Partition's Puzzle: How India and Pakistan Divided Assets, Including an Elephant

In 1947, the end of British rule in India led to the momentous Partition of the subcontinent into India and Pakistan. This historical event not only reshaped the map but also necessitated the division of myriad assets between the two newly formed nations. Among these assets were money, military forces, and even an elephant named Joymoni, who became a symbol of the partition’s complexity.

Seventy-seven years ago, India gained independence from British rule. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s unforgettable words rang out: “Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny. Now the time has come when we shall redeem our pledge — not wholly or in full measure — but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.”

This newfound freedom was accompanied by the challenge of dividing British India’s assets. To accomplish this, Sir Cyril Radcliffe, a British lawyer, was tasked with drawing the borders that would delineate India and Pakistan. Historical accounts suggest that Radcliffe’s approach involved simply “drawing a line over the map”, a method that left much to be resolved beyond the geographical split.

Formation of the Partition Council

On June 16, 1947, the Punjab Partition Committee was established by Governor-General Jenkins, working closely with Lord Mountbatten and other officials. Its role was to oversee the division of finances, military forces, and senior administrative services. The committee, later known as the Partition Council, included notable figures such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Rajendra Prasad representing the Congress, while the All-India Muslim League was represented by Liaquat Ali Khan and Abdur Rab Nishtar, who was later replaced by Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Anwesha Sengupta, in her report “Breaking up: Dividing assets between India and Pakistan in the times of Partition”, notes that the Partition Council had only 70 days to complete the partition. This incredibly tight timeline required a swift and efficient division of all departmental assets and financial obligations.

Military Division

One of the most challenging tasks was the partition of the military forces. Approximately two-thirds of the military personnel remained in India, while one-third were allocated to Pakistan. Reports indicate that around 260,000 soldiers, mostly Hindus and Sikhs, were stationed in India, whereas Pakistan received about 140,000 soldiers, predominantly Muslims. The Brigade of Gurkhas was divided between India and Britain, while other units were reallocated. For instance, the 19th Lancers in Pakistan swapped their Jat and Sikh troops with Muslim soldiers from Skinner’s Horse in India.

British officers, including General Sir Robert Lockhart and General Sir Frank Messervy, stayed behind to assist with the transition. Their emotional departure was marked by profound sorrow, as reflected in one officer’s poignant recollection: “The awful thought was that I was leaving India in those circumstances… and leaving Skinner’s Horse people behind.”

Financial Settlement

Dividing financial assets was another significant challenge. According to the Partition agreement, Pakistan was allocated 17.5% of the assets and liabilities of British India. Initially, both nations used the same central bank, but tensions led to a quicker split. The Reserve Bank of India and Pakistan continued to use the existing currency until March 31, 1948, after which new notes and coins were introduced in Pakistan.

Despite these arrangements, complications persisted. India initially paid Pakistan Rs 20 crore on August 15, 1947, but a further Rs 75 crore payment was delayed due to Pakistan’s involvement in Kashmir. Mahatma Gandhi’s intervention, through a fast, led to the payment being honoured on January 15, 1948, despite opposition from Sardar Patel. Disputes over financial settlements linger, with both countries claiming the other owes money.

Division of Other Assets

Beyond finances and military assets, the Partition Council also divided other moveable assets. Office furniture, stationery, and even lightbulbs were allocated based on an 80-20 ratio. Antiquities, such as a gold-plated buggy once used by the Viceroy of India, were also contested, with India ultimately winning the ownership through a coin toss.

The division extended to animals as well. Joymoni, an elephant from the Forest Department of colonial Bengal, became a notable example. Valued equivalently to a station wagon, Joymoni was supposed to be divided between West and East Bengal. Disputes over her location and cost eventually reached diplomatic circles, illustrating the complex nature of asset division.

The partition of India and Pakistan was a monumental task fraught with challenges. From dividing military forces and financial assets to negotiating over moveable items and even an elephant, the process was akin to “unscrambling scrambled eggs”. Despite the difficulties, the division was completed, shaping the future of two nations.

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