The British Raj – Jewel of the Empire, was given independence on August 15th 1947. This included the divisive partition of the subcontinent into the Hindu-majority India and the Muslim-majority West Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). 71-years on from this split, the ramifications are still being felt, with communities still divided and cut-off by the further hostilities.
British colonialism in India is rooted in the fall of the Mughal Empire, with the British garnering the loyalty of many local rulers by offering them support against enemies. In return, the British East India Company managed to set up trading centres in major cities. The Company’s power expanded to include the defeat of Bengal forces in the Battle of Plassey (1757), reinforcing the British hold on the subcontinent.
Colonial rule resulted in various revolts, reaching its pinnacle in the mid-nineteenth century. The Revolt of 1857 led to the British Government taking direct control of India. This was after the tragic death of 800,000 people, mainly civilians. Yet, this revolt sparked a more significant movement with more Indians demanding self-rights and self-governance. This would be championed by groups such as the Indian National Congress and socio-religious groups like Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj.
However, it was the Partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon in 1905 that exacerbated tensions further. With Curzon justifying this move as a means to ease religious strife and administer the area more effectively, large-scale protests emerged due to the suspicion of British tactics to avoid complete independence. This led to the creation of the Muslim League, who would bolster the representation of Muslims against the supposedly pro-Hindu Congress.
World War I aided in the image of an independent India. During the War, 1.4 million members of the British Indian Army took part in conflict. Their commitment to the war effort led to the Lucknow Pact which called for Indian autonomy and over-representation of religious minorities, namely Muslims. Yet, the imperial and provincial legislatures were only slightly enlarged in 1919 while only 10% of male adults were allowed to vote.
The Second World War put more pressure on the British Government that would make independence inevitable. Mahatma Gandhi drafted the British to Quit India resolution. This was the most aggressive attempt for autonomy which led to Gandhi’s arrest and imprisonment for two-years. However, with the strain of conflict, the British eventually gave assurances of self-rule.
Lord Mountbatten’s appointment as Viceroy in 1947 brought about much change to the Indian independence movement. On his arrival in India, Mountbatten announced partition would be brought forward one-year, giving politicians till August to divide the subcontinent into what is now Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan). The Attlee Government advised Mountbatten to keep India united whilst Muslims and Hindus differed on the issue. Muslim League leader Jinnah insisted on the division whilst Congress leader Nehru reluctantly agreed.
Fears of displacement after independence eventuated. The establishment of the Radcliffe Line, demarcating the border of India and Pakistan on August 17th, left 14 million people displaced. The rapid and unprepared drafting and implementation of partition led to the death of thousands of civilians. The volatile governments of India and Pakistan were abruptly left with responsibility for managing order but were under-resourced. Soldiers found great difficulty in stabilising regions whilst Mountbatten, now Governor-General of India, could do little to ease the situation.
Partition has led to much conflict since 1947. Since the Radcliffe Line’s publishing, there have been three wars based on border conflicts and many disputed zones. Punjab was split and Jammu and Kashmir is still a point of controversy for both countries. Families and friends were divided while British forces withdrew from the continent. India had achieved its long-desired independence – but at what cost?
Fast-forward to 2018, partition is not merely India’s and Pakistan’s past. It is a misconception to believe it is just another page in a history book. It is India’s and Pakistan`s present and will continue to have a major impact on the future of the region. Addressing the persisting hostilities between the two countries involves reflection on this pivotal moment.
