Transfer of Power & Partition — Set 10

Correct Answer: A. A. It was divided between India and Pakistan, with Indian ICS becoming IAS

The Indian Civil Service (ICS) was divided between India and Pakistan at partition. Officers chose which country to serve. The ICS in India was renamed the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Many British ICS officers returned to Britain. The division and transition of the civil service was crucial for maintaining governance in both newly independent nations.

Correct Answer: A. A. Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of independent India when the Republic was proclaimed on January 26, 1950. He served as President for two terms until 1962. As President of the Constituent Assembly, he had presided over the drafting of the Constitution. He is remembered as a humble and devoted servant of the nation.

Correct Answer: A. A. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as Chairman of the Drafting Committee

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar served as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution. He is called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. The Constituent Assembly had 299 members and worked from 1946 to 1949. The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949 and came into force on January 26, 1950. It is the world's longest written constitution.

Correct Answer: A. A. Two (India and Pakistan)

The Indian Independence Act 1947 created two new dominions: the Dominion of India and the Dominion of Pakistan. Both became independent on August 14-15, 1947. Both were initially dominions within the British Commonwealth. India became a republic in 1950 while Pakistan became a republic in 1956. The creation of two dominions from British India was the central feature of the Act.

Correct Answer: A. A. It disrupted trade, industry, and agriculture by dividing integrated economic units

Partition had devastating economic consequences by dividing integrated economic units. Punjab's canal irrigation system was split between two countries. Bengal's jute growing areas went to East Pakistan but the mills were in Calcutta (India). Trade routes were disrupted. The massive refugee flows strained both economies. The economic dislocation took decades to overcome.

Correct Answer: A. A. The Instrument of Accession process

The integration of princely states into India was carried out through the 'Instrument of Accession' process. Each ruler signed an Instrument of Accession agreeing to transfer defense, foreign affairs, and communications to the Indian government. Sardar Patel and V.P. Menon orchestrated the process. Most states signed before August 15, 1947 while a few required special measures.

Correct Answer: A. A. He was the Secretary of States Ministry who helped integrate princely states

V.P. Menon (Vappala Pangunni Menon) served as the Secretary of the States Ministry under Sardar Patel and was a key architect of the integration of princely states. He designed the Instrument of Accession and worked tirelessly to persuade rulers to join India. He also served as the constitutional adviser to Mountbatten. His contribution to Indian unification was immense but often underrecognized.

Correct Answer: A. A. He surrendered and Hyderabad was integrated into India

After Operation Polo in September 1948, the Nizam of Hyderabad surrendered and Hyderabad was integrated into the Indian Union. The Nizam was allowed to remain as the Raj Pramukh (Constitutional Head) of Hyderabad state for some years. He retained personal wealth but lost political power. Hyderabad was later divided into the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra based on linguistic reorganization.

Correct Answer: A. A. He was the Congress President who opposed partition as a Muslim who wanted a united India

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a prominent Muslim Congress leader who strongly opposed partition and believed in a united India. He served as Congress President from 1940-1946 and urged Muslim unity within a single independent India. He was deeply saddened by partition. After independence, he served as India's first Education Minister and championed minority rights.

Correct Answer: A. A. Sharing of Indus River and its tributaries after partition

The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank, resolved disputes over the sharing of Indus River and its tributaries that were created by partition. India received the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) and Pakistan received the three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). This treaty is considered a remarkable example of cooperation between the two nations.