Arrange the following events in chronological order :
(i) Shimla Conference to discuss Wavell Plan
(ii) Mutiny of Royal Indian Navy
(iii) Arrival of Cabinet Mission
(iv) The 'Direct Action Day' observed by Muslim League

Question

Arrange the following events in chronological order : 
(i) Shimla Conference to discuss Wavell Plan 
(ii) Mutiny of Royal Indian Navy 
(iii) Arrival of Cabinet Mission 
(iv) The 'Direct Action Day' observed by Muslim League

Accepted Answer

To justify why Option 3 is the correct answer, let's examine the chronological order of the events listed:

1. **Shimla Conference to discuss Wavell Plan (1945):** The Shimla Conference was convened by the Viceroy of India, Lord Wavell, in June 1945. The purpose of the conference was to discuss the Wavell Plan, which aimed to provide more Indian representation in the executive council of the Viceroy. This event is the earliest among the four listed.

2. **Mutiny of Royal Indian Navy (1946):** The Royal Indian Navy mutiny occurred in February 1946. It was a significant uprising by Indian sailors against British rule, reflecting the growing discontent among Indians serving in the British armed forces.

3. **Arrival of Cabinet Mission (1946):** The Cabinet Mission arrived in India in March 1946. Its purpose was to discuss and plan for the transfer of power from British rule to Indian leadership, and to address the demands for independence by Indian political leaders.

4. **The 'Direct Action Day' observed by Muslim League (1946):** Direct Action Day was observed on August 16, 1946, by the Muslim League to demand the creation of Pakistan. This event led to widespread communal riots, particularly in Calcutta.

Now, let's explain why each of the other options is incorrect:

- **Option 1: (iv), (iii), (ii), (i):** This option incorrectly places the 'Direct Action Day' before the arrival of the Cabinet Mission and the Royal Indian Navy mutiny, which is not accurate as 'Direct Action Day' occurred after both these events.

- **Option 2: (i), (iii), (ii), (iv):** This option incorrectly places the arrival of the Cabinet Mission before the Royal Indian Navy mutiny, whereas the mutiny occurred in February 1946, before the Cabinet Mission's arrival in March 1946.

- **Option 4: (i), (iv), (iii), (ii):** This option incorrectly places the 'Direct Action Day' before the arrival of the Cabinet Mission and the Royal Indian Navy mutiny, which is not accurate as 'Direct Action Day' occurred after both these events.

Therefore, Option 3 correctly arranges the events in chronological order: Shimla Conference (1945), Mutiny of Royal Indian Navy (February 1946), Arrival of Cabinet Mission (March 1946), and Direct Action Day (August 1946).