India’s Partition in the Face of Opposition: An Unveiled Perspective
Abstract
The partition of British India has come to be viewed as inevitable. It is widely believed today that there was no other practical option for the nation of Muslims and Hindus, but to divide the country. Over time, this view has been endorsed by many writers, including those in the West, and indeed become virtually synonymous with a universal truth.
A closer re-examination of the facts, however, reveals a complex picture of the partition episode. While the two-nation theory certainly had its share of supporters, what seems to have been overlooked by many is that there was a tremendous amount of opposition to the division of India. Moreover, evidence substantiates that there was an intriguing alliance which was one of the key forces that ultimately led to partition.
As the traditional view on British India’s partition has been explored at length, this article examines the latter elements, analyzing the opposing view — with a focus on Allama Mashriqi as a case study — as well as some of the reasons behind the division of the nation in the face of such opposition.
Note on Academic Significance
This piece challenges the traditionally held belief that the partition of British India was inevitable and exposes a complex picture of the partition episode. It presents the idea that there was in fact much resistance to dividing India and uncovers this perspective through the lens of Allama Mashriqi and his Khaksar Movement. Further, it analyzes the reasons behind division in the face of such opposition and substantiates that an intriguing alliance was one of the key forces which ultimately led to partition.
The significance of this article is multifold. It discloses facts surrounding the partition episode that are largely unknown to the general public as well as academics both in the East and West. In doing so, it brings to light a new dimension previously hidden from existing literature and debate. The aim of this is to educate those with an interest in South Asian affairs, including the public, academics, politicians, and so on. It is also to better inform and fill gaps in India and Pakistan’s historical records, in the effort that going forward a more comprehensive picture of the region’s history, beyond the conventional stance, will be portrayed in classrooms, publications, and speeches.
A key intention of this piece is to incite thought-provoking debate, not only to educate on crucial aspects of the past but, importantly, to offer lessons learned for the future. Though the analysis presented may generate controversy, it is important to understand that the purpose is not to disparage, but rather to share results of research that offer a previously unexplored perspective on the partition episode. It is commonly understood that progress often results from examination and inquiry of the past. Such an approach applied to India and Pakistan’s case can perhaps assist in securing advances in cross-border relations as well as internal development ― thereby improving the future outlook of the region. To order Harvard Asia Quarterly (Spring 2009, Vol XII, No. 2), send payment to:
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Paper at New York Conference on Asian Studies (NYCAS, October 26-27, 2007): On October 27, 2007, the author presented an abbreviated version of his paper entitled "Freedom of British India through the Lens of the Khaksar Movement" at NYCAS. Slides on the activities of the Khaksar Movement were also presented.
This Web site is dedicated to respected Allama Mashraqi on his 118th Birthday. Site launched on September 09, 2006 Site under construction...More information coming soon.
