Date | November 2017 | Marks available | 15 | Reference code | 17N.3op3.HL.TZ0.19 |
Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (History of Asia and Oceania) | Time zone | TZ0 |
Command term | To what extent | Question number | 19 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
To what extent was the partition of the South Asian subcontinent in 1947 mainly a consequence of British policy?
Markscheme
Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the partition of the South Asian subcontinent in 1947 was mainly a consequence of British policy. While other relevant factors may be referred to, a significant amount of the response will remain focused on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the British rule of divide and rule and the effects of the Communal Award of 1931 and the Government of India Act of 1935. British policy under Mountbatten was to hasten British withdrawal from India as this contributed to partition. Candidates may also consider other factors such as the actions of the Indian National Congress leaders and their reluctance to adopt a more federal system of government. Jinnah and the Muslim League may also be discussed along with the development of the Two-nation theory.