The Indian Independence Act of 1947 ended British rule and created two independent nations, India and Pakistan. The act and the partition that followed are central topics in modern history for all competitive exams.
The Mountbatten Plan
Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy, announced a plan on 3 June 1947 to divide British India. This is called the Mountbatten Plan or the 3 June Plan. It proposed the partition of India and the transfer of power.
The Indian Independence Act
The British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act on 18 July 1947. Its main points were:
- Two dominions, India and Pakistan, were created.
- Both dominions could frame their own constitutions.
- The British monarch's title Emperor of India was dropped.
- Princely states were free to join either dominion.
The Partition and Boundary Line
The boundary between India and Pakistan was drawn by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, and the line is called the Radcliffe Line. Pakistan became independent on 14 August 1947 and India on 15 August 1947. The partition led to large-scale migration and communal violence.
First Leaders
Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India, and Lord Mountbatten became the first Governor-General of independent India. Muhammad Ali Jinnah became the first Governor-General of Pakistan.
Quick Revision Points
- Mountbatten Plan announced on 3 June 1947.
- Indian Independence Act passed on 18 July 1947.
- Two dominions: India and Pakistan.
- Boundary drawn by Cyril Radcliffe (Radcliffe Line).
- India independent on 15 August 1947.
- First PM of India: Jawaharlal Nehru.
- First Governor-General of free India: Lord Mountbatten.