INDIA-CHINA BOUNDARY PROBLEM, 1846-1947

Boundary issues have always occupied a central focus in the relations between India and China. Highlighting the role of history policy and diplomacy this book traces the origins and development of the India–China boundary problem during the British Raj. A.G. Noorani shows how British efforts to secure a defined boundary in the western sector began immediately after the creation of Jammu Kashmir in 1846. However in the eastern sector such an exercise began only sixtyfive years later when a Chinese threat was perceived. Examining the role of the bureaucracy and diplomatic negotiations the author presents a nuanced analysis of the treaties and conventions as well as internal debates between British officials on conflicting policies. Breaking new ground this book evaluates the relevance of the Indian Independence Act 1947 and explains how the diplomatic history in the last hundred years shaped the boundary problem between India and China. What was a problem aggravated into a dispute that erupted in 1959. The central thesis is that history had direct relevance to the shaping of a sound policy. Based on archival research and unpublished material this volume uses twentytwo appendices and fourteen maps to present a unique perspective on a long standing problem.