muslims.
- The exclusion of key Indian leaders and political parties, such as the Muslim League, from later negotiations created distrust and undermined the mission’s credibility.
- The British government’s reluctance to grant full independence and their desire to maintain some level of control over India.
- The ongoing Quit India Movement and the escalating violence during World War II made it difficult for the British to negotiate effectively with Indian leaders.
Aftermath
- The failure of the Cripps Mission further fueled the demand for immediate independence in India.
- It led to the launching of the Quit India Movement, which called for the British to leave India immediately.
FAQs
What was the Cripps Mission?
The Cripps Mission was a British initiative in 1942 aimed at gaining Indian support for the British war effort during World War II. It was led by Sir Stafford Cripps, who proposed a draft declaration offering India dominion status after the war.
Why was the Cripps Mission sent to India?
The mission was sent to secure Indian cooperation and support for the Allied forces during World War II. Britain needed India’s resources and manpower for the war effort and hoped to gain this support by promising future self-governance.
What were the main proposals of the Cripps Mission?
The main proposals included granting India dominion status after the war, allowing provinces to opt out of the Indian union, and establishing a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution.
Why did the Cripps Mission fail?
The Cripps Mission failed because its proposals were rejected by major Indian political leaders. The Indian National Congress and the Muslim League had different visions for India’s future, and both found the proposals inadequate. Additionally, the idea of allowing provinces to opt out was unacceptable to many leaders.
What was the Indian response to the Cripps Mission?
The Indian response was largely negative. The Indian National Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, rejected the proposals, calling them a “post-dated cheque.” The Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, also found the proposals insufficient.
What impact did the Cripps Mission have on India’s independence movement?
Despite its failure, the Cripps Mission highlighted the British recognition of the inevitability of Indian independence. It also exposed the deep divisions between the Congress and the Muslim League, which later influenced the partition of India.
When did the Cripps Mission take place?
The Cripps Mission took place in March and April of 1942 during World War II.
What were the key reasons for the rejection of the Cripps Mission by the Indian National Congress?
The Congress rejected the mission because the proposals did not grant immediate self-governance, allowed provinces to secede, and maintained British control over defense and foreign affairs during the war.
How did the British government respond to the failure of the Cripps Mission?
Following the failure of the Cripps Mission, the British government continued its efforts to manage the war without significant Indian support. The failure also led to increased tensions, culminating in the Quit India Movement later in 1942.