Transfer of Power & Partition — Set 11

Correct Answer: A. A. The 1857 Revolt/First War of Independence

The British Crown took direct control of India after the 1857 Revolt (also called the First War of Independence or Sepoy Mutiny). The East India Company's rule ended and the Crown took over in 1858. Queen Victoria issued a proclamation promising equality and non-interference in religion. Crown rule continued until independence in 1947, spanning nearly 90 years.

Correct Answer: A. A. Lord Louis Mountbatten

Lord Louis Mountbatten was appointed the last Viceroy of India in February 1947 by Prime Minister Clement Attlee. He replaced Lord Wavell. Mountbatten was given the task of overseeing the transfer of power and had clear instructions to achieve this by June 1948. He accelerated the timeline and achieved independence on August 15, 1947. He remained as the first Governor-General of independent India.

Correct Answer: A. A. A three-tier federal structure with provinces, groups of provinces, and center

The Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 proposed a three-tier federal structure: the central government with limited powers, groups of provinces (Section A: Hindu-majority, Section B: Muslim-majority Northwest, Section C: Bengal-Assam), and individual provinces with residual powers. This was designed to accommodate Muslim concerns while keeping India united. The plan failed due to disagreements between Congress and the Muslim League.

Correct Answer: A. A. Chandigarh (newly built)

Lahore, the historical capital of Punjab, went to Pakistan at partition. India needed a new capital for East Punjab (Indian Punjab) and built a new planned city called Chandigarh. Chandigarh was designed by Swiss architect Le Corbusier. It became the capital of Punjab and later also of Haryana (when Punjab was divided in 1966). Chandigarh remains a Union Territory serving as capital of both states.

Correct Answer: A. A. The Sikh homeland was divided between India and Pakistan causing massive displacement

The partition of Punjab divided the Sikh community's homeland between India and Pakistan. The holy city of Nankana Sahib (birthplace of Guru Nanak) went to Pakistan. Hundreds of thousands of Sikhs fled from West Punjab to East Punjab. Sikhs suffered disproportionate violence during partition. The Sikh demand for a separate Sikh state (Khalistan) was not fulfilled at partition.

Correct Answer: A. A. It made India and Pakistan dominions within the British Commonwealth

The Indian Independence Act 1947 made both India and Pakistan dominions within the British Commonwealth. As dominions, they accepted the British monarch as head of state, represented by a Governor-General. India became a republic in 1950 and Pakistan in 1956, after which they became republics within the Commonwealth. The dominion status was a transitional arrangement.

Correct Answer: A. A. Congress-Muslim League agreement that gave separate electorates to Muslims

The Lucknow Pact of 1916 was an agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League which accepted the principle of separate electorates for Muslims. It was signed by Tilak and Jinnah. The agreement showed the growing importance of communal representation. The principle of separate representation eventually strengthened the argument for a separate Muslim nation.

Correct Answer: A. A. Creation of Pakistan/separate homeland for Muslims

On March 23, 1940, Muhammad Ali Jinnah presented the Lahore Resolution to the All India Muslim League, demanding the creation of independent Muslim states where Muslims were in majority. This date is celebrated as Pakistan Day. The resolution formally launched the demand for Pakistan. It was a turning point in Indian politics that led ultimately to partition in 1947.

Correct Answer: A. A. About 340 million

India's population at independence in 1947 was approximately 340 million. This made it one of the most populous nations in the world. The partition displaced 10-15 million of this population. Managing the massive challenges of a newly independent and populous nation was one of the greatest tests for India's leaders. India's population has grown to over 1.4 billion today.

Correct Answer: A. A. They remained with India as a Union Territory

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands remained with India as a Union Territory after independence. They had been used as a penal colony (Cellular Jail) by the British. During World War II they were occupied by Japan. After independence they became strategically important as India's outpost in the Bay of Bengal. They are now a major tourist destination.