Partition in India and Pakistan
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- Start Date: 12 Jul 2025End Date: 12 Jul 2025Sat (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonFull fee £49.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £32.00
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What is the course about?
In August 1947 British India was partitioned to create two independent countries, India and Pakistan. This partition resulted in an estimated one million deaths and the largest migration of people in modern history. What were the forces which led to the Partition of India in 1947? What were the political and cultural factors that precipitated this ground-breaking event? When did they emerge and accordingly, when did partition begin? In this course we will use different mediums to think about the impact of Partition and Independence on communities and individuals in South Asia. In doing so, we will recognize the continuing role played by these events and experiences in shaping the cultural, social, and political realities of contemporary South Asia.
What will we cover?
- An understanding of the significance of the partition of India as an event in modern history
- The discussions amongst historians and revisionist histories of partition
- Histories and pre-histories of communalism and nationalism in South Asia
- How did partition occur at an cultural and political level
- Look at some of the key figures of partition and their approach to partition in twentieth century India
- Histories of British imperial policy, Muslim separatism and various forms of Indian nationalism
- The after effects of partition.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• The ability to explain and recognise the causes and consequences of the partition of India in 1947
• An understanding of the historical complexities of the concerns which drove the process of decolonisation in the Indian subcontinent
• An understanding of the emergence of communal conflict in the Indian subcontinent and its ramifications.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is introductory and everyone is welcome. No prior knowledge is necessary but a good grasp of English, an open mind, and a willingness to listen to different views are all that is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
PowerPoint will be used to illustrate key points and then we will be reading and discussing contemporary sources (in translation). You will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment. Occasionally reading outside the class will be encouraged with a worksheet to complete, but is not obligatory.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring a pen and paper, or digital equivalents, for making notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HWH172 India and Pakistan: The histories, memories and legacies of Partition.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.