Evaluate the factors that led to Kashmir becoming part of post-independence India.

The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the factors that led to Kashmir becoming part of post-independence India by weighing up their importance or otherwise in the context of the partition of the South Asian subcontinent in 1947. Candidates may refer to events both before and after partition, but these must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may identify the choice offered to the princely states of joining Pakistan or India, religious diversity in Kashmir, geographic pressures, the Maharajah’s desire to remain neutral, and economic pressure applied by Pakistan. They may also consider that border skirmishes with Pakistan continued throughout 1948 and the Maharajah asked for Indian military assistance, which was not given until he signed an accession to India document. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, the Indo-Pakistani Wars in 1965 and 1971, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.