Q. The Radcliffe Committee was appointed to

  • solve the problem of minorities in India
  • give effect to the Independence Bill
  • delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan
  • enquire into the riots in East Bengal

Answer: (c) delimit the boundaries between India and Pakistan

Notes:
  • The Radcliffe Committee was a commission appointed by the British to draw the border between India and Pakistan after World War II.
  • The committee was chaired by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, a British lawyer. The Radcliffe Line, named after Sir Cyril Radcliffe, is the border that separates India and Pakistan.
  • Outcome of the Radcliffe Commission:
    • The Radcliffe Award divided British India into two new countries, India and Pakistan.
    • The western part of Punjab and the western part of Bengal were awarded to Pakistan.
    • The eastern part of Punjab and the eastern part of Bengal were awarded to India.
    • The Radcliffe Award was controversial and led to widespread violence and displacement of people.
Radcliffe Line