Why Did East Bengal Become East Pakistan?
The partition of India in 1947 resulted in the creation of two non-contiguous territories: West and East Pakistan. Both territories shared a dominant religion—Islam—but differed significantly in terms of language, ethnicity, and culture. This article delves into the reasons behind East Bengal becoming East Pakistan during the tumultuous period of post-partition Pakistan.
The Partition of India in 1947
The partition of India in 1947 was a critical event in South Asian history that reshaped the political landscape of the region. The British administration, under the stewardship of Lord Mountbatten, established the Boundary Commission under Sir Cyril Radcliffe in 1947 to delineate the boundaries between India and Pakistan. The commission aimed to allocate territories based on the majority religious population, intending to create two separate dominions for Muslims and Hindus.
The Role of the Boundary Commission
The Boundary Commission, comprising representatives from the Congress and the Muslim League, was tasked with drawing the boundaries between India and Pakistan. However, as no consensus could be reached, the commission decided to act independently. The decisions made by the commission had far-reaching consequences, such as the allocation of the Muslim-majority areas of Bengal to Pakistan.
The Formation of East Bengal (East Pakistan)
Despite the efforts of Bengali Muslims and Hindus living in harmony for centuries, the Two Nation Theory and religious nationalism came to the forefront. This theory advocated for segregation based on religion, with Muslims being given precedence. The Muslim League, founded in Dhaka, was pivotal in promoting this ideology, driven by the belief that the interests of Muslims were paramount. This led to the Direct Action campaign, organized by leaders like Mujibur Rahman and others. This campaign, largely responsible for the suffering of thousands of Hindu civilians, marked a dark chapter in the region's history and ultimately led to the division of Bengal. The Congress, bowing to political pressure, accepted the partition of East Bengal, leading to its incorporation into East Pakistan.
The Linguistic and Regional Divides
While the religious divide was the primary factor, East and West Pakistan also differed significantly in linguistic and cultural aspects. Despite the geographical distance and cultural differences, the East Pakistan region, comprising present-day Bangladesh, saw itself as distinct from its western counterpart. This linguistic and regional divide made the separation more inevitable. The British rulers, who were unfamiliar with the complexities of Indian regions, made decisions that emphasized religious boundaries over cultural and linguistic ones.
Critique of British Rule
British rule in India was characterized by a lack of true understanding of the diverse Indian subcontinent. They drew lines on a map based on a simplistic majority-minority approach without consulting the people. The decision to partition India was made without bothering to seek the will of the populace. A referendum might have resulted in the formation of independent countries based on linguistic and cultural identities, rather than religious ones. This shows that the British imposed their own narrow vision on the region, exacerbating divisions that had already existed.
Conclusion
The partition of India and the creation of East Pakistan were complex processes influenced by a myriad of political, social, and religious factors. While East Bengal eventually became East Pakistan, the decision was not free from controversy and was influenced by a mix of religious fervor and political expediency. The legacy of this period continues to shape the geopolitical landscape of South Asia.