Constitutional Development (1858-1947)

The Cripps Mission led by Sir Stafford Cripps was a British government delegation that visited India in March 1942 to negotiate a constitutional settlement with Indian leaders. The mission had a significant impact on the constitutional negotiations leading to independence.

Key Proposals –

1. The Cripps Mission offered India dominion status which would have made India a self governing dominion of the British Empire similar to Canada or Australia.
2. The mission proposed a constitutional framework that would have established a federal India with a weak central government and strong provincial governments.
3. The proposal granted provincial autonomy allowing provinces to manage their own affairs but with the British government retaining control over defense, foreign affairs and communications.

Impact on Constitutional Negotiations –

1. The Indian National Congress (INC) rejected the Cripps Mission’s proposals as they did not provide for immediate independence or a strong central government.
2. The mission’s proposals did not adequately address the Muslim League’s demands for a separate homeland for Muslims which further complicated the negotiations.
3. The failure of the Cripps Mission led to an escalation of demands from Indian leaders with the INC calling for immediate independence and the Muslim League demanding a separate homeland.
4. The failure of the Cripps Mission damaged the British government’s credibility in India making it increasingly difficult for them to negotiate a constitutional settlement.

The Cripps Mission’s failure marked a significant turning point in the constitutional negotiations leading to Indian independence. The mission’s proposals were rejected by Indian leaders and the failure to address key demands led to an escalation of tensions and a hardening of positions. Ultimately the British government’s loss of credibility and the increasing demands of Indian leaders made it clear that independence was inevitable.

The Simon Commission established in 1927 was a british led inquiry into India’s constitutional reforms. Its recommendations published in 1930 proposed limited autonomy for India sparking widespread protests and boycotts across the country.The Simon Commission’s recommendations, published in 1930, reflected British attitudes towards Indian self rule in several ways –

1. The commission recommended granting India a limited form of autonomy with the British government retaining control over key areas such as defense, foreign affairs and finance.
2. The commission rejected the idea of granting India dominion status which would have made India a self governing dominion of the British Empire.
3. The commission recommended a gradual approach to Indian self rule with incremental reforms and increased representation for Indians in government.
4. The commission’s recommendations ensured that the British government retained significant power and control over India including the power to veto legislation and appoint key officials.
5. The commission’s report was criticized for its lack of Indian representation and input reflecting the British government’s paternalistic attitude towards India.

Overall, the Simon Commission’s recommendations reflected the British government’s cautious and gradual approach to Indian self rule while maintaining significant control and power over India.