Question 89 from UPSC CSE 2014 - Modern Indian History

Question

The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan

Strategy: The key phrase to focus on is Radcliffe Committee, which directly connects to the boundary demarcation between India and Pakistan at the time of Partition. No other option aligns with this historical function, allowing all other choices to be confidently ruled out.

Key Info: ## About the Radcliffe Committee

The Radcliffe Committee, also known as the Radcliffe Boundary Commission, was established in June 1947 to define the international boundaries between the soon-to-be independent nations of India and Pakistan.

- **Chairmanship and Impartiality**: The commission was chaired by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, a British lawyer with no prior experience in India, a choice made to ensure impartiality.
- **Primary Mandate**: Its sole task was to draw the borders for two provinces: Punjab and Bengal. Each province had its own boundary commission to handle the division.
- **The Radcliffe Line**: The boundary line created by the commission, known as the Radcliffe Line, was officially declared on 17 August 1947.
- **Operational Context**: The entire process was conducted under severe time constraints, completed in just five weeks, and under immense political pressure.
- **Consequences**: The partition executed by the committee led to significant displacement and communal violence, affecting millions of people.
- **Decision Basis**: The commission's decisions were based on factors such as religious demographics, existing administrative boundaries, and other practical considerations.
- **Secrecy of Verdict**: To prevent further unrest, the final verdict was kept secret until after the independence of both nations.
- **Scope Limitation**: The committee's role was strictly geographical. It played no part in drafting constitutional provisions, establishing minority protections, or investigating riots.

Answer

Option A: solve the problem of minorities in India

Answer

Option B: give effect to the Independence Bill

Answer

Option D: enquire into the riots in East Bengal