Which among the following statements about the Partition is incorrect ?

• Partition of India was the outcome of the “two-nation theory”.
• Punjab and Bengal were the two provinces divided on the basis of religion.
• East Pakistan and West Pakistan were not contiguous.
• The scheme of Partition included a plan for transfer of population across the border.

Bismay : The merger with the Indian State was an extension of democracy to the people of the Princely. States.

Inderpreet: I am not so sure, there was force being used. Democracy comes by creating consensus.

What is your own opinion in the light of accession of Princely States and the responses of the people in these parts ?

“Today you have worn on your heads a crown of thorns. The seat of power is a nasty thing. You have to remain ever wakeful on that seat...... you have to he more humble and forbearing... now there will be no end to your being tested. ” – M.K Gandhi

“... India will awake to a life of freedom....we step out from the old to the new...we end today a period of ill fortune and India discovers herself again. The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity... ” – Jawaharlal Nehru

Spell out the agenda of nation building that flows from these two statements. Which one appeals more to you and why ?

Take a current political map of India (showing outlines of states) and mark the location of the following Princely States:

(a) Junagadh

(b) Manipur

(c) Mysore

(d) Gwalior