Towards Autonomy · 1937–1939
Congress Ministries
In the 1937 provincial elections, Congress won majorities in most provinces and formed governments. They resigned in 1939 when Britain dragged India into war without consulting Indians.
Causes
- Provincial autonomy under the 1935 Act
- Congress decision to contest elections
Consequences
- Reforms in tenancy, education and civil liberties
- Muslim League alienated, celebrating 'Day of Deliverance' (1939)
- Experience of governing for future leaders
Significance
Proved Indians could govern, but also deepened the Congress–League divide.
People
Key terms
Sources
- Bipan Chandra et al., India's Struggle for Independence (Penguin, 1988)
- Sekhar Bandyopadhyay, From Plassey to Partition (Orient BlackSwan, 2004)