'Poor quality of 'dal' shook British empire, led to the last war before Independence'

LUCKNOW: Discontent over poor quality of 'dal' (pulses) served in the mess to Indian non-commissioned officers and sailors of Royal Indian Navy (RIN) led to a revolt, which not only shook the British empire but ultimately became the last war before Independence in February of 1946.
Based at Bombay (Mumbai), HMIS Talwar was the signal-training establishment of the RIN.With 1,500 officers and ratings (enlisted sailors) on board, it was the second-largest training centre in the British empire.
"Back in those days, the majority of Indian sailors primarily hailed from villages and were farmers' son. Most of them had joined navy with a hope for better life, but in reality, all they faced was discrimination by the Britishers," said Pramod Kapoor, who has written a book on the topic. He was speaking at the conclusion of Military Literature Festival at Surya auditorium on Monday.
"The last straw which triggered the mutiny was the poor-quality food being served to ratings. On February 17 night, ratings refused to eat dinner, as the meal served to them was watery and full of small-sized stones. When they reiterated their demand for decent food, the British officer said that beggars can't be choosers.
The next morning, some 1,500 ratings walked out of the mess hall in protest against the poor-quality dal," he said. However, soon after, it was declared that this will not remain a mere food protest but a formal list of demands, including a call to release all Indian political prisoners, including INA POWs, will be submitted.
"By February 21st, the British Admiral John Henry Godfrey sent the army to surround the barracks of ratings and ordered Maratha soldiers to fire at the barracks, but they refused.
Later, the British troops attacked ratings. By the end of February 23, 1946, more than 400 people, including Indian sailors, British troops and others were killed and ultimately, the ratings surrendered. There was no support from Congress to ratings," he claimed