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Pak Studies History IGCSEPDF 85
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Direct Action and Communal Riots (1946)
Q7: Why did Jinnah call for Direct Action in 1946? (7 marks)
Q6: How important was the Cabinet Mission Plan in the creation of Pakistan? (14
marks)
On 16 August 1946, the Muslim League observed Direct Action Day to press for
Pakistan after losing faith in constitutional methods. Massive demonstrations were
held across India, especially in Calcutta.
Jinnah called for Direct Action because the failure of the Cabinet Mission Plan
showed that constitutional negotiations could not secure Muslim rights. The
Congress had refused to accept equal power-sharing, and the British had sided with
them on key issues. Jinnah therefore decided to demonstrate Muslim unity and
determination through peaceful protest. However, communal tensions turned the
demonstrations into widespread riots, further proving that coexistence in a single
state was impossible.
Riots broke out between Hindus and Muslims in Calcutta and later spread to
Bihar, Noakhali, and Punjab, causing thousands of deaths. The violence
destroyed any remaining trust between the two communities and convinced
both the British and the Congress that partition was the only solution.
The Cabinet Mission Plan was extremely important because it marked the final stage
of constitutional negotiations. It was the first official recognition of Muslim-majority
areas as distinct political entities. Its failure convinced Jinnah that Hindus and
Muslims could not work together in a single federation. The League’s rejection led to
the call for Direct Action, which deepened communal divisions and pushed the British
toward considering partition. Therefore, although the plan failed, it played a decisive
role in showing that only the division of India could bring peace.
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