Indian Independence & Partition (1947)
Delhi Police Exam History Section
Background & Final Phase of Freedom
After Quit India (1942), national movement entered maturity.
British economy weakened heavily after World War II.
Labour Party came to power in Britain (1945) → more favourable for granting independence.
Major Developments leading to Independence:
Cabinet Mission (1946)
To discuss transfer of power & constitutional framework
Interim Government
Formed under Jawaharlal Nehru
Communal Tensions
Increased between Congress & Muslim League
Partition of India
Reason/Factors:
Two Nation Theory by Jinnah
Communal riots 1946 (Direct Action Day in Bengal)
Failure to agree on power sharing / constitution structure
The Mountbatten Plan (June 3, 1947):
India to be partitioned into India & Pakistan
Boundary to be decided by Radcliffe Commission
Princely states free to join India or Pakistan
Indian Independence Act (1947):
Passed by British Parliament
15 August 1947 → India got independence
Pakistan formed on 14 August 1947
Effects of Partition
Massive communal violence
Approx 10-14 million displaced across borders
Long standing Indo-Pak conflict (especially Kashmir)
Creation of two independent dominions under Governor General
Quick Recap
| Event | Significance |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Mission (1946) | Transfer of power blueprint |
| Mountbatten Plan (1947) | Final decision of partition |
| Indian Independence Act | Legal creation of India & Pakistan |
| Radcliffe Line | Boundary demarcation |
Sample Question
Explain the major factors that led to the Partition of India in 1947.
Key factors include: Two Nation Theory, communal violence, failure of constitutional negotiations, and British withdrawal strategy.
Previous Year Questions
Who headed the Boundary Commission between India & Pakistan?
Year: Delhi Police/SSC
View Answer
Sir Cyril Radcliffe
Which Act legally created India & Pakistan?
Year: Previous Year
View Answer
Indian Independence Act 1947
In which year did Direct Action Day occur?
Year: Previous Year
View Answer
1946
You've completed Indian Independence & Partition Concepts!
Courage Tip: Focus on understanding the sequence of events from Cabinet Mission to Mountbatten Plan. Remember key dates - Direct Action Day (1946), Mountbatten Plan (June 3, 1947), and Independence (August 15, 1947). The reasons for partition and its consequences are frequently asked in descriptive questions. Pay special attention to the role of Radcliffe Commission in boundary demarcation.
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