Mountbatten and the Transfer of Power (June 3, 1947-August 15, 1947): A Critical Appraisal

Abstract

The British had ruled India for more than a century, but World War II culminated in the weakening of the British Empire worldwide. Thus, it became difficult for them to maintain their domination over a unified India. Lord Mountbatten was sent as the last viceroy of India for a smooth transfer of power. The partition of India was finally decided on 3rd June 1947, and power was transferred on 15th August 1947 to the two dominions of India and Pakistan. However, the British Raj ended in India, and a hasty partition led to large-scale bloodshed of innocent lives. This partition widened the gulf between the two communities, Muslims and Hindus. It happened because of an unplanned partition. Mountbatten was expected to assume the role of an unbiased and just arbiter overseeing the partition of the Civil Service and especially the Army between India and Pakistan. He was supposed to make this process smooth. However, he miserably failed to perform this task and pushed both communities into a quagmire of hatred and enmity. Moreover, this responsibility also lay on the Congress leaders, who failed to perform their duties to curb the violence and ensure the safety of innocent lives during one of the most significant human migrations in recorded history.