No, Peshawar was not part of independent India. While it was historically part of the larger geographical and political entity known as British India (also referred to as the British Raj) before 1947, it became part of Pakistan upon the partition of British India.
A Journey Through Peshawar's Historical Allegiances
Understanding Peshawar's status requires a look at its rich history, particularly during and after British colonial rule.
British Raj and Peshawar
Before 1947, the term "India" often encompassed the entire subcontinent under British dominion. This vast territory, known as the British Raj, included regions that are now independent nations like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
- 1849: The city of Peshawar was captured by the East India Company.
- Subsequently: It became an integral part of the British Raj.
- Administration: Under British rule, Peshawar was a significant city in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), strategically important due to its location near the Khyber Pass.
During this period, many cities now in Pakistan were part of "British India," which was a single political entity. Therefore, to say Peshawar was part of "India" before 1947 means it was part of the British-administered territory, not the independent nation-state of India that formed later.
The Partition of 1947
The year 1947 marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Indian subcontinent. The British decided to grant independence, leading to the Partition of British India into two sovereign states:
- India: A secular republic with a Hindu majority.
- Pakistan: A new nation primarily for Muslims, divided into East and West Pakistan.
The geographical boundaries for these new nations were drawn based largely on religious demographics.
Peshawar's Integration into Pakistan
As part of the partition plan, the future of the North-West Frontier Province, where Peshawar is located, was decided through a referendum. The overwhelming majority voted to join Pakistan. Consequently:
- Peshawar became part of West Pakistan (which later became modern-day Pakistan).
- It served as the provincial capital of the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) within Pakistan.
Key Historical Milestones for Peshawar
| Event | Year | Description | Status Relative to "India" (broad sense) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capture by EIC | 1849 | East India Company takes control of Peshawar. | Part of British India |
| British Raj | 1849-1947 | Peshawar becomes a part of the vast British Indian Empire. | Part of British India |
| Partition of British India | 1947 | British India is divided into two independent nations: India and Pakistan. | Transitioning from British India |
| Independence of Pakistan | 1947 | Peshawar, as part of NWFP, formally accedes to Pakistan. | Part of Pakistan (not independent India) |
Conclusion
In summary, while Peshawar was part of the unified British India for nearly a century, it has never been a part of the independent Republic of India. Its destiny was sealed with the creation of Pakistan in 1947. Today, Peshawar remains a significant city within the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
