Post-partition South Asia: History, identity, and borders

A legacy of division

The partition of British India in 1947 was a momentous event that shaped the history of South Asia. The division created two new nation-states: India and Pakistan. The partition was accompanied by widespread violence and displacement, as millions of people were forced to leave their homes and move across the newly created border. The legacy of partition continues to shape relations between India and Pakistan today.

The roots of partition

The roots of partition lie in the complex history of British rule in India. The British gradually took control of India over the course of the 18th and 19th centuries. They established a system of indirect rule, which allowed them to maintain control over the country while leaving much of the day-to-day administration to local rulers.

During the 19th century, a growing sense of nationalism began to emerge in India. This nationalism was fueled by a variety of factors, including the influence of Western education, the growth of the Indian press, and the emergence of new political organizations.

The rise of the Muslim League

One of the most important political organizations to emerge in the late 19th century was the Muslim League. The Muslim League was founded in 1906 to represent the interests of the Muslim community in India. The Muslim League played a key role in the partition of India. It argued that the Muslims of India needed a separate homeland where they could live according to their own laws and customs.

The partition of India

The partition of India was a complex and controversial process. The British government initially proposed a plan to divide India into two dominions: India and Pakistan. However, this plan was rejected by the Muslim League, which insisted on a separate Muslim state. In June 1947, the British government announced its intention to partition India into two separate dominions.

The partition of India was accompanied by widespread violence and displacement. Millions of people were forced to leave their homes and move across the newly created border. The violence was particularly severe in the Punjab region, where an estimated 1 million people were killed.

The legacy of partition

The legacy of partition continues to shape relations between India and Pakistan today. The two countries have fought four wars since partition, and tensions remain high over the disputed territory of Kashmir. The partition of India also had a profound impact on the lives of the people of South Asia. Millions of people were displaced and lost their homes, and the region was deeply scarred by the violence that accompanied partition.