The 'August Offer' of 1940 was made by which British government official?

Correct option is C

​The correct answer is (c) Lord Linlithgow

Explanation:

The 'August Offer' of 1940 was made by Lord Linlithgow, who was the Viceroy of India at the time. The offer was made during the period of World War II when the British government was looking for support from Indian leaders for the war effort.

Information Booster:

Background to the August Offer (1940)

The August Offer, proposed by Lord Linlithgow, the Viceroy of India, aimed to secure Indian support during World War II. It came in response to criticism of the British government's decision to involve India in the war without consulting Indian leaders.

Features of the August Offer

The August Offer was made in response to the situation of World War II and aimed at gaining Indian support. The main provisions included:

• Constituent Body: A representative body consisting mostly of Indians to frame India’s new Constitution.
• Post-War Constituent Assembly: Would decide India’s Constitution based on social, political, and economic needs.
• Dominion Status: Reaffirmed the promise of dominion status after the war, with Indian participation.
• War Advisory Council: Indians would participate in the formation of the council.
• Expansion of Viceroy’s Executive Council: Majority of Indians in the council, but the Viceroy retained control over defence, treaties, and minority rights.
• Minority Rights Veto: Future constitutions would require the consent of minorities.

Response to the August Offer

• Indian National Congress (INC): Rejected the offer, demanding complete independence rather than dominion status.
• Muslim League: Rejected the offer, as it was moving towards demands for a separate state (Pakistan).
• Mahatma Gandhi: Responded by calling for the Individual Satyagraha.

Evaluation

• The August Offer was significant as it acknowledged the right of Indians to draft their own constitution and granted some level of self-governance.
• For the first time, the idea of a dominion status was offered, and Indians were given a majority in the Viceroy’s executive council in July, 1941. However, it fell short of Congress's demand for full independence.