The Radcliffe Commission

Question 1

What had been Lord Mountbatten been instructed by the British government?

Answer 1

While Lord Mountbatten had been instructed by the British government to keep the subcontinent united.

Question 2

What was Mr. Jinnah’s reaction to Lord Mountbatten instruction by the British government to keep the subcontinent united.

Answer 2

Mr. Jinnah strongly opposed this idea and demanded a separate state for the Muslims.

Question 3

What was the demand of Lord Mountbatten before agreeing to the partition?

Answer 3

Lord Mountbatten agreed to partition only if the Punjab and Bengal were to be divided between the two states.

Question 4

Although Jinnah opposed the partition of Punjab and Bengal between the two states, why did he eventually agree to it?

Answer 4

Although, Jinnah opposed this partition, he eventually agreed to it to avoid further delay in the creation of an independent state for the Muslims of India.

Question 5

How long did Radcliffe stay in India to determine the new boundaries?

Answer 5

Radcliffe stayed in India for less than two months to determine the new boundaries.

Question 6

When was the announcement of the partition was made by the British government?

Answer 6

On 3 June 1947, the announcement of the partition was made by the British government.

Question 7

Who headed the two boundary commissions?

Answer 7

Two boundary commissions were headed a British judge, Sir Cyril Radcliffe.

Question 8

What were the Two boundary commissions set up to work on?

Answer 8

The Two boundary commissions were set up to work on marking the boundaries of the Punjab and Bengal.

Question 9

What were the boundries for Bengal?

Answer 9

Bengal had earlier been partitioned by Lord Curzon in 1905 and Radcliffe kept to that boundary.

Question 10

What were the boundries for Punjab?

Answer 10

The Punjab was divided into almost two equal parts, without considering the Muslim majority areas in it which were given to India.

Question 11

When did the boundary commission complete its work?

Answer 11

The boundary commission completed its work on August 12

Question 12

When did the Viceroy announce the results?

Answer 12

The Viceroy, Lord Mountbatten did not announce the results of the commission until as late as August 17!

Question 13

When the results of the boundary commission were announced what were the reactions of the Muslims

Answer 13

When the results were finally announced, they came as a shock to Mr. Jinnah and all members of the League.

Question 14

What did Jinnah describe the boundries as and why?

Answer 14

The boundaries were described as ‘wrong and unjust’ by Mr. Jinnah because many Muslim majority areas were given over to India. The headworks of canals which supplied water for irrigation to Pakistan were also given to India. The Muslim-majority area of Gurdaspur was also given over to India, which allowed it access to Kashmir.

Question 15

What did Lord Mountbatten wished to become?

Answer 15

Lord Mountbatten wished to become the governor-general of both the countries: India and Pakistan, but Mr. Jinnah refused his offer, and became the governor-general of Pakistan.

Question 16

When did Pakistan become an independent nation?

Answer 16

Pakistan became an independent nation on 14 August 1947.

Question 17

What happened with the Partition and Independence?

Answer 17

Millions of people left their homes and crossed the borders on both sides. Large numbers had walked from their homes to the borders, and many died from hunger and exhaustion, if not from the riots and clashes between the Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs. It is estimated that at least a million people died while migrating on either side of the border.

Question 18

How did the Partition affect different people on the subcontinent? Think about people of different ages, gender, socio-economic backrounds, and professions.

Answer 18

The Partition of British India in 1947 had profound and varied effects on people across the subcontinent, impacting individuals of different ages, genders, socio-economic backgrounds, and professions in distinct ways. Here’s a breakdown of these effects:

1. Impact on Families and Communities:
   
   • Children: Children experienced the trauma of violence, displacement, and loss of family members. Many were separated from their families during the chaotic migrations.
   • Elderly: Older people faced physical challenges during migrations, and many lost their homes and properties. They often struggled to adapt to new environments and lifestyles.
   • Women: Women faced specific challenges, including increased vulnerability to violence and exploitation during the mass migrations. Many became widowed or were separated from their families, leading to significant disruptions in their lives.
2. Socio-Economic Impacts:
   
   • Wealthy and Elite: Wealthy families often lost significant properties and wealth due to the partition, resulting in a decline in their socio-economic status.
   • Middle Class: The middle class experienced disruptions in professions and careers due to displacement, leading to economic instability.
   • Poor and Laborers: The poorest segments of society faced the brunt of the violence and displacement, struggling to find shelter, food, and basic necessities.
3. Professions and Occupations:
   
   • Business Owners: Many business owners saw their enterprises disrupted or destroyed due to the violence and migration, leading to financial ruin.
   • Professionals (Doctors, Teachers, etc.): Professionals faced challenges in re-establishing their practices or jobs in new regions.
   • Farmers: Agricultural communities were severely affected as many lost access to their lands and livelihoods due to border changes and communal violence.
4. Psychological and Emotional Impact:
   
   • Trauma: People of all ages faced lasting psychological trauma due to witnessing violence, losing loved ones, and experiencing displacement.
   • Fear and Distrust: The partition left a legacy of fear and distrust among communities, leading to strained inter-community relations for generations.
5. Gender Dynamics:
   
   • Women: Women often bore the brunt of violence during partition, leading to long-lasting psychological and physical trauma. Many women were abducted, assaulted, or became widowed.
   • Men: Men faced challenges in protecting their families and properties, often becoming victims of targeted violence based on religious or ethnic identity.
6. Cultural and Identity Shifts:
   
   • Language and Culture: The partition led to significant shifts in linguistic and cultural identities as people moved across new borders.
   • Religious Identity: The partition solidified religious identities, leading to the creation of India and Pakistan as separate nations based on religious majorities.

Overall, the impact of the Partition was far-reaching and deeply personal for millions of people, shaping their lives, identities, and futures in profound ways that continue to resonate across the subcontinent to this day. The memories and legacies of the Partition still influence social and political dynamics in the region.