In the tumultuous landscape of pre-independence India, the Mountbatten Plan emerged as a pivotal document that shaped the destiny of millions. Formulated by Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, this plan outlined the path towards the partition of British India and the subsequent independence of India and Pakistan.
Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of India. He announced a plan called the Indian Independence Act 1947 on June 3, 1947. He was chosen as the final Viceroy to help with the process of giving power back from the British Prime Minister at that time, Clement Atlee. According to this act, the UK Parliament split British India into India and Pakistan. The act got royal approval on July 18, 1947, and Pakistan (which included today’s Bangladesh) and India (which included today’s India) became official on August 15, 1947. The leaders of the Indian National Congress, the Sikh community, and the Muslim League agreed with Lord Mountbatten on his plan called the 3 June plan.
Background
Arrival of Lord Mountbatten: Lord Mountbatten came to India in March 1947, replacing Lord Wavell as the last Viceroy. His main job was to oversee the transfer of power from British rule to Indian control and to manage the partition process.
The ‘Dickie Bird Plan’: In May 1947, Mountbatten introduced a plan, unofficially called the ‘Dickie Bird Plan’. It proposed that the provinces of British India would become independent states, with each province choosing to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent.
Nehru’s Opposition and Plan Balkan: Jawaharlal Nehru, leader of the Indian National Congress, strongly opposed the ‘Dickie Bird Plan’, fearing it would lead to a fragmented and weak India, similar to Balkan states. Hence, the plan was also referred to as “Plan Balkan”.
The June 3 Plan (Mountbatten Plan): Responding to Nehru’s concerns, Mountbatten revised the plan, presenting it on June 3, 1947. This plan, known as the Mountbatten Plan, laid out the principles of partition, granting autonomy and sovereignty to both India and Pakistan.
Principles of Partition: The June 3 Plan emphasized the right of each dominion to draft its own constitution and granted autonomy to both India and Pakistan.
Princely States’ Option: A significant feature of the June 3 Plan was giving the princely states the choice to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent, which had lasting consequences.
Acceptance by Congress and Muslim League: Both the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League accepted the June 3 Plan, recognizing the necessity of partition.
Indian Independence Act 1947: The Mountbatten Plan, accepted by both Congress and the Muslim League, was enacted through the Indian Independence Act 1947. It received royal assent on July 18, 1947, leading to India’s independence and partition on August 15, 1947.
Impact: The Mountbatten Plan played a vital role in shaping India’s independence and partition, though it also led to significant challenges such as communal violence and mass migration, which continue to affect the region today.
3 June Plan
The Mountbatten Plan, also known as the 3 June Plan, was announced on June 3, 1947. Its main principles were:
- Britain recognized the opinion of the people regarding the partition of India.
- The new governments would have dominion status.
- Both India and Pakistan would have their sovereignty and freedom.
- Each country could make its own constitution.
- The princely states could choose to join either India or Pakistan based on their location and the wishes of their people.
15 August as Date of Independence
Lord Mountbatten was told to give power to India by June 30, 1948, but he moved it to August 1947 to reduce violence and riots. Because of his efforts, the Indian Independence Bill was introduced in the British House of Commons on July 4, 1947. It passed in two weeks, and British rule in India ended on August 15, 1947.
Lord Mountbatten, as the last viceroy of India, introduced the Indian Independence Act 1947 on June 3, 1947. This Act divided British India into two independent countries, India and Pakistan. On July 18, 1947, the Act was signed by the King, officially dividing India and Pakistan. Pakistan was split into two parts: the western region, which is now Pakistan, and the eastern region, which is now Bangladesh. The Mountbatten Plan, agreed upon by leaders from the Indian National Congress, the Muslim League, and the Sikh Community on June 3, 1947, served as India’s final strategy for independence.
Also Read: Attlee’s Statement