Partition 1947 | India and Pakistan | Everything you need to know | 2024

Introduction

The partition of India in 1947 was a major event where the country was divided into two parts – India and Pakistan.

Historical Unity

Despite the misconception that Hindus and Muslims could not historically co-exist, evidence from India’s rich history points to instances of remarkable religious harmony. Renowned Sufi poet Amir Khusraw eloquently celebrated the joy and vibrancy of the Hindu festival of Holi, emphasizing the common sense of beauty and spirituality. Similarly, the poet-saint Kabir propagated the message of unity and rejected extremist views from both the Hindu and Muslim communities. Notably, communal celebrations of festivals such as Holi and Diwali were common during Mughal rule, reflecting a time when different religious communities came together in communal festivities. These cases challenge the notion that religious divisions have always determined the relationship between Hindus and Muslims in India.

Partition: Divide and Rule Policy

After the rebellion of 1857, the British implemented a strategy of partition, known as Divide and Rule, to undermine unity among the Indians. This policy strategically sought to promote division along religious lines and capitalize on the existing differences between Hindus and Muslims. By emphasizing religious differences, the British sought to maintain control by preventing unified opposition to their rule. The divide and conquer approach became a central tactic in the British colonial strategy to maintain their dominance over the Indian subcontinent.

Foundation of Indian National Congress

The Indian National Congress (INC) was formed with the help of a British officer, A. O. Hume, who, interestingly, criticized the British atrocities during the rebellion of 1857. He advocated non-political social reforms. This dual focus on solving both political and social problems marked the early aspirations of the INC in its quest for Indian self-government and social progress.

Anti-Congress Movement

In response to the growing influence of the Indian National Congress (INC), the British Viceroy Dufferin organized an anti-Congress movement to limit its impact. As part of this strategy, educationist Syed Ahmad Khan took an active part and started espousing the two-nation theory. Khan’s discourse focused on warning Muslims against the perceived threat of Hindu supremacy once the British relinquished control. This marked a key moment when the British used divisive narratives to counter the united front presented by the INC, setting the stage for the eventual formulation of the two-nation theory.

All India Muslim League and Separate Electorates

In 1906, the All India Muslim League was founded to advocate the introduction of separate electorates to represent Muslim interests. Initially, this demand was met with opposition, but it gained momentum and the British acceded to it with the passage of the Indian Council Act of 1909. This legislative move entrenched separate electorates, which contributed significantly to religious differences in the political landscape. The introduction of separate electorates marked a key development in the British strategy of promoting communal tensions as part of their Divide and Rule policy in India.

Formation of Hindu Leagues

Amid concerns about the neglect of Hindu interests, various Hindu organizations emerged, including the Akil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Established to address perceived challenges to Hindu interests, these organizations played a role in articulating and protecting the interests of the Hindu community. Their formation reflected a response to a perceived need for organized representation and advocacy in the face of changing political dynamics and communal tensions in the early 20th century.

Fear and Paranoia

British depictions of distorted history had a significant impact, fueling concerns among some Hindus and Muslims about perceived threats to their communities. In 1909, the letters of Lt. Col. U.N. Mukherjee fueled these concerns further, specifically expressing concern that Hindus were at risk of becoming a “dying race”. Rooted in a manipulated historical narrative, these fears contributed to an atmosphere of heightened tension and underscored the influence of colonial strategies in shaping community sentiment during this period.

Religious Riots in the 1920s

The 1920s marked a troubling period as religious unrest between Hindus and Muslims increased, intensifying the pervasive sense of fear and division. These escalating communal conflicts not only exacerbated existing tensions but also played a key role in creating an atmosphere of apprehension and discord. Outbursts of violence during this period significantly affected the trajectory of Hindu-Muslim relations, setting the stage for further polarization and laying the groundwork for the complex events that would unfold in the following decades.

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