Part of: Meghalaya Gk set 6

When did the large scale migration to Shillong took place?

Category: Meghalaya Gk

Hint: Consider the impact of the partition on population movements.

Correct Answer: B) Following the partition.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The large-scale migration to Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a significant historical event that occurred following the partition of India in 1947. The partition of India was a pivotal moment in the subcontinent's history, leading to the creation of two separate nations: India and Pakistan. This event resulted in massive population movements as people sought safety and stability in the newly formed countries.

Shillong, located in the northeastern part of India, experienced a substantial influx of migrants following the partition. The primary reason for this migration was the religious and political turmoil that ensued after the partition. Many people, particularly from the Muslim community, moved to Pakistan, while others, including Hindus and Sikhs, moved to India. Shillong, being a relatively safe and stable region, became a destination for many migrants seeking refuge.

The migration to Shillong was not a pre-partition event. Prior to 1947, the region was under British colonial rule, and while there were some population movements due to colonial policies and economic factors, these were not on the scale seen after the partition. The partition of India in 1947 marked a turning point, leading to a large-scale migration to Shillong as people sought to escape the violence and instability that followed the creation of the new borders.

Understanding the historical context of the partition and its impact on population movements is crucial to comprehending the migration to Shillong. The partition led to significant demographic changes across the subcontinent, and Shillong was one of the many regions that experienced these changes. The migration to Shillong following the partition is a well-documented historical event that reflects the broader social and political upheaval of the time.

It is important to note that while the partition of India in 1947 was a significant event, it is not the only factor that influenced population movements in the region. However, in the context of Shillong, the large-scale migration is most closely associated with the post-partition period. This migration had long-lasting effects on the demographics and culture of Shillong, shaping the city's development in the decades that followed.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because the large-scale migration to Shillong did not occur before the partition. The significant population movement to Shillong was a direct consequence of the partition of India in 1947.
  • Option B: This option is correct. The large-scale migration to Shillong took place following the partition of India in 1947, as a result of the religious and political upheaval that led to significant population movements across the newly formed borders.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect because the migration to Shillong was specifically a post-partition event and not a pre-partition event. The timing of the migration is well-documented and does not encompass both periods.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because the large-scale migration to Shillong did indeed occur following the partition, making this option a misstatement of the historical facts.

Mnemonic: Partition = Post-1947 = Shillong migration

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