2.1.9 Mention the areas and princely states that became part of
Pakistan in 1947

Areas and Princely States that Became Part of Pakistan in 1947

Introduction

On 14 August 1947, Pakistan emerged as an independent state as a result of the partition of British India. The new country consisted of territories that had Muslim-majority populations and chose to join Pakistan under the provisions of the Indian Independence Act 1947.

Pakistan was created in two geographically separate regions:

• West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan)
• East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh)

In addition to British Indian provinces, several princely states also acceded to Pakistan after independence. The inclusion of these areas helped shape the territorial boundaries of the new state.

Provinces that Became Part of Pakistan

At independence, Pakistan consisted of Muslim-majority areas from British India1. West Punjab

Punjab was divided between Pakistan and India by the Boundary Commission.

Areas Included in Pakistan

The western Muslim-majority districts became part of Pakistan.

Important cities included:

• Lahore
• Multan
• Rawalpindi
• Gujranwala
• Sialkot
• Faisalabad (Lyallpur)

Importance

West Punjab became the most populous province of Pakistan and played a central role in agriculture, administration, and economic development.

2. Sindh

Sindh became part of Pakistan as a whole province.

Major Cities

• Karachi
• Hyderabad
• Sukkur
• Larkana

Importance

Karachi served as the first capital of Pakistan and was the country’s main seaport.

Sindh provided Pakistan with access to the Arabian Sea, which was essential for trade and communication.

3. North-West Frontier Province (NWFP)

The North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) joined Pakistan after a referendum held in July 1947.

Major Cities

• Peshawar
• Mardan
• Kohat
• Dera Ismail Khan

Importance

The province had a strategic location along the north-western border and served as an important gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

4. British Balochistan

British Balochistan became part of Pakistan in 1947.

Important Areas

• Quetta
• Zhob
• Sibi
• Chaman

Importance

Balochistan was the largest province in terms of area and possessed significant mineral resources and strategic importance.

5. East Bengal (East Pakistan)

The eastern Muslim-majority part of Bengal became part of Pakistan and was known as East Pakistan.

Major Cities

• Dhaka
• Chittagong
• Mymensingh
• Rajshahi

Importance

East Pakistan contained a large population and was an important centre for agriculture, particularly the production of jute and rice.

In 1971, East Pakistan became the independent state of Bangladesh.

Princely States that Became Part of Pakistan

Besides British Indian provinces, several princely states acceded to Pakistan.

A princely state was a territory ruled by a local ruler under British supervision. At partition, these states were given the option to join either Pakistan or India.

1. Bahawalpur

Background

Bahawalpur was one of the largest princely states in the subcontinent.

It was ruled by Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V.

Accession to Pakistan

Bahawalpur acceded to Pakistan on 5 October 1947.

Importance

• It was one of the first princely states to join Pakistan.
• The Nawab provided financial and administrative support to the new country.
• Bahawalpur later became part of West Pakistan in 1955.

2. Khairpur

Background

Khairpur was a princely state located in Sindh.

It was ruled by the Talpur Mirs.

Accession to Pakistan

Khairpur joined Pakistan in October 1947.

Importance

The state contributed to the territorial unity of Sindh and supported the new Pakistani state.

3. Swat

Background

Swat was a princely state located in the north-western region.

It was ruled by the Wali of Swat.

Accession to Pakistan

Swat acceded to Pakistan in 1947.

Importance

Swat became known for its administrative efficiency, educational reforms, and scenic beauty.

It was fully integrated into Pakistan in 1969.

4. Dir

Background

Dir was a princely state situated in the north-western mountainous region.

Accession

Dir joined Pakistan after independence.

Importance

Its accession strengthened Pakistan’s control over the north-western frontier region.

5. Chitral

Background

Chitral was located in the northern mountainous region bordering Afghanistan.

Accession

The ruler of Chitral decided to join Pakistan in 1947.

Importance

The state held strategic importance because of its location near important mountain passes.

6. Amb

Background

Amb was a small princely state located in present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Accession

It acceded to Pakistan after independence.

Importance

Its accession further consolidated Pakistan’s territorial integrity.

Kalat and Other Baloch States

State of Kalat

Kalat was one of the most important princely states in Balochistan.

Initially, there were negotiations regarding its future status.

Eventually, Kalat joined Pakistan in 1948.

Importance

The accession of Kalat significantly increased Pakistan’s territorial area and strengthened its western borders.

Other Baloch States

The following states also became part of Pakistan:

• Kharan
• Las Bela
• Makran

These states acceded to Pakistan and later became part of Balochistan.

Areas that Did Not Become Part of Pakistan

Some Muslim-majority areas did not become part of Pakistan.

Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir had a Muslim-majority population but did not immediately accede to Pakistan.

Its future became the subject of dispute between Pakistan and India.

The Kashmir issue remains unresolved and continues to affect relations between the two countries.

Hyderabad Deccan

Hyderabad was a large princely state ruled by a Muslim Nizam but surrounded by Indian territory.

The state was eventually annexed by India in 1948 and did not become part of Pakistan.

Importance of the Accession of These Areas

The accession of provinces and princely states was important because:

Formation of a Viable State

These territories provided Pakistan with sufficient population, resources, and geographical area to function as an independent country.

Strategic Importance

Regions such as NWFP, Balochistan, Chitral, and Swat strengthened Pakistan’s strategic position.

Economic Development

Punjab, Sindh, and East Bengal contributed agricultural resources, industries, and trade opportunities.

National Integration

The accession of princely states helped unite diverse regions under one national government

Conclusion

At independence in 1947, Pakistan consisted of West Punjab, Sindh, North-West Frontier Province, British Balochistan, and East Bengal. In addition, several princely states including Bahawalpur, Khairpur, Swat, Dir, Chitral, Amb, and later Kalat, Kharan, Las Bela, and Makran became part of Pakistan. These provinces and princely states provided the territorial foundation of the new country and played an important role in its political, economic, and strategic development.

Quick Revision

Exam Question

Which provinces and princely states became part of Pakistan in 1947?

Pakistan initially consisted of West Punjab, Sindh, North-West Frontier Province, British Balochistan, and East Bengal. Several princely states also joined Pakistan, including Bahawalpur, Khairpur, Swat, Dir, Chitral, Amb, and later Kalat, Kharan, Las Bela, and Makran. These territories formed the geographical foundation of the new state of Pakistan.

2.1.10 locate the areas awarded to Pakistan by Boundary Commission on map of South Asia;

Areas Awarded to Pakistan by the Boundary Commission (1947)

Introduction

When British India was partitioned in 1947, the Boundary Commission, headed by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, was given the responsibility of drawing the boundaries between Pakistan and India. The commission worked mainly in the provinces of Punjab and Bengal, where both Muslims and non-Muslims lived in large numbers.

The final decision, known as the Radcliffe Award, determined which areas would become part of Pakistan and which would become part of India.

Understanding the areas awarded to Pakistan helps students understand the territorial formation of Pakistan and the challenges faced during partition.

What Was the Boundary Commission?

The Boundary Commission was established in June 1947 under the 3rd June Plan.

Its main responsibility was to:

• Divide Punjab between Pakistan and India.
• Divide Bengal between Pakistan and India.
• Draw new international boundaries.

The commission generally considered:

• Religious majority.
• Administrative convenience.
• Communication and transport links.
• Economic factors.

The final award was announced on 17 August 1947.

Areas Awarded to Pakistan in Punjab

The western Muslim-majority districts of Punjab became part of Pakistan.

Major Districts Awarded to Pakistan

Lahore District

• Lahore became part of Pakistan.
• It later became the capital of Punjab Province.

Gujranwala District

• Important agricultural and industrial region.

Sheikhupura District

• Located northwest of Lahore.

Sialkot District

• Important commercial and industrial centre.

Gujrat District

• Known for agriculture and trade.

Rawalpindi District

• Became an important military and administrative centre.

Jhelum District

• Located in northern Punjab.

Attock District

• Strategic district connecting Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Mianwali District

• Located in western Punjab.

Sargodha District

• Major agricultural region.

Lyallpur District (Now Faisalabad)

• Important agricultural and industrial city.

Montgomery District (Now Sahiwal)

• Fertile agricultural region.

Multan District

• Historic city and trading centre.

Muzaffargarh District

• Located between the Chenab and Indus rivers.

Dera Ghazi Khan District

• Important district in southern Punjab.

Jhang District

• Agricultural region in central Punjab.

Areas Awarded to Pakistan in Bengal

The eastern Muslim-majority districts of Bengal became part of Pakistan and formed East Bengal (East Pakistan).

In 1971, East Pakistan became Bangladesh.

Major Districts Awarded to Pakistan

Dacca (Dhaka)

• Became the capital of East Pakistan.

Chittagong

• Major seaport.

Mymensingh

• Important agricultural region.

Rajshahi

• Major administrative centre.

Bogra

• Agricultural district.

Noakhali

• Coastal district.

Tippera (Comilla)

• Important commercial region.

Pabna

• Agricultural district.

Faridpur

• Located in central East Bengal.

Jessore (Most Parts)

• Important district near the India-Pakistan border.

Khulna

• Awarded to Pakistan despite having a slight non-Muslim majority because of geographical and economic considerations.

Other Territories Forming Pakistan

Besides the areas awarded through the Boundary Commission, Pakistan also included:

Sindh

• Karachi
• Hyderabad
• Sukkur
• Larkana

North-West Frontier Province (NWFP)

• Joined Pakistan through a referendum.

British Balochistan

• Became part of Pakistan in 1947.

These areas were not divided by the Boundary Commission because they already had clear political arrangements.

Areas Commonly Highlighted on a Map

When locating Boundary Commission awards on a map of South Asia, focus on:

In Present-Day Pakistan

Punjab Region

✓ Lahore
✓ Gujranwala
✓ Sialkot
✓ Gujrat
✓ Rawalpindi
✓ Jhelum
✓ Faisalabad (Lyallpur)
✓ Multan
✓ Sahiwal (Montgomery)
✓ Dera Ghazi Khan

East Bengal (Present-Day Bangladesh)

✓ Dhaka
✓ Chittagong
✓ Rajshahi
✓ Mymensingh
✓ Khulna
✓ Comilla

Important Areas Not Awarded to Pakistan

To understand the controversy surrounding the Radcliffe Award, students should also know some important areas that were awarded to India.

Gurdaspur

Most of Gurdaspur was awarded to India.

Ferozepur

Awarded to India despite its strategic importance.

Amritsar

Awarded to India.

Pakistan believed these decisions were unfair and contrary to its expectations.

How to Locate These Areas on a Map

When studying a map of South Asia:

Step 1

Locate present-day Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Step 2

Identify Punjab in western Pakistan.

Mark:

• Lahore
• Faisalabad
• Rawalpindi
• Multan
• Sialkot

Step 3

Locate present-day Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan).

Mark:

• Dhaka
• Chittagong
• Rajshahi
• Khulna
• Comilla

Step 4

Locate important border districts:

• Amritsar (India)
• Gurdaspur (India)
• Lahore (Pakistan)

These areas help explain the decisions of the Boundary Commission.

Significance of the Areas Awarded to Pakistan

Agricultural Importance

Punjab and East Bengal contained fertile agricultural land that supported Pakistan’s economy.

Strategic Importance

Cities such as Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Chittagong were strategically important for administration, defence, and trade.

Population

The awarded areas contained large Muslim-majority populations, which was the primary basis for partition

Formation of Pakistan

These territories formed the geographical foundation of the new state of Pakistan.

Conclusion

The Boundary Commission awarded the western Muslim-majority districts of Punjab and the eastern Muslim-majority districts of Bengal to Pakistan. Important areas included Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, and Khulna. These territories became the core regions of Pakistan at independence in 1947. Understanding their location on the map of South Asia helps students understand how Pakistan was formed and why the Boundary Commission remains an important topic in the history of partition.

Quick Revision

Areas Awarded to Pakistan in Punjab

• Lahore
• Gujranwala
• Sialkot
• Gujrat
• Rawalpindi
• Jhelum
• Faisalabad (Lyallpur)
• Multan
• Sahiwal (Montgomery)
• Dera Ghazi Khan

Areas Awarded to Pakistan in Bengal

• Dhaka
• Chittagong
• Rajshahi
• Mymensingh
• Khulna
• Comilla

Areas Awarded to India

• Amritsar
• Gurdaspur (mostly)
• Ferozepur

Exam Question

Which major areas were awarded to Pakistan by the Boundary Commission in 1947?

The Boundary Commission awarded the western Muslim-majority districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, and Sialkot, and the eastern Muslim-majority districts of Bengal, including Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, and Khulna, to Pakistan. These regions formed the territorial basis of Pakistan at independence.

2.1.11 Construct a timeline to depict the political developments from1940 to 1947 with reference to Pakistan Movement;

Timeline

1940 – Pakistan Resolution

23 March 1940

The All-India Muslim League held its annual session at Lahore.

Under the leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the League passed the Pakistan Resolution, which stated that Muslims were a separate nation and should have independent states in Muslim-majority areas.

Importance

• Marked the beginning of the demand for Pakistan.
• Provided a clear political goal for Muslims.
• Became the foundation of the Pakistan Movement.

1942 – Cripps Mission

March 1942

The British government sent Sir Stafford Cripps to India to seek support during World War II.

He proposed constitutional reforms and promised self-government after the war.

Importance

• Congress and the Muslim League rejected the proposals.
• Demonstrated that constitutional issues remained unresolved.
• Strengthened Muslim demands for separate political rights.

1944 – Gandhi-Jinnah Talks

September 1944

Mahatma Gandhi and Muhammad Ali Jinnah held discussions regarding India’s political future.

Importance

• Gandhi opposed partition.
• Jinnah insisted on the recognition of Muslims as a separate nation.
• Talks failed, increasing political differences between Congress and the Muslim League.

1945 – Simla Conference

June–July 1945

The British government invited Indian leaders to Simla to discuss constitutional arrangements.

Importance

• Muslim League demanded the right to nominate all Muslim representatives.
• Congress opposed this demand.
• Conference ended without agreement.

1945–46 – General Elections

The British government held elections for central and provincial legislatures.

Results

• Muslim League won about 90% of Muslim seats.
• Congress dominated non-Muslim constituencies.

Importance

• Demonstrated Muslim support for the Muslim League.
• Strengthened Jinnah’s claim that the League represented Indian Muslims.
• Increased support for Pakistan.

1946 – Cabinet Mission Plan

March 1946

A British delegation known as the Cabinet Mission arrived in India.

The mission proposed:

• A united India.
• A federal system.
• Provincial autonomy.

Importance

• Initially accepted by both parties.
• Later disagreements led to its failure.
• Increased support for partition.

16 August 1946 – Direct Action Day

The Muslim League announced Direct Action Day to demonstrate Muslim determination to achieve Pakistan.

Importance

• Showed Muslim commitment to the Pakistan demand.
• Increased pressure on Britain to find a solution.
• Highlighted the growing political divide.

1946 – Interim Government

An Interim Government was established under Congress leadership.

Importance

• Muslim League initially refused participation.
• Political tensions increased.
• Strengthened Muslim concerns about their future in a united India.

3 June 1947 – 3rd June Plan

British Prime Minister Clement Attlee’s government approved a partition plan.

Lord Mountbatten announced the plan on 3 June 1947.

Importance

• Accepted the partition of India.
• Provided the framework for the creation of Pakistan.
• Decided that power would be transferred quickly.

July 1947 – Indian Independence Act

The British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act 1947.

Importance

• Legally created Pakistan and India.
• Ended British rule in the subcontinent.
• Determined the date of independence.

August 1947 – Boundary Commission Award

The Boundary Commission, headed by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, drew the borders between Pakistan and India.

Importance

• Divided Punjab and Bengal.
• Led to migration and refugee movements.
• Created disputes over certain territories.

14 August 1947 – Creation of Pakistan

Pakistan emerged as an independent state on 14 August 1947.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah became the first Governor-General of Pakistan.

Importance

• Fulfilled the demand of the Pakistan Movement.
• Marked the end of British colonial rule in Pakistan.
• Established a homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent.

Conclusion

Between 1940 and 1947, a series of important political developments transformed the demand for Muslim rights into the creation of Pakistan. The Pakistan Resolution, constitutional negotiations, elections, Cabinet Mission Plan, 3rd June Plan, and Indian Independence Act all played significant roles in the success of the Pakistan Movement. These events ultimately led to the establishment of Pakistan on 14 August 1947, fulfilling the aspirations of millions of Muslims in the subcontinent.

Quick Revision Timeline

1940 → Pakistan Resolution
1942 → Cripps Mission
1944 → Gandhi-Jinnah Talks
1945 → Simla Conference
1945–46 → General Elections
1946 → Cabinet Mission Plan
1946 → Direct Action Day
1946 → Interim Government
1947 → 3rd June Plan
1947 → Indian Independence Act
1947 → Boundary Commission Award
14 August 1947 → Pakistan Created