A crop of a map of India with the wording 'INDIA SHOWING CIVIL DIVISIONS' and 'TOP SECRET' hand written in red
Credit: Map of India, Showing Civil Divisions, published by the Geographical Section, General Staff of India in January 1946 (shelfmark: IOR/W/L/WS/1/1029(iii))

Study Day: Secret Maps

Years 10 – 13

Carving out two nations: The road to India’s independence and Partition.

Thursday 6 November, Friday 14 November, Friday 12 December 2025 and Friday 9 January 2026

About Study Day: Secret Maps

A crop of a map of India with the wording 'INDIA SHOWING CIVIL DIVISIONS' and 'TOP SECRET' hand written in red
Credit: Map of India, Showing Civil Divisions, published by the Geographical Section, General Staff of India in January 1946 (shelfmark: IOR/W/L/WS/1/1029(iii))

This study day draws on the Library's collections to explore some of the key debates that led to the end of British colonial rule in 1947, when the Indian subcontinent was divided into two new nation states of India and Pakistan.

Students will have chance to investigate a rich collection of sources including maps, and oral histories from the Secret Maps exhibition and secret documents from the India Office Collections along with the recordings from our Voices of Partition resource.

Aimed at Key stage 4 and 5 students, this session will be of interest for studying GCSE History, Geography and migration-related themes.

Booking is essential via the 'Book Now' button. Please email schools@bl.uk if you have questions or need help with the form.

More information about our Schools programme is available on our Schools hub.

Dates and times

You might also like

  1. A large dragon, with its wings spread, stood in a rocky landscape and facing a human
    Years 3 – 6Free

    Step Inside Your Fantasy Adventure

    Join authors Katie and Kevin Tsang, and illustrator Viviane Schwarz to explore fantasy fiction, portal stories and magical creatures.

    More info
  2. Oscar Wilde, head in hand
    Secondary and FE: Years 12–13Free

    Study Day: Oscar Wilde

    A Level students will explore the life and work of Oscar Wilde, with access to rare archival material. 

    More info
  3. A student wearing glasses, with long brown hair, looking into the distance and smiling. There are other students in the background in a classroom-style environment.
    Years 12 – 13Free

    Develop your Writing

    Become more confident in academic writing.

    More info