Chairman of the Partition Council

The Partition Council was a committee formed to manage the process of the partition of British India into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan. This council played a crucial role in dividing assets, liabilities, and administrative structures between the two new nations.

The Chairman of the Partition Council was the Viceroy of India at the time, Lord Mountbatten. He presided over the meetings of the council.

Let's look at the roles of the individuals mentioned in the options:

• Lord Mountbatten: As the last Viceroy of British India, he was tasked with overseeing the transition to independence and the partition. He served as the Chairman of the Partition Council.
• Jawaharlal Nehru: A prominent leader of the Indian National Congress, he became the first Prime Minister of independent India. He was a member of the Partition Council representing the Indian side.
• M.A. Jinnah: The leader of the Muslim League, he played a key role in advocating for the creation of Pakistan and became the first Governor-General of Pakistan. He was a member of the Partition Council representing the Muslim League/Pakistan side.
• V.P. Menon: An Indian civil servant, he was a key advisor to Sardar Patel and played a significant role in the integration of the princely states into the Indian Union. He was closely involved in the administrative process of partition but was not the Chairman of the Partition Council.

Therefore, the Chairman of the Partition Council was Lord Mountbatten.