SLO 2.1.7

Discuss the Major Features of the Boundary Commission

Chapter 2: Emergence and Creation of Pakistan (1940–1947)

SLO Content

The Boundary Commission was established to determine the borders between Pakistan and India after the decision to partition the subcontinent. It was responsible for dividing the provinces of Punjab and Bengal by identifying Muslim-majority and non-Muslim-majority areas. The decisions of the Commission played a major role in shaping the boundaries of the newly created states.

Major Features of the Boundary Commission

Feature 1
Establishment of the Commission

The Boundary Commission was established under the 3rd June Plan to decide the borders between Pakistan and India before independence.

Feature 2
Leadership of Sir Cyril Radcliffe

The Commission was headed by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, a British lawyer who was appointed to draw the boundary lines between the two new dominions.

Feature 3
Division of Punjab and Bengal

The main responsibility of the Commission was to divide Punjab and Bengal because both provinces contained areas with Muslim and non-Muslim populations.

Feature 4
Consideration of Population Majority

The Commission considered the religious composition of different areas, especially the majority population, while deciding the boundaries.

Feature 5
Use of Relevant Factors

The Commission considered various factors including geographical location, administrative convenience and other practical issues while drawing boundaries.

Feature 6
Representation of Political Members

The Boundary Commission included representatives from the major political parties of the subcontinent, including members from the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League, to present their views regarding the division of territories.

Feature 7
Final Boundary Award

The Commission announced its final decision through the Radcliffe Award, which determined the boundaries between Pakistan and India and allocated districts to both dominions.

Feature 8
Transfer of Territories

The decisions of the Boundary Commission resulted in the transfer of various districts and regions between Pakistan and India according to the boundaries it established.

Feature 9
Controversial Decisions

The decisions of the Commission created controversy because some areas with Muslim-majority populations were awarded to India, causing dissatisfaction and disputes between the two countries.

Feature 10
Overall Significance

The Boundary Commission played an important role in shaping the borders of Pakistan and India. Its decisions determined the geographical structure of the two new states and had long-lasting political and social effects in South Asia.

Activity

Identify the Feature of the Boundary Commission

Read each statement carefully and select the correct feature of the Boundary Commission.

1. Who was appointed as the head of the Boundary Commission?

2. Which two provinces were mainly divided by the Boundary Commission?

3. Which factor was mainly considered while deciding the boundaries?

4. What was the final decision of the Boundary Commission called?

5. Why were the decisions of the Boundary Commission controversial?

Concept-Based MCQ

What was the primary purpose of establishing the Boundary Commission?

Answer Key

Correct Answer: The main purpose of the Boundary Commission was to determine the borders between Pakistan and India after partition. It divided Punjab and Bengal by considering population distribution and other relevant factors, which shaped the geographical boundaries of the two new countries.

Paper II Practice

Extended Response Question (ERQ)

Discuss the major features of the Boundary Commission. Explain how its decisions helped determine the borders of Pakistan and India and discuss the importance of its work in the creation of the two independent states.

Model Answer

Introduction

The Boundary Commission was established after the decision to partition the Indian subcontinent. Its main purpose was to determine the borders between Pakistan and India by dividing the provinces of Punjab and Bengal. The decisions of the Commission played a major role in shaping the geographical boundaries of the two newly created states.

Establishment and Leadership

The Boundary Commission was formed under the 3rd June Plan. It was headed by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, a British lawyer who had the responsibility of drawing the boundary lines between Pakistan and India. The Commission worked within a limited period to complete the difficult task of dividing territories.

Division of Punjab and Bengal

One of the main responsibilities of the Boundary Commission was the division of Punjab and Bengal. These provinces contained both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim-majority areas. The Commission examined population distribution and other factors before allocating districts to Pakistan or India.

Factors Considered by the Commission

The Commission considered religious population majority, geographical location, administrative convenience and other practical issues while deciding boundaries. These factors were intended to create a fair division of territories between the two countries.

Radcliffe Award and its Impact

The final decision of the Commission was announced through the Radcliffe Award. It determined the borders of Pakistan and India, but some decisions created dissatisfaction because certain areas were awarded differently from the expectations of the people living there.

Significance of the Boundary Commission

The Boundary Commission played a crucial role in completing the process of partition. Its decisions established the territorial boundaries of Pakistan and India and influenced the political and social conditions of South Asia for many years.

Conclusion

The Boundary Commission was an essential part of the partition process. Although its decisions were controversial, it successfully completed the task of dividing territories and helped establish Pakistan and India as independent states.