Consider the following statements regarding the partition phase of India's freedom struggle:

1. The Mountbatten Plan of 1947 Plan sought to partition British India into two dominions, India and Pakistan.

2. The plan provided for setting up a Boundary Commission to demarcate boundaries.

3. Jawahar Lal Nehru was the Congress President during the partition of the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is 1 and 2 only.

Key Points

• Lord Mountbatten:
  • Lord Mountbatten came to India as the last Viceroy and was assigned the task of a speedy transfer of power by the then British Prime Minister Clement Atlee.
  • The viceroy came up with a plan called the June 3 Plan. This plan was the last plan for Indian independence. It is also called the Mountbatten Plan.
• Mountbatten Plan:
  • British India was to be partitioned into two dominions – India and Pakistan. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • The Legislative Assemblies of Bengal and Punjab were to meet in two parts, one representing Muslim majority districts and the other representing rest of the Province. The partition will take place if a simple majority of either part decides in favour of the partition.
  • A referendum was to be held on NWFP (North-Western Frontier Province) to decide which dominion to join. NWFP decided to join Pakistan while Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan boycotted and rejected the referendum.
  • To fix the international boundaries between the two countries, the Boundary Commission was established chaired by Sir Cyril Radcliffe. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • The princely states were given the choice to either remain independent or accede to India or Pakistan. The British suzerainty over these kingdoms was terminated.
  • Until the time the new constitutions came into existence, the Governor-General would assent any law passed by the constituent assemblies of the dominions in His Majesty’s name. The Governor-General was made a constitutional head.
  • During the time of the partition of British India, J. B. Kripalani was the President of the Indian National Congress (1947). Hence, statement 3 is not correct.