Isabella OHalloran

Essay Plan for HIP Indian Partition

Focus Question:
Account for the establishment of the independent state of Pakistan.
Essay Plan:
Introduction:
Define key words
when necessary.
Answer the
question/statement.
Indicate and outline
your line of
argument
Refer to any relevant
historical debate.
Establish the overall
overview of the
essay highlight the
points that will be
focused on
throughout the body
paragraphs.

There was no single catalyst for the eventual

establishment of the independent state of
Pakistan in 1947. The long-term factors
associated with the long presence of Britain within
colonial India from 1858 1947, including that of
poverty, inequality and famine, as the cultural and
religious boundaries the Hindus and Muslims
faced would significantly heighten the desperate
need for reform. For centuries before British rule,
Muslims and Hindus had lived a troubled coexistence and through this, historians argue that
the Partition of India was inevitable in order for
both religious groups to be liberated. Together,
these catalysts ignited a long awaited sense of
nationalism and therefore, a need for reform
within Indian society through the establishment of
an independent state of Pakistan. Jawaharlal
Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent
India in 1947 advocates Partition means the end
of poverty, ignorance, disease and inequality of
opportunity (August 14th, 1947). Despite granted
independence since 1947, India and Pakistan
have continued to outlive their long existing
troubled relations, through the First IndoPakistani War in October 1947-48 , 1963 and
1971.
Paragraph One:
Explain how British rule over India initiated
Topic Sentence,
a sense of nationalism and therefore a
introducing line of
need for reform within Indian society, as
argument for
more and more people felt the need for an
particular paragraph.
independent state. Also state the extent of
which the British Empire may have been a
Elaboration of
catalyst for the eventual establishment of
argument and
Pakistan.
discussion.
Discuss the perspectives of both the
Supporting evidence.
Muslims and Hindus, and how they reacted
Make judgment
to British settlement.
link evidence and

Evaluate the political, economic, religious

argument back to
and cultural effects from British rule over
focus question.
India. (Famine, Illiteracy, Poverty etc.)

Paragraph Two:
Outline the role of the Indian National
Topic Sentence,
Congress.

introducing line of
argument for
particular paragraph.
Elaboration of
argument and
discussion.
Supporting evidence.
Make judgment
link evidence and
argument back to
focus question.
Paragraph Three:
Topic Sentence,
introducing line of
argument for
particular paragraph.
Elaboration of
argument and
discussion.
Supporting evidence.
Make judgment
link evidence and
argument back to
focus question.
Paragraph Four:
Topic Sentence,
introducing line of
argument for
particular paragraph.
Elaboration of
argument and
discussion.
Supporting evidence.
Make judgment
link evidence and
argument back to
focus question.
Conclusion:

Express how their efforts led the

independence movement, noting their
aim/goal and if it may have developed due
to the growing urge for complete
independence.
Muslim League and their significance and
also their perspectives.

Focus on the Hindu perspective, if they were

for or against Partition, or any form of
independence.
Present evidence supporting their views and
also whether or not the outcome of the
Partition was a success for them.
Express the on-going conflict and violence
that was prevalent throughout India and
from an article on EBSCO: Partition The
Human Cost; show evidence as to why the
Partition was unnecessary.

Focus on the Muslim perspective, if they

were for or against Partition.
Present evidence supporting their views and
also whether or not the outcome of the
Partition was a success for them.
Compare the Muslim view to the Hindu view
and evaluate whether or not the Partition
was the necessary solution, based upon
their differing perspectives. Highlight any
prejudices and hatred between the several
races and religions that formed India.

Sum up evidence.
From evidence supported throughout body
paragraphs, make a clear judgment as to
whether or not you agree/disagree with
question.