Question

Write a short note on the Mountbatten Plan.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• How was the political situation of India during the inception of Lord Mountbatten?
• What were the discussions that took place regarding the partition of India?
• What did the Mountbatten Plan propose?

Solution:
Lord Mountbatten took over as Viceroy of India, which was plagued by communal riots at the time. The Muslim League continued to press the government for a separate Muslim state, Pakistan. On December 9, 1946, the Muslim League boycotted the first cabinet meeting. Lord Mountbatten convinced Nehru and Sardar Patel to let go to have a well-organised Central Government with proper administrative centres. He also stated that having many autonomous and opposing constituents can lead to a weak Central Government. National leaders accepted the arrangement for India's partition with heavy hearts.

Lord Mountbatten presented the Mountbatten Plan on 24 March 1947. The plan called for the partition of India. After much deliberation, Viceroy Mountbatten decided to partition India on June 3, 1947. The plan was carried out, and the people of East Bengal and Assam's Sylhet province became part of East Pakistan. West Bengal and East Bengal joined India in accordance with their respective legislatures. Pakistan gained control of West Punjab, Northwest Province, Sindh, and Baluchistan.