Royal Indian Navy Revolt 1946

The period of the 1940s was an intense period of revolutions, wars, and rebellions in India. The idea and feeling of nationalism had been spread across the country leading to various uprisings from the British rule. One such important upheaval that took place in 1946 was: "The Royal Indian Navy Revolt 1946" or "The Naval Uprising 1946" that took place across the port cities and resulted in the unification of "Indian National Navy".

In February 1946, about 20,000 members of the Royal Indian Navy across the port cities of Bombay, Calcutta, Karachi, Madras, and Visakhapatnam observed a strike against the rough conditions of food and living and also against the cruel discrimination done by British rulers on soldiers, police personnel, sailors and civilians. It was the first time that an armed force was revolting its commanders. This Revolt started a chain of events that led to the great "RIN Revolt" or also known as the "RIN Mutiny 1946".

At the time of the Naval Mutiny, the nation was in turmoil because of the trial of the Indian National Army Soldiers who had fought with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose against the Colonial rule and the Naval Forces were extremely demoralized. Also when the Second World War ended the British forces were awarded medals whereas the Indian troops were left to face unemployment. All this had contributed to the excess Indians could tolerate. Finally, the terrible living conditions and food availability became the trigger point that led to the 'Royal Indian Navy Revolt 1946' by the civilian's naval personnel and sailors.

On the 17th February, when 1500 Indian sailors on both ports of Bombay demanded food but British officers very rudely defied the demand and responded with a harsh statement: "Beggars can't be choosers". After this incident, a fire was turned on in the hearts of men and they launched a protest during which they carried out their duties slowly. All these events signified in weakening the British pillars and hence, this revolt has a deep significance in Indian History.