Scribd
Upload
19 views

The Mountbatten Plan

Uploaded by

taabidnag0
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
19 views

The Mountbatten Plan

Uploaded by

taabidnag0
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

The Mountbatten Plan, also known as the June 3 Plan, was a proposal for the partition of British India

into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan. It was announced on June 3, 1947, by Lord Louis
Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India. Here are the salient features of the plan:

1. Partition of British India

The plan proposed the division of British India into two sovereign states: India (primarily Hindu-majority)
and Pakistan (primarily Muslim-majority).

Pakistan would consist of two geographically and culturally distinct regions: West Pakistan (modern-day
Pakistan) and East Pakistan (modern-day Bangladesh).

2. Princely States

The princely states were given the choice to:

Join either India or Pakistan, based on geographical contiguity and the preference of their rulers.

Remain independent (though this was strongly discouraged by the Indian leadership).

3. Bengal and Punjab Partition

The provinces of Bengal and Punjab, which had mixed populations, were to be divided between India
and Pakistan.

Boundary commissions, headed by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, were established to demarcate the borders based
on religious demographics and other factors.

4. Referendums in Certain Regions

Referendums were held in regions with disputed allegiances, such as:

North-West Frontier Province (NWFP): The majority voted to join Pakistan.

Sylhet district (Assam): Voted to join East Pakistan.

5. Independence Timeline

The transfer of power was scheduled for August 15, 1947.

This timeline was advanced from June 1948 to prevent further unrest and political instability.

6. Communal Harmony and Law and Order

The plan emphasized measures to maintain law and order during the partition process.
However, the actual implementation led to widespread communal violence and a massive humanitarian
crisis.

7. Division of Assets

The financial, military, and administrative resources of British India were divided between India and
Pakistan.

This included splitting the Indian Army, civil services, and economic resources.

8. Immediate Withdrawal of British Rule

The plan signaled the end of British colonial rule, with the British government renouncing all
responsibility for the new dominions post-August 15, 1947.

Significance:

The Mountbatten Plan laid the groundwork for the independence of India and Pakistan but also led to
one of the largest migrations in human history and widespread communal violence. While it granted
freedom, the rushed process left unresolved issues like the Kashmir conflict, which continue to affect
India-Pakistan relations.

You might also like