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| 1946 |
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| Hindu-Muslim differences over the future of India, combined with a serious food shortage, led to frequent riots, causing thousands of deaths. | 1 |
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| March 14 |
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| The British government offered full independence to India. | 2 |
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| March–June |
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| Negotiations between British and Indian leaders failed to draw up a plan that satisfied both the Congress Party and the Muslim League. The latter, under Mohammed Ali Jinnah, insisted on a separate Muslim state of Pakistan and decided on “direct action” to achieve its goal. | 3 |
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| Aug. 24 |
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| A new executive council (boycotted by the Muslim League) was formed as an interim government, including seven Congress members and five non-League Muslims. The Muslim League finally decided to join on Oct. 25. | 4 |
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| Dec. 9 |
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| The constituent assembly, elected earlier, began its deliberations on the future of India. The Muslim League refused to participate. | 5 |
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