Preface To 'The Partition Of The Punjab' By Kirpal Singh

The partition of Punjab is a unique event because it was followed by a large scale mass migrations unprecedented in the history of mankind. I spent a number of years in the study of this significant event. When I visited England in 1964 and interviewed important personages connected with partition of Punjab- 1947 (enlisted in the Preface of the first edition) the records of the period were not open to the scholars. Soon after the limit to release the records was reduced to thirty years. Consequently the British Government decided to publish the selected records in the form of Transfer of Power 1942-194 7 series in twelve volumes, the last of which was published in 1983. I planned to visit England in 1983 to consult the newly released records in connec­tion with the project ''Select Documents on Partition of Punjab- 1947." This gave me an opportunity to consult huge India Office Records relating to partition of the Punjab. I was also allowed access to the Mountbatten Papers preserved in Broadlands Archives, Ramsay I was able to locate the private papers of Lord Ismay, Sir Francis Mudie, Sir Evan Jenkins and Major J.M. Short whom 1 had the privilege to interview in 1964.

The text of the Partition of Punjab has been subjected to revision in the light of newly released records. At places more details have been furnished and some of the opinions revised. At a number of places footnotes have been added or replaced. Bibliography has been improved. Epilogue has been added discussing some controversial issues. For more details regarding the controversial issues it would be advisable for the readers to consult my "Select Documents on Partition of Punjab-1947'' which is being published separately.