Direct Action Day and the 1946–1947 Communal Riots in British India

Direct Action Day and the 1946–1947 Communal Riots in British India. The run-up to India’s independence was a period of increasing political tensions and social turmoil. The movement against British colonial rule, which united the bulk of the population, also increased tensions between religious communities. Especially between Hindus and Muslims. Such tensions took their final bold and serious form on what is called Direct Action Day in 1946, marking large-scale communal violence across large parts of British India.

Background

However, by the mid-1940s, the idea of an independent Muslim state had gained momentum under the leadership of the All India Muslim League. The All India Muslim League, which epitomized a newly emerging political assertion of Muslim identity had been increasingly resentful of attempts to thrash out a deal over Indian independence and its future political form. The Muslim League, under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, declared 16 August 1946 as Direct Action Day. A peaceful demonstration of support to highlight their demands for a separate state.

At the same time, the tensions between communities made the situation further volatile due to the pre-existing tensions and the uncertain circumstances at the time of independence, in the areas of both urban and rural British India.

Direct Action Day and the Calcutta Riots

Although this was organized as a political protest, it quickly deteriorated into a violent process. This riot, which in history would come to be acknowledged as the Great Calcutta Killing of August 1946, claimed thousands of lives and led to considerable destruction of properties. Whole areas were engulfed in flames and people had to suffer the consequences of looting and loss of social cohesion.

The violence was not only perpetrated by groups clashing in an impromptu manner but it is also speculated that organized groups contributed to the mayhem, given the long-standing tensions between communities in the country. The events witnessed in Calcutta also highlighted the susceptibility of law and order mechanisms in managing civil disturbances in the country, given the turbulent times.

Spread of Communal Violence

Following the Calcutta riots, communal unrest spread to other regions of British India:

• Bihar: Hindus and Sikhs were attacked, with significant casualties and mass migrations as communities fled violence.
• Noakhali (Bengal): This area witnessed a series of violent episodes that left deep scars on local communities and triggered refugee movements.
• Garhmukteshwar (United Provinces, now Uttar Pradesh): Targeted attacks on Hindus and Sikhs intensified communal fear and tension.
• Rawalpindi (Punjab, now in Pakistan): By March 1947, the violence extended into Rawalpindi, where local populations suffered displacement and attacks.

The spread of violence illustrated how political events in one city could ignite unrest in distant regions, particularly where religious and political identities intersected with socioeconomic grievances.

Political Aftermath

The widespread violence of 1946-1947 had a great impact on the political scenario of India. The violence proved the Muslim League’s point that Muslims needed to be protected in their homeland. Simultaneously, the need for the British and Indian political leaders to address the communal violence became crucial at this point. The violence at this point led to the partition of India in 1947. As the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League were under tremendous pressure to safeguard the interests of their party workers.

Moreover, the riots also influenced the 1946 provincial elections. Where the Congress Party won in most provinces, but the results exposed deep divisions that eventually led to the partition of the country.

Human Impact

Other than politics and statistics, there was a significant human impact from the events of these riots. Stories and accounts from witnesses and victims of the riots indicate fear and loss. These effects persisted for several decades. These events highlighted how politics, particularly where there were intersections of religion. It led to large-scale violence and had a significant impact on ordinary people.

The memories of the Direct Action Day and the resultant riots are an important part of the historical experience of both India and Pakistan. They remind us of the human losses incurred in the name of political differences and the fragility of communal relationships.

References

1. Jalal, Ayesha. The Sole Spokesman: Jinnah, the Muslim League and the Demand for Pakistan. Cambridge University Press, 1994, pp. 205–210.
2. Lapierre, Dominique, and Collins, Larry. Freedom at Midnight. Simon & Schuster, 1975, pp. 110–115.
3. Khan, Yasmin. The Great Partition: The Making of India and Pakistan. Yale University Press, 2007, pp. 95–100.