Empire 282. Partition: The Birth of The Kashmir Conflict (Part 5)
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Aug 18, 2025 In this enlightening discussion, Sam Dalrymple, author of *Shattered Lands*, delves into the tumultuous partition of the princely states in British India. He unpacks the critical choices made by rulers in 1947 and their lasting impact on modern borders. The conversation also explores the historical significance of Qalat and the refugee crisis in Hyderabad. Dalrymple highlights how the Kashmir conflict and Balochistan's struggles are rooted in this chaotic past, shedding light on the enduring consequences of colonial divisions.
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Princely States Shaped Most Borders
- The princely states' decisions determined over 80% of the India-Pakistan land border beyond Radcliffe's line.
- Their separate, non-religious negotiations created a second, distinct partition process in 1947.
Accession Followed Interest, Not Faith
- Princes generally negotiated based on advantage, not religion, often seeking the best offer from India or Pakistan.
- Large areas like parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Balochistan were missing from maps at independence because accession was unresolved.
Maps Lagged Behind Political Reality
- Neither India nor Pakistan wanted to accept fully independent princely states and therefore delayed printing accurate maps.
- This left many populations uncertain about which authority would govern them after Independence.
