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Cripps Mission (1942) Notes with PDF

By October 4, 2025 Educational Resources 0 Comments

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The Cripps Mission (1942)

1. Background and Context

  • Year of Arrival: 1942
  • Sent By: British Prime Minister Winston Churchill
  • Primary Reason: Due to the growing power of Japan in World War II, Britain faced pressure from allies (notably the USA, China, and Australia) to secure full Indian cooperation in the war effort by promising future self-governance.

2. Key Proposals and Offers

  • Post-War Status: Offered Dominion Status for India after the end of World War II.
  • Constitution-Making Body: Proposed the creation of a Constituent Assembly to frame a new Indian constitution.
  • Right to Secede: Granted any province or princely state the right to remain outside the proposed Indian Union and frame its own constitution.
  • Interim Government: During the war, an interim government with representatives from major Indian political parties would be formed.
  • Retained Powers: The Viceroy would retain full control over defence and external affairs for the duration of the war.

3. Indian Response and Rejection

  • Congress Negotiators: Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
  • Key Reasons for Rejection:
    • The offer of Dominion Status after the war, rather than immediate full independence.
    • The provision for provinces to secede, which was seen as encouraging the potential partition of the country.
  • Gandhi’s Reaction: Mahatma Gandhi famously dismissed the proposals as a “post-dated cheque on a crashing bank”.

4. Incorrect Facts (What It Did NOT Propose)

      • It did not propose the formation of a new executive council with equal representation for Hindus and Muslims.
      • It did not grant full independence; it offered the lesser status of Dominion Status.
      • It did not make the merger of princely states into the Union a compulsory condition; states could choose to remain outside.

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