Why in the News?
A recent movie depicted the 1946 “Great Calcutta Killing” — four days of communal riots on Direct Action Day (August 16, 1946), spotlighting Gopal Patha’s role in mobilising Hindu youth.
About Direct Action Day:
- Declaration: Called by the All-India Muslim League to press for Partition and creation of Pakistan.
- Bengal Role: Muslim League’s H. S. Suhrawardy (then Bengal Premier) declared 16 August a public holiday.
- Mass Rally: Nearly 1,00,000 gathered at the Maidan, Calcutta; addressed by Suhrawardy and Khwaja Nazimuddin.
- Violence: Immediate communal clashes broke out, remembered as the Great Calcutta Killing.
- Casualties: 5,000–10,000 killed; ~15,000 injured.
- Spread: Violence lasted four days (16–19 August), army intervention required; later spread to Bombay, Noakhali, Bihar, Punjab.
Who was Gopal Patha (Gopal Mukherjee)?
- Background: Born 1916 in Bowbazar, Calcutta; nicknamed Patha (goat) since family ran a College Street mutton shop.
- Gang Leader: Headed a street group of ~800 men; mobilized masses for defense during riots.
- Approach: Declared aim was to retaliate against rioters but forbade harm to women, children, or ordinary people.
- Links: Associated with revolutionary groups like Atma Unnati Samiti; influenced by Subhas Chandra Bose.
| [UPSC 2002] The last opportunity to avoid the partition of India was lost with the rejection of:
Options: (a) Cripps Mission (b) Rajagopalachari Formula (c) Cabinet Mission* (d) Wavell Plan |
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