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INDEPENDENCE AND PARTITION OF INDIA (1947)
Background
- Muslims feared Hindu majority rule in a democratic India.
- The idea of a separate Muslim state was first proposed by poet Iqbal in 1930.
- In 1933, Muslim scholars in Cambridge discussed secession.
- After the 1937 elections, Muhammad Ali Jinnah (Muslim League leader) supported the idea of a separate state.
- The name Pakistan came from regions with Muslim majorities: Punjab, Afghan area, Kashmir, Sindh, and with the suffix -stan (land).
- By 1940, the Muslim League demanded a separate Muslim country.
- Britain supported the idea during the war (Cripps Mission 1942).
- Congress leaders were in prison and could not oppose the British.
- Congress wanted a strong central government.
- Muslim League wanted stronger provincial governments.
Events in 1947
- Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, was sent to grant independence.
- India was divided into two countries: India (Hindu-majority) and Pakistan (Muslim-majority).
- He tried to stop violence but conflict still occurred.
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