Significance of Partition

Partition, as described in the context of both Dharmashastra and Indian history, refers to the division of property or land among heirs, which can lead to disputes within families. In historical terms, Partition specifically denotes the 1947 division of British India into India and Pakistan, a cataclysmic event that caused immense demographic and social upheaval, resulting in violence and substantial human suffering. This dual meaning reflects both personal and national divisions, highlighting the complexities involved in both inheritance and collective histories.1
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Synonyms: Division, Section, Distribution, Separation, Fragmentation, Portion, Splitting, Segregation, Dividing, Apportionment

In Finnish: Osio; In Spanish: Dividir

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Partition'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Partition pertains to the division of inherited property among siblings, emphasizing both legal and familial aspects, and includes various considerations like favoritism, disputes, and the impact of individual circumstances on inheritance.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The act of dividing property or shares, particularly relevant in the context of inheritance when siblings or their offspring are involved.[1] (2) The process of dividing the property among the heirs, described in detail concerning how shares are allocated to brothers and sisters.[2] (3) The process of dividing property or possessions among siblings, specifically mentioned in the context of animal distribution.[3] (4) The distribution of property among siblings, which is affected if one brother is disqualified or dies.[4] (5) The act of dividing property or living arrangements among brothers, which is seen as conducive to spiritual merit.[5]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

The concept of Partition in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Partition" refers to the 1947 division of British India into India and Pakistan, causing immense human suffering, communal tensions, demographic shifts, and significant political and social upheaval in the region.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The division of a country that resulted in terrible problems and communal danger, which Reddy was against for the sake of peace.[6] (2) The event marking the division of India and Pakistan, after which Ahmed Bokhari organized citizens to support the new government.[7] (3) The division of British India into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, resulting in significant human suffering.[8] (4) The division of British India into two separate nations, India and Pakistan, leading to significant demographic and social upheaval.[9] (5) The division of British India into India and Pakistan in 1947, which intensified communal tensions and violence, leading to growing animosity towards Gandhi.[10]