Partition, Migration and Refugee Settlement in Punjab: Refocusing on the Ethos of Sir Francis Mudie’s Governance

Sir Robert Francis Mudie, the Governor of the West Punjab from 15 August 1947 to 2 August 1949, has been lauded as an able governor of Punjab whose work in resettling refugees was considered exemplary.The article analyzes his unique ethos that played a critical role in deciding the fate of the refugees. First, the article looks at his early career in UP, where he witnesses Hindu extremism and cow vigilantism, and the role it had played in shaping his psyche. Then, through a myriad of theoretical lenses, namely Constantine Fasolt and AmartyaSen, we study the archival evidence in fresh light. Using two case studies, Mudie, we argue, had both simplified and distorted Jinnah’s vision of Pakistan, and had turned refugee issue in Punjab to an ambivalent project, lacking in any compassion. Today, the political climate in India may justify some of Mudie’s fears, however, his gross stereotyping of the Hindus and Sikhs still remains problematic.