Synopsis The present work Independence and Partition constitutes the Eighth Volume in the ongoing series Cross-currents of Indian History and Culture.  The focus of the present volume is on the major political developments since Independence.  The Eighth Volume has two parts: (1) Historical Perspectives, (2) Compatriots-Leaders of the Movement for Freedom and Cultural Emancipation.  The Historical Perspectives serves as a prelude to contemporary politics.  It identifies the various stages and movements through which the nation passed before achieving Independence. The socio-religious structure and the manifold institutions and practices established during the colonial period have largely determined the nature of national evolution.  It has not been possible to break off with the past completely.  It has been a continuous march, slow but steady.  The Eighth Volume starts with the Constitutional and National Development, From Separatism to Separation and moves through religious and social Environment vis-à-vis Administrative Setup, which has constantly grown to accommodate itself to the changing circumstances. India is today facing numerous problems.  There is a strong case for reviewing the whole system.