What was the primary nature and duration of the 1946 Bihar riots?

The 1946 Bihar riots were communal riots in which Hindu mobs targeted Muslim families. They occurred in Bihar, British India, spanning from October 24, 1946, to November 11, 1946. These events were part of a larger sequence of communal violence that ultimately led to the partition of India.

What were the main triggers for the 1946 Bihar riots?

The riots in Bihar were primarily triggered by the Great Calcutta Killings and the Noakhali riots, both of which occurred earlier in 1946. These incidents of violence in other regions fueled retaliatory actions and communal tensions in Bihar.

What significant action did Mahatma Gandhi take in response to the 1946 Bihar riots?

Mahatma Gandhi declared that he would fast unto death if the riots in Bihar did not cease. This was a powerful form of non-violent protest, often used by Gandhi to pressure authorities and communities to end violence and promote peace.

How did the frequency of communal violence in North India change leading up to the 1946 Bihar riots?

The frequency of communal violence significantly increased in North India during the 1930s and 1940s. For instance, in 1945 alone, Uttar Pradesh experienced 1,809 riots, and across North India, 3,176 riots occurred in 1946, indicating a escalating pattern of unrest.

What was Direct Action Day, and how did it contribute to the communal violence in 1946?

Direct Action Day was proclaimed by the All-India Muslim League on August 16, 1946, in Calcutta, as part of their demand for a separate state for Muslims. This event led to major riots across Calcutta, resulting in 4,000 deaths, and subsequently triggered widespread communal violence throughout the country, including in Bihar.

What specific event initiated the June riots in Bihar in 1946?

The June riots in Bihar were triggered by a dispute concerning a false allegation that a woman, whom Hindus claimed had been abducted by Muslims, needed to be brought forward. This accusation escalated into violence in the village of Andhana.

What were the immediate consequences of the June riots in Andhana village?

In the village of Andhana, a group of Hindus demanding the woman's return became violent and were fired upon by Muslims, leading to two fatalities among the Hindus. In retaliation, Hindus killed four Muslims during the incident.

What sparked the September riots in Bihar in 1946?

The September riots in Bihar were ignited by a dispute over the alleged abduction of a woman named Noor Jahan, who was formerly known as Kalyani Devi. This incident fueled communal tensions and led to further violence.

Which organization led the attempt to 'rescue' Noor Jahan during the September riots, and what was the outcome?

A group of 30,000 Hindus, led by members of the Arya Samaj, attempted to rescue Noor Jahan, believing she had been kidnapped from Calcutta during the Direct Action Day riots. This failed rescue attempt escalated into a riot, resulting in the burning of 200 houses belonging to 144 Muslim families and the deaths of 14 people.

When did the largest and most severe riots in Bihar occur in 1946?

The largest and most severe riots in Bihar during 1946 took place from October 27 to November 6. During this period, a significant number of Muslims were killed by Hindus in retaliation for the Noakhali riots that had occurred earlier that month.

What were the varying estimates of casualties during the October–November riots in Bihar?

Estimates of casualties during the October–November riots varied widely: the British Parliament was told the death toll was 5,000; The Statesman estimated 7,500 to 10,000 fatalities; the Indian National Congress reported 2,000 deaths; and Mohammed Ali Jinnah of the Muslim League claimed 30,000 people had been killed.

What specific incidents of violence were reported in Munger district during the October–November riots?

An unofficial report on November 8 stated that 500 people were killed in one incident where a village in Munger district was completely destroyed by fire. Additionally, 100 people died when a mob was fired upon by the military in another incident.

How many people were estimated to have fled the fighting during the October–November riots?

Another estimate indicated that approximately 35,000 people had fled the fighting during the October–November riots in Bihar, highlighting the widespread displacement caused by the violence.

What drastic measure did Jawaharlal Nehru threaten to take to stop the October–November riots?

Jawaharlal Nehru, who was then the head of the interim government, threatened to bombard rioters from the air if the violence did not cease. This demonstrates the severity of the situation and the government's concern.

What actions did military forces take against the rioters in Bihar?

A statement from the provincial capital of Patna confirmed that military forces had been deployed against the rioters and inflicted heavy casualties on them, indicating a direct intervention to quell the violence.

What differing views exist among historians regarding the provincial government's response to the riots?

Some historians suggest that Bihar's Hindu premier did not allow British troops to fire on Hindu rioters. Conversely, other historians point out that the government was eventually successful in stopping the violence in Bihar, unlike in some other regions.

When and where did Mahatma Gandhi issue his ultimatum regarding the Bihar violence?

On November 5, Mahatma Gandhi, who was in Calcutta visiting riot-stricken areas, issued a statement declaring he would fast unto death if the violence in Bihar did not stop within 24 hours. This statement was then broadcast nationally.

Who broadcast Mahatma Gandhi's statement about his fast unto death?

Mahatma Gandhi's statement regarding his fast unto death was broadcast nationally by Congress leader Rajendra Prasad, ensuring wide dissemination of his urgent appeal.

What were the official and Muslim League estimates of the death toll when Gandhi issued his ultimatum?

At the time Mahatma Gandhi issued his ultimatum, official reports stated that 400 people had been killed. However, leaders of the Muslim League claimed the actual death toll was between 5,000 and 8,000 people.

How did Mohammad Yunus, a Muslim League leader, advise Muslims to observe Bakr-Eid during the riots?

Mohammad Yunus, a leader of the Muslim League, asked Muslims to observe the festival of Bakr-Eid, which fell on November 5, as a day of mourning in light of the ongoing violence.

What was Jawaharlal Nehru's reaction to the events unfolding in Bihar?

On November 5, Jawaharlal Nehru issued a statement expressing his shock and dismay, saying, 'We must put an end to this madness; we can argue later,' and adding, 'What has happened and what is happening in certain parts of Bihar province is terrible and I can hardly believe that human beings can behave in such a manner.'

What was the Muslim League's primary concern for its members following the riots?

Following the riots, the Muslim League reported receiving numerous complaints from its members who expressed fear for their safety and were afraid to leave their homes, indicating a deep sense of insecurity among the Muslim population.

What resolution did the Muslim League pass on November 17, 1946, regarding the Bihar riots?

On November 17, the Muslim League passed a resolution requesting the Viceroy of India to take action on the Bihar riots. The resolution stated that Muslims in Bihar still felt a threat to their lives or property and warned that the disturbances could easily spread.

What was the Muslim League's final estimate of the number of people killed in the Bihar riots?

The Muslim League stated that Hindu mobs had killed 30,000 people in the province of Bihar during the riots, a significantly higher figure than other estimates.

How did historian Suranjan Das characterize the Great Calcutta Killings of 1946?

Historian Suranjan Das referred to the Great Calcutta Killings of 1946 as the first explicitly political communal violence in the region, highlighting its significance in the broader context of India's partition.

In what larger historical context are the 1946 Bihar riots placed?

The 1946 Bihar riots are placed within the larger historical context of a sequence of communal violence that ultimately culminated in the partition of India, a significant event in the subcontinent's history.

What was the location of the 1946 Bihar riots?

The 1946 Bihar riots occurred in Bihar, which was part of British India at the time.

What was the general trend of communal violence in North India before 1946?

Before 1946, North India experienced an increasing frequency of communal violence, with a notable rise in riots during the 1930s and 1940s.

What was the purpose of the All-India Muslim League's Direct Action Day?

The All-India Muslim League proclaimed Direct Action Day as part of their political demand for a separate state for Muslims, which was a key step towards the partition of India.

What was the initial false allegation that led to the June riots in Bihar?

The initial false allegation that triggered the June riots was a claim by Hindus that a woman had been abducted by Muslims, leading to demands for her return and subsequent violence.

Who was Kalyani Devi, and what role did she play in the September riots?

Kalyani Devi, also known as Noor Jahan, was a woman whose alleged abduction became the trigger for the September riots in 1946. A large group of Hindus attempted to 'rescue' her, believing she was kidnapped during the Calcutta riots.

What was the primary motivation for the Hindu mobs during the October–November riots?

The primary motivation for the Hindu mobs during the October–November riots was retaliation against Muslims for the Noakhali riots that had occurred earlier that month.

Which newspaper provided an estimate of 7,500 to 10,000 fatalities for the October–November riots?

The newspaper The Statesman estimated the number of fatalities during the October–November riots to be between 7,500 and 10,000.

What was the interim government's role in addressing the October–November riots?

The interim government, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, took the riots seriously, with Nehru threatening aerial bombardment of rioters and military forces being deployed to inflict casualties on them.

Where was Mahatma Gandhi when he made his statement about fasting unto death?

Mahatma Gandhi was in Calcutta, visiting riot-stricken areas, when he made his statement about fasting unto death in response to the violence in Bihar.

What was the Muslim League's perception of the safety of Muslims in Bihar after the riots?

After the riots, the Muslim League reported that its members in Bihar felt a continued threat 'to life or property,' indicating a pervasive sense of insecurity.

Who was Hugh Dow, and what accusation did the Muslim League make against him?

Hugh Dow was the governor of Bihar, and the Muslim League accused him, along with the Indian National Congress, of being responsible for the massacre that occurred during the riots.

What is the broader historical significance of the 1946 Bihar riots in relation to the partition of India?

The 1946 Bihar riots were a critical part of a series of communal violence incidents that ultimately contributed to the conditions and atmosphere leading to the partition of India, marking a period of intense religious and political division.

How did the 1946 Bihar riots differ from the 2018 Bihar riots?

The source material explicitly states that the 1946 Bihar riots are 'Not to be confused with 2018 Bihar riots,' indicating they are distinct events separated by time and context, though the specific differences are not detailed.

What was the total number of riots across North India in 1946?

In 1946, a total of 3,176 riots took place across North India, demonstrating a significant surge in communal violence during that year.

What was the death toll of the Great Calcutta Killings, which influenced the Bihar riots?

The Great Calcutta Killings, which occurred on Direct Action Day, resulted in 4,000 people being killed, an event that subsequently triggered communal violence in other regions like Bihar.

What was the duration of the Noakhali riots that provoked violence in Bihar?

The Noakhali riots occurred from October 10 to October 21, 1946, immediately preceding and provoking the major October–November riots in Bihar.

What was the specific date of Mahatma Gandhi's statement threatening a fast unto death?

Mahatma Gandhi made his statement threatening a fast unto death on November 5, 1946, in response to the escalating violence in Bihar.

What was the timeframe given by Mahatma Gandhi for the violence to stop, to prevent his fast?

Mahatma Gandhi stated that he would fast unto death if the violence in Bihar did not stop within 24 hours of his declaration.

What was the date of the Muslim League's resolution asking the Viceroy of India to act on the Bihar riots?

The Muslim League passed a resolution on November 17, 1946, urging the Viceroy of India to intervene and address the ongoing issues stemming from the Bihar riots.

What was the general sentiment of Jawaharlal Nehru regarding the nature of the violence in Bihar?

Jawaharlal Nehru expressed profound disbelief and horror at the events in Bihar, stating that he could 'hardly believe that human beings can behave in such a manner,' highlighting the extreme brutality of the riots.

What was the political affiliation of Rajendra Prasad, who broadcast Gandhi's statement?

Rajendra Prasad, who broadcast Mahatma Gandhi's statement nationally, was a leader of the Indian National Congress.

What was the significance of the 1946 Bihar riots in the broader context of communalism in South Asia?

The 1946 Bihar riots were a significant event within the broader pattern of communalism in South Asia, contributing to the escalating tensions and violence that characterized the period leading up to India's partition.

1946 Bihar Riots Wiki: Echoes of Division: The 1946 Bihar Riots and India's Path to Partition

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Overview

A Period of Intense Conflict

The 1946 Bihar riots represent a significant episode of communal violence that unfolded in Bihar, British India, from October 24 to November 11, 1946. During this period, Hindu mobs systematically targeted Muslim families, marking a tragic chapter in the lead-up to India's independence and partition.^[1]

Interconnected Triggers

These riots were not isolated incidents but were directly precipitated by a series of preceding communal disturbances. Specifically, the devastating Great Calcutta Killings and the Noakhali riots earlier in 1946 served as immediate catalysts, igniting retaliatory violence across the region.^[1]^[2] This chain reaction underscores the volatile socio-political climate of the era.

Gandhi's Intervention

The severity of the violence prompted a direct intervention from Mahatma Gandhi, who declared his intention to fast unto death if the riots did not cease. This moral ultimatum highlighted the profound crisis of communal harmony and the desperate measures required to restore peace. The Bihar riots are widely recognized as a critical component of the escalating communal violence that ultimately culminated in the Partition of India.^[1]^[2]

Historical Context

Escalating Communal Tensions

The 1946 Bihar riots were situated within a broader pattern of escalating communal violence that occurred across North India. The frequency of such disturbances had notably increased throughout the 1930s and 1940s, reflecting deepening societal divisions. For instance, 1945 alone saw 1,809 riots in Uttar Pradesh, a number that surged to 3,176 riots across North India in 1946, indicating a systemic breakdown of inter-community relations.^[3]

Direct Action Day's Aftermath

A pivotal event preceding the Bihar riots was the Direct Action Day, proclaimed by the All-India Muslim League on August 16, 1946, in Calcutta. This day was intended to press the demand for a separate Muslim state. However, it quickly devolved into major riots, resulting in approximately 4,000 fatalities.^[2] These Calcutta killings served as a potent trigger, propagating communal violence across the subcontinent, including Bihar.^[2]

The Noakhali Precedent

Further exacerbating the situation, the Noakhali riots, which occurred from October 10 to 21, 1946, also played a critical role in provoking the subsequent violence in Bihar.^[1] The events in Noakhali, involving widespread anti-Hindu violence, fueled a cycle of retaliation and fear that directly contributed to the intensity and scale of the Bihar disturbances.

Key Incidents

Early Disturbances: June 1946

The initial sparks of violence in Bihar in 1946 can be traced back to June. These riots were triggered by a false accusation concerning the abduction of a Hindu woman by Muslims in the village of Andhana. A Hindu group, demanding the woman's presentation, turned violent and was met with gunfire from Muslims, leading to two Hindu fatalities. In retaliation, Hindus killed four Muslims, setting a grim precedent for the escalating tensions.^[4]

September's Renewed Conflict

Communal unrest resurfaced in September 1946, again centered on an alleged abduction. This time, the dispute involved Noor Jahan, formerly known as Kalyani Devi. A large contingent of approximately 30,000 Hindus, reportedly led by members of the Arya Samaj, attempted to "rescue" Noor Jahan, believing she had been kidnapped from Calcutta during the Direct Action Day riots. The failure of this attempt escalated into a full-blown riot, resulting in the destruction by fire of 200 houses belonging to 144 Muslim families and the deaths of 14 individuals.^[4]

The October-November Escalation

The most severe phase of the riots occurred between October 27 and November 6. During this period, a substantial number of Muslims were killed by Hindu mobs, largely in retaliation for the Noakhali riots.^[5]^[1] The scale of casualties during this phase was highly contentious, with estimates varying significantly across different sources:^[6]

Source	Estimated Fatalities	Additional Impact
British Parliament	5,000
The Statesman	7,500 – 10,000
Indian National Congress	2,000
Mohammed Ali Jinnah (Muslim League)	30,000
Unofficial Report (Nov 8)	500 (Munger village leveled), 100 (military firing)	35,000 people fled
Official Reports (Nov 5)	400
Muslim League Leaders (Nov 5)	5,000 – 8,000
Muslim League Resolution (Nov 17)	30,000

These disparate figures underscore the chaos and political polarization surrounding the events, making a definitive count challenging.^[7]^[8]

Leadership Response

Government Intervention

The severity of the October-November riots necessitated a strong response from the interim government. Jawaharlal Nehru, then heading the interim government, issued a stark warning, threatening to bombard rioters from the air if the violence persisted.^[5] A statement from the provincial capital of Patna confirmed that military forces had been deployed against the rioters, reportedly inflicting heavy casualties on them.^[8] This decisive action, though controversial, aimed to quell the widespread unrest.

Political Statements and Debates

Nehru's statement on November 5, declaring, "We must put an end to this madness; we can argue later," and expressing disbelief at the human behavior, reflected the gravity of the crisis.^[10] Historians have debated the effectiveness and impartiality of the provincial government's response. Some suggest that the province's Hindu premier may have hesitated to authorize British troops to fire on Hindu rioters,^[9] while others contend that the government ultimately succeeded in bringing the violence under control in Bihar, a feat not achieved in all affected regions.^[1]

Gandhi's Moral Stand

On November 5, from Calcutta, Mahatma Gandhi issued a powerful declaration: he would commence a fast unto death if the violence in Bihar did not cease within 24 hours. This profound moral appeal was nationally broadcast by Congress leader Rajendra Prasad.^[10] In response to the ongoing tragedy, Mohammad Yunus, a prominent Muslim League leader, urged Muslims to observe the festival of Bakr-Eid on November 5 as a day of mourning, underscoring the deep sorrow and loss experienced by the community.^[10]

Aftermath

Lingering Fear and Political Repercussions

In the wake of the riots, the Muslim League reported numerous complaints from its members, indicating a pervasive fear that prevented them from leaving their homes.^[4] On November 17, the Muslim League passed a resolution urging the Viceroy of India to take decisive action regarding the Bihar riots. The resolution explicitly stated that Muslims in Bihar continued to feel a threat to "life or property" and warned of the potential for the disturbances to spread further. It also controversially attributed responsibility for the "massacre" to Hugh Dow, the governor of Bihar, and the Indian National Congress, reiterating their claim of 30,000 Muslim fatalities in the province.^[11]

Historical Interpretation

Historians, such as Suranjan Das, have critically analyzed the sequence of events, characterizing the Great Calcutta Killings of 1946 as the inaugural instance of explicitly political communal violence in the region.^[2] The Bihar riots, following closely, further solidified this pattern, demonstrating how localized communal tensions were increasingly being manipulated and amplified within the broader political struggle for India's future. These events collectively underscored the deep fissures within Indian society and the immense challenges that lay ahead in the process of decolonization and nation-building.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the 1946 Bihar riots Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not a definitive historical account. The information provided on this website should be considered a starting point for academic inquiry and not a substitute for comprehensive historical research or expert analysis. Historical events, especially those involving communal violence, are complex and subject to varying interpretations and ongoing scholarship. Always consult multiple reputable historical sources and academic works for a complete understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Echoes of Division

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview 📜

🗓️ A Period of Intense Conflict

🔗 Interconnected Triggers

🕊️ Gandhi's Intervention

Historical Context 🌍

📈 Escalating Communal Tensions

✊ Direct Action Day's Aftermath

🔥 The Noakhali Precedent

Key Incidents 💥

📅 Early Disturbances: June 1946

🍂 September's Renewed Conflict

🩸 The October-November Escalation

Leadership Response ⚖️

🚨 Government Intervention

🗣️ Political Statements and Debates

🙏 Gandhi's Moral Stand

Aftermath 🕰️

🛡️ Lingering Fear and Political Repercussions

📚 Historical Interpretation

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Period of Intense Conflict

Interconnected Triggers

Gandhi's Intervention

Historical Context

Escalating Communal Tensions

Direct Action Day's Aftermath

The Noakhali Precedent

Key Incidents

Early Disturbances: June 1946

September's Renewed Conflict

The October-November Escalation

Leadership Response

Government Intervention

Political Statements and Debates

Gandhi's Moral Stand

Aftermath

Lingering Fear and Political Repercussions

Historical Interpretation

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice