Relevance: GS I (Modern History – Freedom Struggle) | Source: National Archives / The Hindu

1. The Outbreak: HMIS Talwar

The revolt began on February 18, 1946, at the HMIS Talwar, a signal training school in Bombay.

  • The Spark: It started as a hunger strike by Ratings (enlisted sailors) protesting against “unpalatable food” and blatant racial discrimination.
  • The Provocation: Commander F.M. King reportedly addressed the ratings with racial slurs. The arrest of B.C. Dutt (for scrawling “Quit India” on the ship) further inflamed the situation.

2. Spread and Scale

What began in Bombay quickly engulfed the entire coastline:

  • Magnitude: At its peak, the revolt involved over 20,000 ratings, 78 ships, and 20 shore establishments.
  • Geographical Reach: It spread to Karachi (HMIS Hindustan), Calcutta, Madras, and even the Andaman Islands.
  • Solidarity: The Royal Indian Air Force and elements of the Indian Army (Gurkhas in Karachi) showed support by refusing to fire on the rebels.

3. The Symbol of Unity

In a rare display of communal harmony during the polarized 1940s, the revolting ships hoisted three flags tied together: the Tricolour (Congress), the Crescent (Muslim League), and the Red Flag (Communist Party).

4. Political Response and End

  • The Split: While the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Aruna Asaf Ali supported the sailors, the senior leadership of the Congress and Muslim League were cautious.
  • The Reason: Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel feared that an undisciplined mutiny would lead to chaos on the eve of independence.
  • Surrender: On February 23, 1946, the sailors surrendered following the intervention of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and M.A. Jinnah, who promised that none would be victimized (though many were later dismissed).

UPSC Value Box

Key FactRelevance for Prelims
Naval Central Strike Committee (NCSC)Formed on Feb 19, led by M.S. Khan (President) and Madan Singh (Vice-President) to coordinate demands.
National MultiplierThe revolt convinced British PM Clement Attlee to dispatch the Cabinet Mission (March 1946) to finalize the transfer of power.
The “Flower of Hope”Termed by poet Sahir Ludhianvi, it represents the last great moment of Hindu-Muslim unity before the Partition.

With reference to the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) Revolt of 1946, consider the following statements:

  1. The revolt was triggered by the arrest of B.C. Dutt for writing “Quit India” on HMIS Talwar.
  2. The mutiny was openly supported by the top leadership of both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League.
  3. The Naval Central Strike Committee was led by M.S. Khan.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b)

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