STD X – HISTORY & CIVICS

CHAPTER 9 – INDEPENDENCE AND PARTITION OF INDIA

Syllabus
• Cabinet Mission Plan – (Clauses only)
• Mountbatten Plan - (Clauses and its acceptance)
• Indian Independence Act of 1947 – (Clauses only)

❖ Cabinet Mission Plan:

1) Clauses: The clauses of the Cabinet Mission Plan are as follows:
i. Federal Union: There would be a federal union of the British Provinces
and the Princely States.
ii. Powers of the Union over certain subjects: The Union would have its
executive and legislature composed of members elected from all
provinces.
iii. Provincial Autonomy: The Provinces would enjoy the full autonomy for
all subjects other than the Union subjects.
iv. Grouping of Provinces: The British Provinces would be divided into
three groups. Each group could determine the provincial subjects to be
taken in common.
v. Formation of Constituent Assembly: A Constituent Assembly would be
set up to frame the new Constitution of the Indian Union.
vi. Representation of minorities: Muslims & Sikhs would be given separate
representation.
vii. Formation of the Interim Government
viii. Freedom to join the Commonwealth
ix. Transfer of Power: A treaty would be worked out for matters arising out
of the transfer of power.

❖ Mountbatten Plan:
1) Clauses: The main features (clauses) of the Mountbatten plan are as
follows:
i. Partition: - The country would be divided into 2 Dominions – India and
Pakistan.
ii. Relations between the two new dominions: The two new dominions
would decide what relations they would have with the British
Commonwealth and with each other.

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iii. A Boundary Commission: - A Boundary Commission would be created to

settle the boundaries of the two Dominions.
iv. The Princely States: - As regards to the Princely States, the treaties with
them would come to an end.
v. Bengal and Punjab: If the Legislative Assemblies of the two states were
in favour of the partition, then partition would be carried out.
vi. Sindh: The Legislative Assembly of Sindh would decide whether to join
the India or Pakistan.
vii. North-West Frontier Province: A plebiscite would be held to decide
whether people wanted to join India or Pakistan.
viii. Sylhet District: It would decide by referendum whether it would join
East Bengal or remain in Assam.
ix. Constituent Assembly: The existing Constituent Assembly would
continue to work, but the constitution framed by it would not apply to
Pakistan.
x. Transfer of Power: The transfer of power would take place before
August 15, 1947 by an Act passed by the British parliament.

2) Acceptance of the Plan:

i. Acceptance by Congress: The Congress accepted the Mountbatten Plan
on June 15, 1947 because the Congress had no other alternative.
ii. Acceptance by Muslim League: The Muslim League accepted the plan
because their idea of a separate Muslim State was been considered.

❖ Indian Independence Act:

1) Clauses: The main provisions of the Indian Independence Act.
i. Two main Dominions: It was decided that India would be partitioned
into two independent Dominions – India and Pakistan
ii. Provisions of Partition:
• Both Bengal and Punjab would be divided if so desired by the
people.
• A plebiscite would be held in the North West Frontier Province as
well as in the Sylhet district of Assam to decide to join India or
Pakistan.
iii. Governor General for each new Dominion.

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 STD X – HISTORY & CIVICS

iv. Constituent Assemblies to serve as Central Legislature.

v. End of the Jurisdiction of the British:
• The legislative authority of the British Parliament would cease from
August 15, 1947.
vi. Princely States: The Princely States would become independent and all
treaties and powers exercised by the British authorities would be
terminated.
vii. Treaties and Agreements: All treaties made with British government,
Rulers of Indian states or any authorities in the tribal areas would lapse.
viii. Division of the Army and the Assets: Steps were taken to share the
Assets and Liabilities between the two dominions.
ix. Bringing the Act into Operation: The Governor General was given the
power for bringing the Indian Independence Act into effective
operation.
x. The office of the Secretary of the State was abolished.

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