Home > Indian History > History of India > Response of Akali Dal on Quit India Movement
Response of Akali Dal on Quit India Movement
Response of Akali Dal on Quit India movement was much fragmented. As a prominent party of Indian politics this party also exhibited its reaction to a mass movement like the Quit India Movement.

Share this Article:

MasterTaraSingh_25007The Akali Dal came into prominence in Indian politics during the time of Non Cooperation Movement of 1919-1920. Like the Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha, the Akalis represented a particular Indian community: the Sikhs. Besides its own struggle over the Gurudwaras this party also played an active role in Indian freedom struggle as well. The party had been under the leadership of Kartar Singh and Master Tara Singh. The Akalis formed Unionist Party which looked after the interests of cultivators i.e. Muslims and Hindus. Many Sikhs began an Akali movement to regain control over their Gurudwaras. These sacred places were being managed or mismanaged by corrupt Mahants who enjoyed the backing of the British government. After a prolonged and heroic campaign, the Sikhs recovered possession of their holy shrines.

While the major concern of Akali was religious it simultaneously played a significant political role as it stood as a voice of the Sikh community. Along with the Muslim League the Akalis were equally significant whose support was required for a successful freedom struggle. The party remained much significant during the Cripps Mission when the Muslim League demanded a separate nation on the basis of religion and community. The Akalis got alert of their position and vehemently opposed the division of the state of Punjab as that would mean division of the Sikh community with half of the population living in East Punjab and rest in Muslim majority West Punjab located in Pakistan. This gave them a political standby which continued during the time of Quit India Movement.

The reaction of Akalis on Quit India movement was much fragmented. While one section of the party wanted to follow a token civil disobedience movement, the other faction under Master Tara Singh wanted to give full support to the British Government. The Akalis called for a conference in the Vahilla Kalhan in Lyallpur District on 26th and 27th September in which it passed a resolution in favour of independence in India and breaking the political deadlock. While this resolution brought a compromise among the4 difference within the Akali party; the party was mainly interested in retain its position in the army which would require their support to the British government. At the same time they were also aware of their political relevance and remaining associated with the Punjab government and the center as well. So the reaction of the Sikhs was much tilting as they were not certain enough as to which side would have been more beneficial for them.

Thus, it gave a two way support to both the Indian National Congress as well as the British Government. Nevertheless the value of every community and their support mattered to the congress in order to make the movement as successful as possible.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.