Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Add Reply
Indian Independence
Topic Started: Feb 27 2015, 05:31 AM (158 Views)
Basil Fawlty
Member Avatar
Post Tenebras Lux
Was Indian independence, as it occurred in 1947 under a particular set of circumstances leading to partition, fundamentally a good or bad thing? I know Matt and Simon have talked about proposals to preserve the Raj as one nation-state. What I'm wondering is whether these had any realistic chance of succeeding. If so, what would they have changed?

For that matter, if we allow changes further back, could India have been kept by the British Empire longer and would it have made any difference in its subsequent development?
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Simon Darkshade
Member Avatar
Nefarious Swashbuckler
As of 1900 or earlier, it was an inevitable fact, if not from the start. The timing and nature does depend on the world wars and interwar politics. Partition wasn't inevitable until late in the game, with both sides sleepwalking towards it.
Online Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Basil Fawlty
Member Avatar
Post Tenebras Lux
Was there any chance for an Indian union from the end of the war?
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Simon Darkshade
Member Avatar
Nefarious Swashbuckler
A slight chance if the details can be worked out very quickly.
Online Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Basil Fawlty
Member Avatar
Post Tenebras Lux
A statue of Gandhi has been unveiled in Parliament Square.

"Yes. We're all friends now, eh?"
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Simon Darkshade
Member Avatar
Nefarious Swashbuckler
Rather than being a surprise or a grand equalising gesture, it just comes off as another apology quite typical of Britain and the world.
Online Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Basil Fawlty
Member Avatar
Post Tenebras Lux
An amusing little idea for Simon and others: can anyone imagine a scenario in which part of India is granted independence and part remains nominally under British administration?

My sole thought involved the kingdom that chose not to join the union, but was invaded and annexed. However, that would be a top-down approach, which wouldn't sit well with the populace ultimately.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Simon Darkshade
Member Avatar
Nefarious Swashbuckler
The major Princely States were surrounded by the centrally ruled areas. You'd need something on the edge.
Online Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
« Previous Topic · History · Next Topic »
Add Reply