Transfer of Power & Partition — Set 14

Correct Answer: A. A. He was the Iron Man who integrated 562 princely states

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the Iron Man of India, successfully integrated 562 princely states into the Indian Union after independence. He served as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India. VP Menon was his key aide in this process. This achievement is considered one of the greatest political integrations in history.

Correct Answer: A. A. July 1947

The Indian Independence Act was passed by the British Parliament in July 1947 and received royal assent on July 18, 1947. It came into effect on August 15, 1947, when both India and Pakistan became independent dominions. The Act was based on the Mountbatten Plan of June 3, 1947. It formally ended British rule over the Indian subcontinent.

Correct Answer: A. A. Hindus and Muslims are two separate nations

The Two-Nation Theory held that Hindus and Muslims are two separate nations with distinct cultures and cannot coexist in one country. This theory was the primary ideological basis for the creation of Pakistan. Mohammed Ali Jinnah and the Muslim League were the main proponents of this theory. The Congress and Gandhi strongly opposed this theory.

Correct Answer: A. A. C. Rajagopalachari

C. Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) succeeded Lord Mountbatten as the Governor-General of India in 1948. He was the only Indian to serve as Governor-General of India. He served from June 1948 until India became a republic on January 26, 1950. After becoming a republic, Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India.

Correct Answer: A. A. Radcliffe Commission

The Radcliffe Commission, chaired by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, was appointed to draw the boundaries between India and Pakistan in Punjab and Bengal. Radcliffe had just five weeks to demarcate boundaries that would affect millions of people. The boundary lines he drew became known as the Radcliffe Line. His decisions had long-lasting consequences for both nations.

Correct Answer: A. A. Muslim League demanded a separate homeland

The Lahore Resolution of March 23, 1940 was passed by the All India Muslim League demanding the creation of a separate homeland for Muslims in the north-western and eastern zones of India. It is also known as the Pakistan Resolution. Mohammed Ali Jinnah presided over the session. March 23 is celebrated as Pakistan Day in Pakistan.

Correct Answer: A. A. Lord Listowel

Lord Listowel (William Francis Hare) was the last Secretary of State for India, serving from 1947 until the office was abolished by the Indian Independence Act. He played a key role in the final transfer of power negotiations. The Indian Independence Act 1947 abolished the position of Secretary of State for India. After partition, the India Office merged with the Commonwealth Relations Office.

Correct Answer: A. A. Lord Mountbatten

Lord Louis Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of British India, appointed in February 1947. He oversaw the partition and transfer of power. He served as Viceroy until August 15, 1947 when India and Pakistan became independent. After independence he briefly served as the first Governor-General of independent India.

Correct Answer: A. A. Lahore went to Pakistan, Amritsar to India

During the 1947 partition, Lahore went to Pakistan while Amritsar remained in India. Both cities are historic Sikh and Hindu-Muslim centers in Punjab. The partition of Punjab was particularly violent and traumatic. Millions of people fled from Lahore to India and from Amritsar region to Pakistan.

Correct Answer: A. A. 10-20 million

Approximately 10-20 million people migrated during the 1947 partition of India — one of the largest mass migrations in human history. Hindus and Sikhs moved from what became Pakistan to India, while Muslims moved from India to Pakistan. An estimated 200,000 to 2 million people died in partition violence. The partition created a humanitarian catastrophe of immense proportions.