How did the Congress come to change its views on Partition?
Initially the Indian National Congress was not in favour of the partition. But in March, 1947, the Congress high command agreed to Punjab into two parts. One part would consist of the Muslim - majority areas and the other part would consist of the areas having Hindu-Sikh majority. To most of the Sikh leaders and Congress leaders, partition of Punjab was a necessary evil. The Sikhs feared that their denial to the partition of Punjab may lead them to be overpowered by the Muslims. They would be under control of the Muslims.Situation was the same in Bengal. The Bhadralok Bengali Hindus of Bengal wanted to retain political power with them. They were also apprehensive of the Muslims. In Bengal, the Hindus were in minority. So they favoured the partition. They thought that partition would help them to retain political dominance. These reasons forced the Congress to change their view on Partition.
How did women experience Partition?
Why is Partition viewed as an extremely significant marker in South Asian history?
Why was British India partitioned?
Examine the strengths and limitations of oral history. How have oral-history techniques furthered our understanding of Partition?
Why did some people think of Partition as a very sudden development?
What did the Muslim League demand through its resolution of 1940?
What were Mahatma Gandhi’s arguments against Partition?
How did ordinary people view Partition?
Why was the jotedar a powerful figure in many areas of rural Bengal?
Why did the mutinous sepoys in many places turn to erstwhile rulers to provide leadership to the revolt?
To what extent are census data useful in reconstructing patterns of urbanisation in the colonial context?
How did Mahatma Gandhi seek to identify with the common people?
What were the ideals expressed in the Objectives Resolution?
How did zamindars manage to retain control over their zamindaris?
Discuss the evidence that indicates planning and coordination on the part of the rebels.
What do the terms “White” and “Black” Town signify?
How was Mahatma Gandhi perceived by the peasants?
How was the term minority defined by different groups?
Examine any two sources presented in the chapter, choosing one visual and one text, and discuss how these represent the point of view of the victor and the vanquished.
Why was the jotedar a powerful figure in many areas of rural Bengal?
Why did the Santhals rebel against British rule?
Why were many zamindaris auctioned after the Permanent Settlement?
Why did the mutinous sepoys in many places turn to erstwhile rulers to provide leadership to the revolt?
What connection did some of the members of the Constituent Assembly make between the political situation of the time and the need for a strong Centre?
Examine how concerns of defence and health gave shape to Calcutta.
How did the Paharias respond to the coming of outsiders?
What historical forces shaped the vision of the Constitution?
How did the American Civil War affect the lives of ryots in India?