Why did Calcutta experience communal riots in 1946?

The communal riots in Calcutta in 1946, known as the "Great Calcutta Killing," were triggered by the All-India Muslim League’s call for "Direct Action Day" on August 16, 1946.12

Led by Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the League organized a general strike and mass protests to demand the creation of a separate Muslim homeland, Pakistan. This move occurred at a time when the partition of India appeared imminent and tensions between Hindus and Muslims had reached a critical peak.134

The protests quickly descended into widespread communal violence, characterized by looting, arson, and indiscriminate killings. The situation was exacerbated by administrative failures, including the declaration of a public holiday for the protests and delays in deploying the army to restore order. The violence, which saw both communities engage in brutal clashes, resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement before the military finally brought the city under control by August 22. This tragic event remains a pivotal and devastating moment in the history of the Indian independence movement.21