PARTITION
POLITICAL
"Strong support for the idea of an independent Pakistan came from large Muslim landowning families in the Punjab and Sindh, who saw it as an opportunity to prosper within a captive market free from competition."
~ Crispin Bates, historian
The Muslim League wished for a seperate homeland for Muslims called Pakistan while the INC wanted a united India. The mission failed since the League and the Congress clashed with the idea of a unified India. Muhammad Ali Jinnah announced that August 16, 1946 would be the day that Muslims take "direct action" through violence.
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressing people on 23rd March, 1940 on the occasion of Pakistan Resolution at Minto Park. Journal, 2022, vocal.media/journal/1947-2022. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.
Means to an end
"We do not want war. If you want war we accept your offer unhesitatingly. We will either have a divided India or a destroyed India."
~ Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Inflamitory language by political leaders marked a turning point by invoking political violence.
“Muslims must remember that it was in Ramzan that permission for jehad was granted by Allah. It was in Ramzan that the Battle of Badr, the first open conflict between Islam and heathens, was fought and won by 313 Muslims and again it was in Ramzan that 10,000 Muslims under the Holy Prophet conquered Mecca and established the Kingdom of Heaven and the commonwealth of Islam in Arabia. The Muslim League is fortunate that it is starting its action on this Holy month and day.”
~The Star of India, 1946
A train of refugees at Ambala Station during the Partition of India, 1947. 1947. Pritika Chowdhry, 27 July 2022, www.pritikachowdhry.com/post/partition-of-india-timeline. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.
Military report on the riots in Calcutta (Calcutta, 24 August 1946). 24 Aug. 1946. CVCE, www.cvce.eu/obj/military_report_on_the_riots_in_calcutta_calcutta_24_aug ust_1946-en-e5a2ceba-85ef-4fb2-a2fd-1cea783d4b8b.html.
White, Margaret Bourke. "Carrion birds feast on victims of bloody religious riot in India." (Calcutta, 1946).