“Based on his discussion with Indian leaders, as well as his own perception, Lord Mountbatten soon came to the conclusion that partition was the only practicable and feasible solution.”

Initial Assessment and Context

Upon arrival, Mountbatten initially favored a united India, believing a strong central government could manage the diverse interests. However, he quickly realized the depth of the communal divide and the entrenched positions of the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League. The ‘Direct Action Day’ called by the Muslim League in August 1946, resulting in widespread communal riots, particularly in Calcutta, demonstrated the fragility of peace and the potential for large-scale violence. This event significantly shaped his early perceptions.

Discussions with Indian Leaders

Nehru and the Congress

Mountbatten’s discussions with Jawaharlal Nehru revealed a willingness to accept partition if it meant avoiding a prolonged period of instability and violence. Nehru, while personally opposed to partition, recognized the practical difficulties of forming a government acceptable to both the Congress and the League. He prioritized a swift transfer of power, even if it meant accepting a truncated India.

Patel and the Congress

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, initially a staunch opponent of partition, gradually came around to accepting it as a necessary evil. He was primarily concerned with maintaining law and order and preventing further bloodshed. Patel’s pragmatic approach and his understanding of the ground realities influenced Mountbatten’s assessment.

Jinnah and the Muslim League

Muhammad Ali Jinnah remained steadfast in his demand for a separate Pakistan. He argued that Muslims could not be adequately protected in a Hindu-majority India. Mountbatten found Jinnah uncompromising and convinced that partition was the only way to safeguard the interests of the Muslim community. Jinnah’s insistence on Pakistan, coupled with his ability to mobilize Muslim support, was a crucial factor in Mountbatten’s decision.

Mountbatten’s Own Perceptions

Breakdown of the Cabinet Mission Plan

The failure of the Cabinet Mission Plan in 1946, which aimed to create a united India with a loose federation, demonstrated the impossibility of reaching a consensus between the Congress and the League. Mountbatten believed that further attempts at negotiation would only prolong the uncertainty and exacerbate communal tensions.

Administrative and Logistical Challenges

Mountbatten also considered the administrative and logistical challenges of maintaining a united India. The vastness of the country, the diversity of its population, and the lack of a strong central authority made it difficult to envision a stable and unified nation. He feared that a prolonged transition period would lead to chaos and anarchy.

Fear of Civil War

Perhaps the most significant factor influencing Mountbatten’s decision was his fear of a full-scale civil war. He believed that if partition was not implemented, the communal violence would escalate, leading to widespread bloodshed and instability. He saw partition as a painful but necessary step to prevent a catastrophic outcome.

The Plan Mountbatten

Mountbatten formulated the ‘Plan Mountbatten’ in June 1947, outlining the partition of India into India and Pakistan. This plan, accepted by both the Congress and the League, paved the way for the independence of both nations on August 15, 1947. The speed with which the plan was implemented, however, contributed to the immense suffering and displacement that accompanied partition.