Partition of India 1947: A Clear Overview

Background

By the 1940s Britain was preparing to leave India. Political leaders, including those of the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League, could not agree on a single constitutional plan. The Muslim League's Lahore Resolution of March 1940 called for autonomous Muslim-majority areas, and the demand for Pakistan grew.

The 1947 decision

In June 1947 the British government announced a plan for partition. The Indian Independence Act 1947 created two dominions. Pakistan became independent on 14 August 1947 and India on 15 August 1947.

Drawing the borders

A boundary commission led by Cyril Radcliffe divided Punjab and Bengal. The boundary awards were published on 17 August, after independence, which caused great uncertainty for millions of people living near the new lines.

Migration and violence

An estimated 10 to 20 million people crossed the new borders. Violence broke out, especially in Punjab. Estimates of deaths vary widely, from about two hundred thousand to as many as two million, and historians still debate the exact figure.

Why it still matters

Partition shaped the borders, politics and family histories of South Asia. Many people still carry memories of that time, and its effects are visible in the relations of Pakistan and India today.

Key dates

March 1940: Lahore Resolution
June 1947: partition plan announced
14 August 1947: Pakistan independent
15 August 1947: India independent

Quick quiz: Political History

What Happened? In 1947 British India was divided into two independent countries. Millions of people migrated across the new borders. Pakistan and India were created.

Answer: Partition of India

The Partition of India in August 1947 created Pakistan and India. It caused one of the largest mass migrations in history.

Which document, adopted in 1789, laid out fundamental rights during the French Revolution?

Answer: The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was adopted by France's National Constituent Assembly in August 1789, defining individual and collective rights.

Which event of 1517 is traditionally seen as the start of the Protestant Reformation?

Answer: Martin Luther's Ninety-five Theses

Martin Luther's Ninety-five Theses, criticising the sale of indulgences, are traditionally dated to 31 October 1517 and sparked the Protestant Reformation.