UPSC Prelims 2014 Q15: Modern History – Transfer Of Power & Partition (1945 - 1947)
The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to
- (a) solve the problem of minorities in India
- (b) give effect to the Independence Bill
- (c) delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan
- (d) enquire into the riots in East Bengal
Answer: (c) delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan
Explanation
Radcliffe Committee
In 1947, Sir Cyril Radcliffe chaired the Boundary Commissions for Punjab and Bengal.
Their task was to delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Set up under | The Mountbatten Plan (3 June 1947) |
| Basis | Contiguous Muslim and non-Muslim majority areas, and 'other factors' |
| Members | Two Congress and two Muslim League nominees on each commission |
| Award published | 17 August 1947, two days after independence |
| Result | The Radcliffe Line |
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| (a) Solve the problem of minorities in India | Incorrect |
| (b) Give effect to the Independence Bill | Incorrect |
| (c) Delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan | Correct |
| (d) Enquire into the riots in East Bengal | Incorrect |
Answer: (c) delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It was not meant to solve the problem of minorities.
- (b) Incorrect. It did not give effect to the Independence Bill.
- (c) CORRECT. It was appointed to delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan.
- (d) Incorrect. It did not enquire into riots in East Bengal.
Key point
Radcliffe Boundary Commissions (1947): drew the India-Pakistan border in Punjab and Bengal; award published 17 August 1947.
Remember
Radcliffe Line = India-Pakistan boundary, 1947.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the award came before 15 August 1947.
- Forgetting that there were two commissions, for Punjab and Bengal.
- Confusing the Radcliffe Line with the McMahon or Durand Line.
Exam tip
Radcliffe = India and Pakistan. McMahon = India and China. Durand = Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence, Ch 37 (Freedom and Partition)
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India (Independence with Partition)