Why this matters now
The 1946–47 negotiations are a dense, high-yield prelims sequence — the Cabinet Mission, interim government, and the plans leading to Partition.
The Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)
The Cabinet Mission (1946) proposed a united India with a weak centre and a three-tier structure (grouping of provinces), rejecting a separate Pakistan but allowing autonomy — and a Constituent Assembly. Both Congress and the League initially accepted, then disputes over “grouping” broke it down; the League withdrew and called Direct Action Day (16 Aug 1946), triggering communal violence.
Interim government & Constituent Assembly
An Interim Government (Sept 1946, headed by Nehru) was formed; the Constituent Assembly (elected under the Cabinet Mission Plan) first met in December 1946. But the League boycotted, and the deadlock and violence pushed Britain toward an early transfer of power.
The Mountbatten Plan and freedom
Lord Mountbatten’s plan (3 June 1947) proposed the partition of India. The Indian Independence Act 1947 created the two dominions of India and Pakistan from 15 August 1947, with the Radcliffe Line demarcating boundaries — accompanied by mass migration and tragic communal violence.
UPSC angle
Know the sequence: Cabinet Mission (1946, grouping/Constituent Assembly), Direct Action Day, Interim Govt (Nehru), Constituent Assembly (Dec 1946), Mountbatten Plan (3 June 1947), Indian Independence Act, Radcliffe Line.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Cabinet Mission Plan propose?
A united India with a weak centre, a three-tier structure with grouping of provinces, and a Constituent Assembly — rejecting a separate Pakistan.
What was Direct Action Day?
A day called by the Muslim League on 16 August 1946 to press for Pakistan, which triggered widespread communal violence.
What was the Mountbatten Plan?
The 3 June 1947 plan that proposed the partition of British India into India and Pakistan.
What did the Indian Independence Act 1947 do?
It created the two independent dominions of India and Pakistan with effect from 15 August 1947.