By- Malika Sahni
- British India, the largest British possession, had been under British Crown rule since 1858. - The push for self-rule gained momentum with the Indian Councils Act of 1909 and the Government of India Act of 1919.
- Plans for dominion status were thwarted as princely states rejected the 1935 Act. - World War II saw British unilateral decisions, leading to protests and resignations by Congress Governments.
- Labour Party in Britain pledged independence for India after World War II. - Elections in 1946 resulted in Congress winning seven provinces, and the Muslim League securing Muslim seats.
- The Cabinet Mission proposed a confederation with provinces grouping into regions. - Congress rejected an interim government but joined the Constituent Assembly for framing India's Constitution.
- Muslim League declared Direct Action Day, resulting in widespread riots. - Muslim League withdrew support to Cabinet Mission, demanding safeguards for Muslim minority rights.
- Mountbatten proposed Partition based on three regions as suggested by the Cabinet Mission. - Nehru and Jinnah endorsed the scheme on June 4, 1947, leading to the official announcement
- Boundary drawing led to mass uprooting, fear, and violence. - Cyril Radcliffe was tasked with drawing the boundary, causing chaos as families were displaced.
- Millions were uprooted, facing abduction, rape, and killings. - Families left ancestral homes, becoming refugees and creating new lives across borders.
- The Partition, affecting up to 20 million people, resulted in an estimated 200,000 to 1 million casualties. - The lack of museums or memorials to remember this colossal event inspired the creation of the Partition Museum.