Answer:
c. after World War I
Step-by-step explanation:
British India During World War I
During World War I, Britain declared war on Germany on India's behalf, without consulting Indian leaders. About 1.5 million Indian soldiers and laborers were serving in the British Indian Army by the time of the Armistice.5 A total of 60,000 Indian soldiers were killed or reported missing.6
Although most of India rallied to the British flag, Bengal and Punjab were less easy to control. Many Indians were eager for independence, and they were led in their struggle by an Indian lawyer and political newcomer known as Mohandas Gandhi (1869–1948).
In April 1919, more than 15,000 unarmed protesters gathered at Amritsar, in Punjab.7 British troops fired on the crowd, killing hundreds of men, women, and children, even though the official death toll of the Amritsar Massacre as reported was 379.8
British India During World War II
When World War II broke out, India once again contributed hugely to the British war effort. In addition to troops, the princely states donated substantial amounts of cash. By the end of the war, India had an incredible volunteer army of 2.5 million men.9 About 87,000 Indian soldiers died in combat.10
The Indian independence movement was very strong by this time, and British rule was widely resented. Some 40,000 Indian POWs were recruited by the Japanese to fight against the Allies in exchange for the hope of Indian independence.11 Most Indians, however, remained loyal. Indian troops fought in Burma, North Africa, Italy, and elsewhere.
The Struggle for Indian Independence
Even as World War II raged on, Gandhi and other members of the Indian National Congress (INC) demonstrated against British rule.
The 1935 Government of India Act had provided for the establishment of provincial legislatures across the colony. The Act also created a federal government for the provinces and princely states and granted the right to vote to about 10% of India's male population.12 These moves toward limited self-governance only made India more impatient for true self-rule.