Volume-I, Issue-III, February, 2025
Novel Insights A Peer-Reviewed Quarterly Multidisciplinary Research Journal |
Volume-I, Issue-III, February, 2025 |
Drawing the Line: The Radcliffe Commission, Punjab Boundary Force, and the Turbulent Partition of India Dr. Hareet Kumar Meena, Associate Professor, Department of History, Central University of Punjab, Punjab, India Email: drharitkumar@gmail.com |
Received: 30.01.2025 | Accepted: 20.02.2025 | Published Online: 28.02.2025 |
Page No: 162-171 | DOI: 10.69655/novelinsights.vol.1.issue.03W.017 | |
 Cite this Article |
Abstract | ||
The
partition of British India in August 1947 marked a momentous yet tragic event
in South Asian history. As British rule drew to a close, the subcontinent was
divided into two independent nations, India and Pakistan. This event was
accompanied by mass violence, communal riots, and unprecedented human
migration. Two entities that played crucial roles during this tumultuous period
were the Punjab Boundary Force and the Radcliffe Commission. While the former
was tasked with maintaining order in Punjab, the epicentre of partition
violence, the latter was responsible for delineating the borders between the
two new nations.
The partition of Punjab left an indelible
scar on the collective memory of the Indian subcontinent. It not only led to
the largest mass migration in history but also symbolized the profound human
cost of political decisions made without regard for their consequences. The
stories of violence, loss, and resilience that emerged from this period
continue to shape the identities and histories of the people of India and
Pakistan, serving as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of division and
communal strife. This paper explores the roles, challenges, and legacies of
these two entities in the context of the partition. Keywords: Communal violence, Governor-General, Indian
National Congress, Muslim League. | ||