Bihar at the time of Independence | BPSC Preparation: All subjects - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Elections in Bihar and Attainment of Independence

• The Government of India Act, 1935 introduced provincial autonomy and dual administration at the Centre. Elections in 152 zones saw Congress contesting 107 seats and winning 98.
• In the Legislative Council, Congress secured a majority. Despite this, Shri Krishna Singh declined to form a government, allowing Mohammad Yunus of the Independent Party to become Bihar's first Prime Minister.
• On July 20, 1937, Sri Krishna Singh finally led a Congress Cabinet, with Sri Ramdayalu Singh and Professor Abdul Bari as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Council, respectively.
• The Bihar Tenancy Amendment Act was a significant achievement, addressing issues like Kashtkari bandobast and benefiting peasants through various legislations.
• On April 12, 1946, the Government lifted the ban on the Congress Socialist Party. The Constituent Assembly convened for the first time on December 9, 1946, under Sachchidananda Sinha.
• India gained independence on August 15, 1947, as per the Indian Independence Act, with Jairamdas Daulatram appointed as Governor of Bihar.

Bihar During the Independence Movement

• Bihar played a significant role in the independence movement, with notable leaders such as Swami Shahjanand Saraswati, Shaheed Baikuntha Shukla, Bibhuti Anugrah Narayan, Maulana Mazhar-ul-Haq, Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, Satyendra Narayan Sinha (Singh), Basawon Singh (Sinha), Yogendra Shukla, Sheel Bhadra Yajee, Pandit Yamuna Karjee, and Dr. Maghfoor Ahmad Ajazi contributing to the cause. These leaders were instrumental in advocating for India's independence and working towards the upliftment of underprivileged communities.
• Anugrah Narayan Sinha led the first Congress ministry in Bihar. Other figures like Upendra Narayan Jha 'Azad' and Prafulla Chaki were also active in the revolutionary movement in Bihar. Numerous cases were registered in various jails across Bihar, including Madhepura, Darbhanga, and Saharsa, highlighting the extent of revolutionary activities in the region.