Punjab, often remembered in popular discourse for its profound connection to Partition, has a far richer and more complex history. From the days of its annexation by the British in 1849 to the post-colonial reorganization that shaped modern India, Punjab’s story is a compelling narrative of resilience, cultural vibrancy, and political evolution. This journey, however, extends beyond its own borders, intertwining with the histories of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Through territorial changes, linguistic movements, and the demands of the people, Punjab's story reflects the larger process of state formation in India.
A popular Punjabi saying encapsulates the spirit of Punjab’s vibrant and enduring legacy:
"ਜੇ ਸੌ ਵਾਰ ਵੀ ਸਿੰਜਦਾ ਪੈਂਦਾ ਹੋਵੇ, ਸਾਨੂੰ ਆਪਣੀ ਮਿੱਟੀ ਨੂੰ ਹਰ ਵੇਲੇ ਤਿਆਰ ਮਿਲਦਾ ਹੈ।"
(Je sau vaar vi sinjda painda hove, sanoon apni mitti nu har vele tayaar milda hai. Even if we need to water it a hundred times, we are always ready for our land.)
This quote symbolizes the deep connection Punjabis have with their homeland, a bond that has sustained them through the upheavals of history, and continues to define their spirit of endurance and strength today.
The story of Punjab is deeply linked with the history of Partition, but its journey of state formation extends beyond this, encompassing both colonial and post-colonial India. This narrative also involves the creation of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, highlighting the intricate political and cultural transformations that led to the shaping of these states. The process of state formation in this region presents a rich and fascinating tale.
Following the Second Anglo-Sikh War, the British East India Company annexed the Sikh Empire. This marked the end of the sovereign rule of the Sikh monarchs and the beginning of direct British administration. The annexation was formalized with the Treaty of Lahore.
1872-1911: Restructuring
From 1872 to 1947, Punjab's district landscape underwent notable changes owing to historical events, administrative reconfigurations, and the Partition of India. The British colonial administration initially structured Punjab's districts based on administrative convenience rather than cultural or linguistic affinities.
1881: Districts and Princely States
In the 1880s, the Indian side of Punjab had 15 British districts and 18 princely states (the actual number being 29, with many smaller states on the Himachal side merging into larger states or districts for administrative purposes). Delhi was part of Punjab until 1911. Except for Sirsa merging with Hissar, there were no district changes until 1911.
1911-1921: Delhi Separated from Punjab
Due to the nationalist movement that swept through Bengal in the early 1900s, especially after the partition of Bengal by Curzon, it was felt that Calcutta would not offer stability to the empire. The historic decision to shift the capital to New Delhi happened during the Durbar of 1911, with New Delhi officially named in 1927.
1920s: Scattered Borders of Princely States in Punjab
The borders of Punjab and its princely states frequently intersected. For example, Kapurthala state formed two separate enclaves within the Jullundur district, and accessing Kangra required traversing through multiple hill states. Two distinct agencies in the Political Department managed the Punjab states (primarily salute states) and the Punjab Hill states (most of which were non-salute states).
Indian Independence and Partition (1947)
Punjab's map was drastically redefined after Independence. The wealthy Punjab Province was divided into West Punjab (Muslim-dominant, part of Pakistan) and East Punjab (Hindu-dominant, part of India) by the Radcliffe Line, leading to extensive demographic shifts, mass migrations, and the creation of new administrative units.
1947-1950: Post-Partition Violence and Territorial Consolidation
The partition led to intense communal violence, with deaths estimated between 500,000 to 800,000 and the migration of about 10 million people across the Punjab border. Sikhs, previously a minority, migrated in large numbers to East Punjab, leading to the creation of three distinct geographical regions. The East Punjab Hill States were consolidated into Himachal Pradesh, and Bilaspur acceded to India. The Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) was formed, with Patiala as the largest princely state.
1947-1950: Accession of Princely States
In 1948, the East Punjab Hill States acceded to India, leading to the formation of Himachal Pradesh under central administration. Bilaspur joined later, aiding the Bhakra Dam development, and merged with Himachal Pradesh in 1954. The PEPSU included five areas within East Punjab, with Patiala and Kapurthala at its helm.
Demand for a Consolidated Punjab
In April 1948, Master Tara Singh of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) demanded a 'Punjabi Suba' with Sikh-majority northwestern districts. SAD, founded in 1920, is Punjab's oldest and India's second oldest political party (after the INC). Attempts to form a government in PEPSU failed initially due to political contention between the INC and SAD, representing Hindu and Sikh interests respectively, each wanting their own Premier. This led to a caretaker government until early 1949 when a ministry was finally formed with independent politician Sardar Gyan Singh Rarewala as Premier.
Need for a New Capital for Punjab
With Lahore in Pakistan post-partition, India needed a new capital for Punjab. In 1948, PM Nehru highlighted the need for new cities for refugees, leading to the decision to build Chandigarh as Punjab's new capital. Chandigarh was envisioned as a symbol of India's future and a blend of Indian and international influences.
1953: Shifting of Capital from Shimla to Chandigarh
The development of Chandigarh was guided by both Indian and foreign planners, including Le Corbusier. Despite protests from displaced farmers, the capital officially moved from Shimla to Chandigarh on September 21, 1953.
1949–1956: The Second Movement for Consolidated Punjab
In 1949, to counter the SAD's Punjabi Suba demand, the INC introduced the Sachar Formula, dividing East Punjab into Punjabi and Hindi zones, which fueled linguistic and communal tensions. Despite reorganization proposals and the States Reorganisation Commission's rejection of a unilingual Punjabi state, a bilingual Punjab emerged in 1956 by merging Punjab and PEPSU, excluding Himachal Pradesh.
1960s: Third Movement for Consolidated Punjab
Disagreements over language and regional policies reignited the Punjabi Suba movement by 1960. Demands for a separate Haryana state also intensified, driven by the Haryana Lok Samiti and Arya Samaj, highlighting Hindi promotion and economic disparities with the Punjab government.
1960s: Third Movement for Consolidated Punjab
By 1964, changes in Congress leadership and Nehru's death led to a weakened opposition to the Punjabi Suba demand. In 1965, Sant Fateh Singh's faction gained control of the SGPC, strengthening their position in negotiations with Prime Minister Shastri. The 1965 India-Pakistan war underscored the Sikh community's role, prompting the government to consider Punjab's reorganization. By 1966, a parliamentary committee recognized the growing call for linguistic reorganization, setting the stage for the creation of Punjabi Suba and addressing regional aspirations, including Haryana's.
The Punjab Reorganisation Act of 1966 marked a significant milestone in India's state formation, coming into effect on November 1, 1966. This legislation created Haryana, derived from the Hindi-speaking southeastern plains, and established the Punjabi Suba, encompassing the Punjabi-speaking northwestern districts as the new state of Punjab. Additionally, Himachal Pradesh was designated as a union territory. The act designated Chandigarh as a union territory and the joint capital for both Punjab and Haryana, also housing the common high court for the three territories. This reorganization addressed the linguistic and regional aspirations of diverse communities, facilitating political unity and administrative efficiency while setting the foundation for future developments in the region.
Sources
Administrative Atlas of India (2011); Story of Integration of India - V P Menon.
Origin Story of India’s States (2020); We the People of the States of Bharat (2022);
White Paper on Indian States (1950);
Everchanging Borders of Punjab (Historical Geography of Punjab).
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