Lord Linlithgow served as the Viceroy of India from 1936 to 1943, making his tenure the longest of any British Viceroy. His rule was marked by World War II, Quit India Movement, and major constitutional developments.
1. Key Events During Lord Linlithgow’s Tenure
1.1 Government of India Act (1935) Implemented (1937)
✔ Provincial autonomy was introduced.
✔ Elections held in 1937 – Indian National Congress (INC) won in 7 out of 11 provinces.
✔ First time Indians got partial control over governance.
1.2 Resignation of Congress Ministries (1939)
✔ In September 1939, World War II started.
✔ Lord Linlithgow declared India’s involvement without consulting Indian leaders.
✔ INC protested and resigned from provincial ministries.
✔ Muslim League celebrated “Deliverance Day” (December 22, 1939) to mark the end of Congress rule.
1.3 Lahore Resolution (1940)
✔ Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Muslim League passed the “Lahore Resolution” (March 23, 1940), demanding a separate nation for Muslims (Pakistan).
1.4 August Offer (1940)
✔ Britain promised to grant dominion status after WWII.
✔ Indians rejected the offer, as it did not meet their demand for immediate independence.
1.5 Cripps Mission (1942)
✔ Sir Stafford Cripps was sent by Britain to gain Indian support in WWII.
✔ Offered Dominion Status after WWII and allowed provinces to separate.
✔ INC rejected the offer due to lack of immediate independence.
1.6 Quit India Movement (August 1942)
✔ Launched by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942 at Bombay Session of INC.
✔ “Do or Die” slogan was given.
✔ British arrested Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, and other leaders.
✔ Brutal repression by the British – mass arrests, firing, and destruction.
2. Important Developments
✔ Indian economy suffered due to WWII – prices rose, and Indian soldiers were forced into British military service.
✔ Bengal Famine (1943): Around 3 million people died due to starvation, partly due to British policies.
3. MCQs on Lord Linlithgow’s Tenure
- Which act introduced provincial autonomy in India?
- (a) Government of India Act, 1919
- (b) Government of India Act, 1935
- (c) Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms
- (d) Indian Independence Act, 1947
- Answer: (b) Government of India Act, 1935
- What was the main reason for the resignation of Congress ministries in 1939?
- (a) World War II declaration without Indian consent
- (b) Quit India Movement
- (c) August Offer
- (d) Cripps Mission
- Answer: (a) World War II declaration without Indian consent
- Which resolution demanded a separate Muslim state in 1940?
- (a) Lucknow Pact
- (b) Lahore Resolution
- (c) Cabinet Mission Plan
- (d) Cripps Proposal
- Answer: (b) Lahore Resolution
- What was the slogan of the Quit India Movement?
- (a) Swaraj is my birthright
- (b) Inquilab Zindabad
- (c) Do or Die
- (d) Simon Go Back
- Answer: (c) Do or Die
- Which event in 1942 attempted to gain Indian support for WWII?
- (a) Cripps Mission
- (b) August Offer
- (c) Quit India Movement
- (d) Round Table Conference
- Answer: (a) Cripps Mission
4. Subjective Questions on Lord Linlithgow
- Discuss the impact of the Government of India Act (1935) on Indian politics.
- Why did the Congress ministries resign in 1939?
- Explain the significance of the Quit India Movement.
- Describe the causes and effects of the Bengal Famine of 1943.
- How did Lord Linlithgow’s policies influence the demand for Pakistan?
5. Conclusion
Lord Linlithgow’s tenure was marked by WWII, constitutional reforms, and increasing nationalist movements. His repressive policies during the Quit India Movement and Bengal Famine led to growing opposition against British rule.
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