Jan-Mar(2023)

Kashmir in the 1940s: Political Upheaval, Nationalism, and the Path to Accession

Aqib Yousuf Rather

Ph.D Research Scholar, Department of History, Annamalai University, TN.

For Kashmir, the 1940s were a transforming decade characterised by political unrest, nationalist movements, and the fight for autonomy. Under Sheikh Abdullah's direction, the National Conference aimed to challenge the feudal control of the Maharaja by putting a democratic and socialist government model into effect. Inspired by India's larger liberation fight, the "Quit Kashmir" movement of 1946 sought the hand-down of authority to the people. Jawahralal Nehru supported the ambitions of the Kashmiri people whereas Muhammad Ali Jinnah argued for a communal approach, therefore vying for influence between the Muslim League and the Indian National Congress. Gandhi's visit in 1947 strengthened Kashmir's importance in the subcontinent's partition politics among this unrest. The final firing of his pro-autonomy Prime Minister by the Maharaja marked a turning point and spurred discussions on admission to India or Pakistan. The political turmoil of 1940s Kashmir, the conflicting ideas in action, and the elements guiding its ultimate accession are investigated in this study.

Keywords: Quit Kashmir Movement, Sheikh Abdullah, Accession of Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh, Partition of India
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Published: 26 MAR 2023

Issue: Jan-Mar(2023)

Section: Articles

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