Explanation of the document's point of view and purpose
1. The author, Stanley Wolpert, writes as a historian who cares about Indian history and its people.
2. He argues that Britain and Indian leaders rushed to split British India into India and Pakistan.
3. His purpose is to explain how the hurried decision caused lasting problems in the region.
4. The document’s historical situation is the end of British rule and the immediate aftermath of 1947.
5. He suggests arrogance and ignorance by leaders helped people suffer more after partition.
6. The intended audience includes readers who want to understand why partition happened and what could have been done differently.