Question

Under what national and international circumstances was the Cripps Mission sent to India in 1942? State any four proposals of the Cripps Mission Plan.

Answer 1

Japan fought the Second World War against the British. In December 1941, they attacked Pearl harbor, an American naval base. It was also making significant gains in South-east Asia, which brought it closer to the borders of India. Hence, the British government was forced to seek the support of the leaders of India. There was considerable pressure from the Allies, especially the USA on Britain to grant constitutional reforms to India.

In March 1942, the British Government sent Stafford Cripps, the leader of the House of Commons in England, to India with a set of proposals in order to seek its support for the war.
The main proposal of the Cripps Mission :

1. The British Government would set up an Indian Union with dominion status.
2. The proposed union would be free to decide its relations with Britain.
3. The Government would constitute a Constituent Assembly, which would frame the Constitution.
4. Some of the members of this assembly were to be elected by the provincial assemblies through proportional representation. The other members were to be nominated by the princes of the Indian states.
5. Any provinces not willing to join the Indian union would be free to frame a separate Constitution and form a separate union.
6. The British Government desired for effective participation of Indians in the governor- general’s council.
7. The defence of India would remain in the hands of the British.