Transfer of Power & Partition — Set 4
National Movement · सत्ता हस्तांतरण और विभाजन · Questions 31–40 of 140
Which of the following is accurate? The Cripps Mission was sent to India in 1942 during the Quit India Movement. What did it propose?
Correct Answer: C. C. Dominion status after WWII
The correct answer is C. Dominion status after WWII. The Cripps Mission proposed offering India dominion status after World War II, which was rejected by both Congress and Muslim League. This topic is frequently tested in competitive examinations such as RRB NTPC, SSC, and UPSC.
The partition of India caused one of the largest human migrations in history. Approximately how many people were displaced?
Correct Answer: A. A. 10-15 million people
The partition of India in 1947 caused the displacement of approximately 10-15 million people — the largest mass migration in recorded history. Hindus and Sikhs moved from Pakistan to India while Muslims moved from India to Pakistan. Approximately 1-2 million people died in the violence accompanying partition. The human tragedy of partition remains one of history's greatest catastrophes.
Which princely state acceded to India after a Pakistani-backed tribal invasion?
Correct Answer: A. A. Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir, ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh, acceded to India in October 1947 after Pakistani-backed tribal forces invaded the state. Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession in exchange for Indian military help. Indian troops successfully pushed back the invaders. The accession of Kashmir remains a disputed matter between India and Pakistan.
What happened to the princely state of Junagadh at partition?
Correct Answer: A. A. Its ruler acceded to Pakistan but the Indian government annexed it after a plebiscite
Junagadh's Nawab tried to accede to Pakistan despite the state being surrounded by Indian territory and having a Hindu majority population. India refused to accept this and the Nawab fled to Pakistan. India took over Junagadh and conducted a plebiscite in which the population voted to join India. Junagadh became part of India in 1948.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's role in the integration of princely states is called?
Correct Answer: A. A. Iron Man of India who integrated 562 princely states
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is called the Iron Man of India for his role in integrating 562 princely states into the Indian Union after independence. He used a combination of diplomacy and force to bring all states into India. His achievement is considered one of the greatest feats of nation-building in history. He became the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India.
When was the Instrument of Accession signed by princely states?
Correct Answer: A. A. In 1947-48, when each state joined India or Pakistan
The Instruments of Accession were signed by princely state rulers in 1947-48 as they joined India or Pakistan. Most states signed by August 15, 1947. The Instrument of Accession was a legal document by which a ruler agreed to transfer specific powers to the dominion government. The most famous was the accession of Jammu and Kashmir by Maharaja Hari Singh.
What was the Cripps Mission of 1942?
Correct Answer: A. A. A British offer of dominion status after World War II in exchange for Indian cooperation
The Cripps Mission of March 1942 was led by Sir Stafford Cripps who offered India dominion status after World War II in exchange for Indian cooperation in the war effort. Congress rejected it as offering too little too late. Gandhi called it a 'post-dated cheque on a crashing bank'. The failure of the Cripps Mission led to the Quit India Movement of 1942.
In which city did the Constituent Assembly of India first meet?
Correct Answer: A. A. New Delhi (Constitution Hall)
The Constituent Assembly of India first met on December 9, 1946 in Constitution Hall (now Sansad Bhavan/Parliament House) in New Delhi. Dr. Sachidananda Sinha was the temporary chairman of the first session. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was later elected as the permanent President of the Constituent Assembly. The Assembly adopted the Constitution on November 26, 1949.
Lord Wavell's Breakdown Plan for India involved what?
Correct Answer: A. A. A planned British withdrawal from India in stages if negotiations failed
Lord Wavell's Breakdown Plan (also called the 'Balkan Plan') involved a staged British withdrawal from India's major provinces if constitutional negotiations failed. Attlee's government rejected this plan and replaced Wavell with Mountbatten. The plan revealed British willingness to leave India but disagreement on how to leave. Mountbatten's arrival accelerated the timeline dramatically.
What was the significance of the date August 14-15, 1947 being chosen for independence?
Correct Answer: A. A. Mountbatten chose it to coincide with the anniversary of Japan's WWII surrender
Lord Mountbatten moved the date of independence forward from June 1948 to August 1947. August 15 was chosen as it was the second anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, which Mountbatten had overseen as Supreme Allied Commander in Southeast Asia. The accelerated timeline led to less preparation for partition.