Haryana in the First and Second World War | HPSC Preparation: All subjects - HPSC (Haryana) PDF Download

First World War

Recruitment in Haryana

• Haryana played a significant role as a recruitment area during the First World War.
• Rich individuals and mahajans in Haryana provided substantial financial support to the Imperial Relief Fund for the recruitment drive.

Notable Donations

• Ram Bahadur Sukhlal of Sirsa donated ` 10 lakhs.
• Bhiwani district collected the maximum donation of ` 25 lakhs in the entire state.

Government Representation

• The government provided separate representation to rural and urban areas in the Punjab region based on population in the new Legislative Council.
• Raibahadur Chaudhary Lalchand of Rohtak opposed this decision, leading to political tensions.

Opposition to Military Recruitment

• Pt Nekiram Sharma in Haryana opposed the British military recruitment drive during the First World War.

Second World War

Declaration of War

• On September 3rd, 1939, England declared war against Germany, marking the beginning of the Second World War.
• Lord Linlithgow, the Viceroy of India at the time, included India in the war.

Congress Opposition

• Congress declared the government's move as invalid and sought assurance from the British Government for the establishment of a democratic government in Post-War India.

Rebellion in Singapore

• In 1940, a Company of Hyderabad Regiment, consisting of Ahirs from Haryana, rebelled in Singapore against British policies.
• The rebellion was influenced by their patriotic Muslim Officer Zaheer Khan.

1946 Elections and Independence

Election Results

• The Unionist Party of Punjab and Haryana weakened before the 1946 elections.
• Muslim League secured 75 seats, Congress 51, Akali Dal 22, Unionist Party 20, with 7 places won by independent candidates.

Government Formation

• Congress formed the government with the support of the Unionist Party.
• Chaudhary Lahri Singh from Haryana was part of this government.

Demand for Pakistan

• The successful representation of the Muslim League in the 1946 elections increased the demand for the creation of a separate Pakistan.

Communal Riots

• Communal riots erupted in Punjab, particularly severe in the Mewat region, resulting in thousands of casualties.

Partition and Independence

• India was divided into two countries on August 14, 1947, with Pakistan coming into existence.
• Haryana remained a part of the Punjab Province after Independence.

Migration and Patriotism

• Panipat, a Muslim-dominated region, witnessed significant migration to Pakistan post-independence, leading to a sense of dismay among the patriots.