A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE MOUNTBATTEN PLAN AND ITS IMMEDIATE CONSEQUENCES ON THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/ShodhSamajik.v2.i2.2025.59Keywords:
Mountbatten Plan, Partition, Transfer of Power, Radcliffe Line, Communal Violence, Displacement, Dominion StatusAbstract
This research paper provides an in-depth analysis of the plan presented by Lord Mountbatten on June 3, 1947, which permanently altered the political destiny of the Indian subcontinent. The primary objective of this research is to explore the circumstances under which the British government advanced the predetermined deadline of June 1948 to August 1947. The paper critically evaluates whether this "undue haste" in the transfer of power was responsible for the unprecedented violence and human tragedy that unfolded during the partition of India.
The research highlights the administrative and strategic failures that led to one of the largest displacements in history and widespread communal riots. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the provisions of the plan that left the future of the princely states in limbo, giving rise to long-standing disputes such as the Kashmir conflict. Ultimately, this research concludes that while the Mountbatten Plan succeeded in breaking the political deadlock, it inflicted wounds on the subcontinent whose consequences are still being felt by both nations today.
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