Explain any six consequences of the partition of India in 1947.

OR

Highlight any three major reasons for the dominance of the Congress Party in the first three general elections after independence.

The Partition of India in 1947 was a painful and bloody event, which led to severe hardships for people on both sides of the new border.

a) MIGRATION: Approximately 80 lakh people had to cross the border and endure a painful and exhausting journey, fearing for their life and well-being.

b) COMMUNAL VIOLENCE: Thousands of Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims were killed in the name of religion. Major cities like Amritsar and Kolkata were divided into communal zones, sowing the seeds for years of distrust between communities.

c) LOSS OF NATIVE LANDS: Many people had to flee their native lands and abandon their properties for the sake of their safety.

d) POOR LIFESTYLES: People had to endure difficult conditions in the poorly endowed refugee camps, which were mired with disease and deprivation.

e) DIVISION OF FINANCIAL ASSETS: The Partition was preceded by a division of government’s financial assets, including chairs in government offices, railways, typewriters and instruments of police band.

f) IDENTITY CRISIS: Since Pakistan had decided to shape itself as a Muslim nation, India was being perceived as a Hindu nation. However, the Indian leaders did not wish to send this image. They wished to treat their minorities with respect and equality.

OR

The Indian National Congress retained its status as a dominant party in the first three election cycles post-independence because of the following reasons:

a) COALITION OF IDEAS: Congress did not represent any single ideology or faction. It was an umbrella that accommodated varied and often contradictory concerns. Its members included both urban and rural dwellers, villagers and industrialists, and higher and lower castes. It was seen as representative of the diversity of the country.

b) TOLERANCE OF DIFFERENCES: Since there were so many internal differences, the party walked a fine line at the centre of the political spectrum. It took no hard stances and tried to assimilate and prioritize national requirements. The internal tolerance to differences provided great organizational strength.

c) LEGACY OF THE NATIONAL MOVEMENT: People across the country associated Congress with the national movement. They had also inherited a nation-wide organization, and several prominent leaders like Nehru, Patel etc.