Question

Why was India divided into two different countries when it won independence from Britain? (Select all that apply)(3 points)

Britain decided to divide the area into two regions, India and Pakistan

Disagreement over natural resource distribution

The Bengal region wanted independence from India

Conflict between Muslims and Hindus living in the area

Fear of discrimination by Muslims living in Hindu-dominated regions

Hindu leaders refused to negotiate with Britain

Answer 1

Select:
- Britain decided to divide the area into two regions, India and Pakistan
- Conflict between Muslims and Hindus living in the area
- Fear of discrimination by Muslims living in Hindu-dominated regions

Brief explanation: Growing communal tensions and political demands (notably from the Muslim League and Jinnah) for a separate Muslim homeland, combined with fears among Muslims of being dominated in a Hindu-majority state, led to the decision (formalized by the British Mountbatten plan) to partition British India into two countries.