Punjab at the Crossroads of Partition: Demography, Communal Politics, Territorial Claims and Colonial Administrative Constraints

Abstract

The partition of British India stands as a pivotal event in the political history of South Asia. While the subcontinent was not partitioned in its entirety, two major provinces Punjab and Bengal were divided. This division, particularly in the Punjab region, was carried out along religious lines; the British administration entrusted the implementation of the partition plan to the final Viceroy and Governor-General, Lord Mountbatten. Although Mountbatten held meetings with top political leaders from the Congress and the Muslim League, he failed to secure a complete consensus between the two major parties. Ultimately, having obtained approval from the British government, Mountbatten presented the “June 3rd Plan” of 1947. This plan centered on the partition of Punjab and Bengal. Sir Cyril Radcliffe was appointed to head the Boundary Commission tasked with demarcating the borders, assisted by four High Court judges’ two Muslims and two Hindus from each province. The Boundary Commission's findings specifically the Punjab and Bengal Awards were announced on August 16, 1947. The partition of Punjab was a source of intense conflict between Sikhs and Muslims, as the demarcation was based on administrative compromises regarding territorial claims rooted in religious demographics. This article examines the issues that arose from the partition contrary to local aspirations including the Kashmir dispute, forced migration, and conflicts over water resources. It also covers the political landscape following the 1946 elections and the activities of the British administration regarding India's independence and partition. An analytical and descriptive methodology has been adopted in this research article.

Keywords: British India, Partition, Punjab, Communalism, Territorial Claims, Demography, and Boundary Demarcation.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23006298