Understanding the Resignations from the Viceroy's Executive Council in 1943

The question asks to identify the Indian members of the Viceroy's Executive Council who resigned in February 1943. This event was a significant protest against the British government's actions during the Quit India Movement, specifically concerning the imprisonment and subsequent fast undertaken by Mahatma Gandhi.

Context of February 1943 Resignations

In February 1943, Mahatma Gandhi, who had been imprisoned since the start of the Quit India Movement in August 1942, began a 21-day fast as a protest against his continued detention and the government's policies. The British government refused to release him, leading to a major political crisis. Several Indian members of the Viceroy's Executive Council viewed the government's stance as insensitive and unjust. As a mark of protest against this policy and the government's handling of the situation, some Indian members chose to resign from their positions.

Identifying the Resigning Members

Let's examine the individuals listed in the options:

• (A) M.S. Aney: Madhav Shrihari Aney was a member of the Viceroy's Executive Council, holding the portfolio of Indians Overseas. He resigned in February 1943 in protest against the government's refusal to release Gandhi during his fast.
• (B) N.R. Jayakar: Moropant Vishwanath Jayakar was a jurist and politician. He also served as a member of the Viceroy's Executive Council and resigned along with Aney and Mody in February 1943 over the same issue concerning Gandhi's fast.
• (C) H.P. Mody: Homi Pestonji Mody was an industrialist and politician. He was also a member of the Viceroy's Executive Council and resigned at the same time and for the same reason as Aney and Jayakar.
• (D) Tej Bahadur Sapru: Tej Bahadur Sapru was a prominent liberal leader and jurist. While he played a significant role in Indian politics and constitutional negotiations, including efforts to secure Gandhi's release or mediate during this period, he was not a member of the Viceroy's Executive Council who resigned in February 1943.
• (E) Sucheta Kripalani: Sucheta Kripalani was a freedom fighter and later a significant political figure. She was actively involved in the freedom movement but was not a member of the Viceroy's Executive Council at this time.

Based on historical accounts of the event, M.S. Aney, N.R. Jayakar, and H.P. Mody were the Indian members who resigned from the Viceroy's Executive Council in February 1943 in protest of the government's rigid stand during Mahatma Gandhi's fast.

Therefore, the correct set of members who resigned is (A), (B), and (C).

Conclusion

The resignation of these three Indian members from the Viceroy's Executive Council highlighted the growing political impasse and the strong sentiment among Indian leaders regarding the British government's handling of the national movement and its leaders.

The members who resigned were:

• M.S. Aney
• N.R. Jayakar
• H.P. Mody

The correct option is the one listing (A), (B), and (C) only.

Revision Table: Key Figures in 1943 Resignations

Additional Information on Viceroy's Executive Council and Resignations

The Viceroy's Executive Council was the cabinet of the Government of India during the British Raj. It was headed by the Viceroy and included various members responsible for different departments. Over time, more Indians were appointed to the Council, especially following constitutional reforms.

Resignations from such high-level positions by Indian members were significant acts of political protest, indicating deep dissatisfaction with British policies. The February 1943 resignations were a direct consequence of the political deadlock and the humanitarian concern surrounding Gandhi's fast. These events contributed to the complex political landscape of India during the crucial phase leading up to independence.