The Radcliffe Line, drawn at the time of India's independence, is the international border between which two countries listed in the options?

Introduction / Context:
This question examines knowledge of important international boundaries related to India. The Radcliffe Line is a historically significant border drawn during the partition of British India in 1947. It is frequently mentioned in history and geography text books and is a standard item in competitive examinations, especially in questions relating to independence and partition.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The line in question is named the Radcliffe Line.
• The question asks which two countries share this boundary.
• Options list India with China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nepal.
• We assume basic knowledge of the partition process and the creation of new states in 1947.

Concept / Approach:
The Radcliffe Line was drawn by Sir Cyril Radcliffe to demarcate the boundaries between India and the newly created state of Pakistan at the time of partition. It initially separated Punjab and Bengal between the two dominions. Although later political changes created Bangladesh as a separate country, the Radcliffe Line as a historical term refers specifically to the original India Pakistan boundary, not to later borders or other neighbouring states.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that in 1947 British India was partitioned into the dominions of India and Pakistan. Step 2: Remember that a boundary commission headed by Sir Cyril Radcliffe was appointed to draw the line that would separate these two new countries. Step 3: Note that the resulting boundary came to be known as the Radcliffe Line. Step 4: Compare this fact with the options and find which pair of countries best fits this description. Step 5: Select India and Pakistan as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
School history text books and standard references on Indian polity state clearly that the Radcliffe Line is the boundary between India and Pakistan. It is often mentioned together with other historically significant boundaries such as the Durand Line and McMahon Line, which relate to other regions and neighbours. Maps showing the political boundaries at the time of partition label the main new line between India and Pakistan as the Radcliffe Line. This repeated use across multiple sources confirms that India and Pakistan is the correct pair.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
India and China: Their disputed boundary is associated with names such as the McMahon Line in the eastern sector, not with the Radcliffe Line.
India and Bangladesh: While Bangladesh was once East Pakistan, the term Radcliffe Line historically describes the original India Pakistan border, not specifically the separate country of Bangladesh that emerged later.
India and Afghanistan: The Durand Line is associated with Afghanistan, separating it from British India and later Pakistan, not India directly in this context.
India and Nepal: There is no famous boundary called Radcliffe Line between India and Nepal, so this option is incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to associate Radcliffe Line with Bangladesh because part of the line ran through Bengal, which later became East Pakistan and then Bangladesh. However, the proper historical pairing remains India and Pakistan. Another pitfall is mixing up the various named lines: McMahon Line with China, Durand Line with Afghanistan, and Radcliffe Line with Pakistan. To avoid confusion, students should memorise each line along with its associated neighbour in a simple table.

Final Answer:
The Radcliffe Line is the international border between India and Pakistan.