Hinduinfopedia

  In February 1946, ratings of the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) in Bombay revolted against British officers, spreading to 78 ships and shore establishments. The mutiny saw widespread public support and joint participation by Hindu and Muslim sailors. Despite this display of anti-colonial unity, Mahatma Gandhi criticized the ratings, describing their joint action as an "unholy combination" and advising them to surrender to authority. This stance highlighted Gandhi's consistent opposition to armed resistance, even when it directly challenged colonial rule. Examining his response to the 1946 naval uprising offers important perspective on his political philosophy and leadership.

 To understand what was surrendered at Bardoli in February 1922, historians analyze the operational state of the British administration in late 1921. Court and School Boycotts: Thousands of lawyers surrendered their practices, and students left government institutions, severely disrupting civic and legal systems. Revenue Collection Collapses: No-tax and no-rent campaigns in regions like Midnapore, Guntur, and Assam crippled local finances and led to widespread resignations among local administrative staff. Documented Colonial Alarm: Official dispatches from Viceroy Lord Reading to Secretary of State Edwin Montagu expressed serious concern regarding the government's ability to maintain authority. The decision to halt the movement relieved this pressure, allowing the colonial state to regroup and reassert administrative control.