Decolonisation and the partition of India
I can describe how the granting of India's independence led to the partition of the country into India and Pakistan, which was a violent process.
Decolonisation and the partition of India
I can describe how the granting of India's independence led to the partition of the country into India and Pakistan, which was a violent process.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A strong nationalist movement existed in India in the early 20th century; WW2 led to increased calls for independence.
- Tensions between Hindus and Muslims increased after WW2 and India's Muslims demanded their own state: Pakistan.
- In 1947, India was partitioned into two states: India and Pakistan; East Pakistan would become Bangladesh in 1971.
- Partition resulted in mass migration, which displaced 17-18 million people and unleashed a wave of lethal violence.
- Partition created a legacy of mistrust and hostility between India and Pakistan.
Keywords
Nationalist - someone who strongly believes in and supports their own country, placing its interests above those of other nations
Strike - when people stop working as a form of protest
Famine - a severe shortage of food that affects a large number of people, leading to widespread hunger and starvation
Viceroy - someone appointed by a monarch or ruler to govern a territory or colony in their name
Partition - to divide into parts
Common misconception
The borders drawn during Partition were clear and accepted by all.
The Radcliffe Line, which demarcated the borders, was highly contentious and led to significant disputes and confusion, which resulted in violence.
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: Decolonisation and the partition of India, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: Decolonisation and the partition of India, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the Decolonisation: how similar was decolonisation throughout the British Empire? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
- Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
leader of the INC
leader of the Muslim League
British Viceroy of India
British lawyer