The partition of British India in 1947, which created the new state of Pakistan, was carried out primarily on the basis of which principle?

Introduction / Context:
The partition of British India in 1947 is one of the most significant events in modern South Asian history. It led to the creation of two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, and was accompanied by large scale migration and violence. This question asks about the main principle on which the partition was executed, which is an essential theme in history and polity examinations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The year is 1947, marking the end of British rule in India.
• The question is about the primary basis of division.
• Several possible principles are suggested in the options.

Concept / Approach:
The key concept behind partition was the two nation theory, which argued that Hindus and Muslims formed separate nations and therefore should have separate states. Boundaries were drawn largely according to the religious majorities in different districts, leading to the creation of West Pakistan and East Pakistan from Muslim majority areas of British India. Other factors existed but were secondary to this primary religious principle.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the demand for Pakistan was made by the Muslim League on the basis of separate nationhood for Muslims. Step 2: Understand that the Boundary Commissions drew borders largely based on where Hindus or Muslims formed a majority. Step 3: Note that land disputes, administration, and economics played smaller roles and did not form the main guiding principle. Step 4: Observe that language based state reorganisation in India took place later, primarily from 1956 onwards. Step 5: Therefore, the correct answer must refer to religious lines.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by remembering that Punjab and Bengal were divided into two parts based on religious composition. District level religious statistics from the census were used to decide whether a particular area would fall into India or Pakistan. This confirms that religion was the key criterion rather than language or purely administrative convenience.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, land disputes, did not serve as the main organising principle. Option C, administrative convenience, was actually disrupted by partition rather than guiding it. Option D, economic differences, influenced politics but were not the official basis for drawing boundaries. Option E is wrong because language based reorganisation came later within the independent Indian Union, not at the time of partition.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse later linguistic reorganisation with the earlier religious partition. Others may think that administrative convenience guided the British, but in reality the drawing of new borders created many administrative difficulties. Always link partition in 1947 with the two nation theory and religious majority lines.

Final Answer:
The partition of British India in 1947 was carried out primarily on the basis of religious lines separating largely Hindu and Muslim majority areas.