who helped with the boundary commission
Sir Cyril Radcliffe
what did Conrad Cornfield do
persuaded the secretary of state (Lord Listowel) to agree that neither Pakistan or India would inherit the princely states
what was the AIM of the boundary commission
draw a boundary between India and Pakistan
what was the reasons behind Mountbatten wanting partition
- witnessing religious violence
what was the Muslim Leagues reaction to the violence in Amritsar
responded with their own attacks in the north west frontier
what was Congress’ reaction to the violence in Amritsar
Gandhi went on a peace march to try and inspire both sides
- seemed out of touch
who was Sir Cyril Radcliffe
- legal expert
- no experience in India
- had no alternative
- felt that partition would’ve gone better if he had more time
how did leaks of political affairs impact India
leak would reach Nehru who put pressure on Mountbatten to change the commission
what was the impact of Mountbatten on India
- strengthened India as he didn’t want to support Pakistan
- not acting even
- disliked Jinnah but had a close relationship with Nehru
how did the Princes feel during partition
- felt ignored even though they supported WW2 efforts
- threatened by Congress, a party dedicated towards removing sovereign powers
what was the Balkan plan
the first draft towards partition
- quickly destroyed due to Nehru’s advice that it would weaken Congress and India
- allowed the Indian states and provinces to decide their own future
what was the Mountbatten plan
2nd plan towards partition
- was passed
what was Mountbatten scared about
- wanted to withdraw before the subcontinent ‘went to into flames’
what was the only form of order during the partition and what was its issue
- the army
- partition would mean that the army would no longer be a national body
why did Mountbatten take over India
Wavell had severe doubts about his capability to cope with increasing strains
- felt this way because of congress’ ‘wire pulling’ and partially because of their dealings with Wavell
what did Nehru do as prime minister
sidelined the viceroy through demanding that intelligence reports should be sent to Congress
when was the interim gov sworn
1948
