CITY IN TRANSIT: CROSS-MIGRATION IN LAHORE DURING PARTITION OF INDIA

Abstract

Cross-Migration in its processes as a historical phenomenon is the least studied topic in partition literature. At the time of the partition of India, the exodus of non-Muslims from Lahore was considered a short-term phenomenon, as population transfer was not officially considered. However, that assumption of temporary phenomenon proved wrong sooner than later. We hold that different concerned quarters/parties were seeing this possibility according to their perspective i.e. official perspective, both Lahore based and high political elite. Due to the unanticipated course of events, certain crucial steps were taken haphazardly, not synchronizing with the requirements of the ground situation. This paper attempts to study the reasons behind this transformation in the policies adopted by governments in the changing dynamics of the situation. It is found that amidst the confusion regarding the social definition of displacement of the people, authorities realized that certain specified measures should have been adopted to transfer the people accordingly.