Question

Write information about Mountbatten Plan.

Answer 1

1. In 1947, the British government decided to end its rule over India due to increasing political pressure, communal tensions, and its weakened position after World War II. Prime Minister Clement Attlee announced that Britain would leave India before June 1948. To facilitate this transition, Lord Louis Mountbatten was appointed as the last Viceroy of India. After consulting with leaders of the Indian National Congress, the Muslim League, and other political groups, Mountbatten proposed a plan to resolve the deadlock between Hindus and Muslims, which had intensified due to the Muslim League’s demand for a separate nation, Pakistan.

2. The Mountbatten Plan, announced on 3rd June 1947, proposed the partition of British India into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan. The plan stated that the provinces of Punjab and Bengal would be divided if their legislative assemblies voted in favour of partition. A referendum would be held in the North-West Frontier Province and Sylhet (Assam) to decide whether to join India or Pakistan. The princely states were given the right to choose to join either country or remain independent, though independence was discouraged. A Boundary Commission would be set up to determine the borders between India and Pakistan, especially in disputed regions like Punjab and Bengal. The plan also advanced the transfer of power to 15 August 1947, earlier than initially expected.

3. While the Indian National Congress was against the idea of partition, it ultimately accepted the plan due to the Muslim League’s rigid stance and the growing communal violence. The Indian Independence Act, based on the Mountbatten Plan, was passed by the British Parliament on 18 July 1947, officially granting independence to India and Pakistan on 15 August 1947. This ended British rule, but the partition also led to massive riots, loss of lives, and the displacement of millions.

Answer 2

1. Prime Minister Atlee of England declared that the handover of power will take place prior to June 1948.
2. To facilitate the handover of authority, he named Lord Mountbatten as Viceroy of India. 
3.  He had conversations with India’s leaders.
4. Mountbatten created a proposal to divide India into two independent countries, India and Pakistan.
5. The plan was opposed by the Indian National Congress.
6.  However, the Indian National Congress accepted the Plan with no help because of the Muslim League’s difficult actions.
7. The Indian Independence Act was passed based on the Mountbatten Plan.