Question

How did partition affect life in Delhi?

Answer 1

Hint: The British India was divided into India and Pakistan in 1947. The partition was followed by migration of people from both sides. Hindus and Muslims from both sides were given the freedom to choose where they want to stay. The migration of people took many phases to complete on both sides.

Complete answer: The partition of British India led to a massive transfer of population. As a result, the population of Delhi increased, the type of jobs were changed and the culture of Delhi also changed. Soon riots spread in the city and Muslims were terrorized and forced to leave India and migrate to Pakistan, many houses were burned and looted. Muslims who left their houses were taken by Hindu and Sikh refugees, while many roam in the city in search of homes. Around two-thirds of the Muslim population of Delhi was forced to migrate. At the same time, Delhi became the city for refugees. New colonies like Tilak Nagar and Lajpat Nagar came up this time and stalls were set up to feed the migrants. People who migrated to India belonged to different occupations such as lawyers, teachers, landlords, traders etc. Partition forced them to change their lives and occupation. In order to earn their livelihood, they had to take up different jobs. While some prosper in their business and some not. The same fate was shared by those who migrated to Pakistan.

Note: It is the large population of Punjab that changed the culture, art, food etc of Delhi. The culture which was earlier based on Urdu overshadowed by the new taste and new people.