Transfer of Power & Partition — Set 5

Correct Answer: A. A. A body to divide assets and liabilities between India and Pakistan

The Partition Council was set up in 1947 to oversee the division of assets, liabilities, military forces, and financial resources between India and Pakistan. It included representatives from both countries and was chaired by Mountbatten. The division of assets proved contentious, especially regarding the armed forces. Many disputes over the division were not fully resolved for years.

Correct Answer: A. A. Indian soldiers of Muslim majority regiments went to Pakistan, others to India

The armed forces were divided between India and Pakistan based on religious composition. Muslim soldiers, officers, and units generally went to Pakistan while Hindu and Sikh personnel went to India. This complex division was difficult to execute and caused many practical problems. Some units had mixed religious composition making the division challenging.

Correct Answer: A. A. It killed about 3 million and showed the failure of British governance

The Bengal Famine of 1943 killed approximately 2-3 million people and was largely caused by British wartime policies including food export and denial of boats. It demonstrated the catastrophic failures of British colonial administration. The famine strengthened the demand for self-rule. Winston Churchill's refusal to provide relief was deeply controversial and caused lasting resentment.

Correct Answer: A. A. It fought alongside Japan to liberate India under Subhas Chandra Bose

The Indian National Army (INA), also called Azad Hind Fauj, was formed by Indian prisoners of war in Southeast Asia under Subhas Chandra Bose during World War II. It fought alongside Japan against the British with the aim of liberating India. Though militarily defeated, the INA trials in Delhi created massive public sympathy. The INA contributed to the delegitimization of British rule.

Correct Answer: A. A. August 18, 1945 in a plane crash

Subhas Chandra Bose died on August 18, 1945 in a plane crash in Taipei. He was travelling to Japan when the overloaded Japanese aircraft crashed on takeoff. He suffered severe burns and died later that day. His death remains controversial and some Indians believe he survived. He is remembered as Netaji (Respected Leader).

Correct Answer: A. A. The Lahore Resolution was passed demanding a separate Muslim state

March 23, 1940 is significant because the Lahore Resolution was passed by the All India Muslim League, demanding the creation of independent Muslim states in areas where Muslims were in majority. This resolution provided the ideological and political basis for Pakistan. Pakistan observes March 23 as Pakistan Day. The resolution is considered the founding document of Pakistan's independence movement.

Correct Answer: A. A. 1942

The Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress on August 8, 1942 with the slogan 'Do or Die'. It demanded immediate independence from British rule. The British arrested Gandhi and all Congress leaders immediately. The movement was suppressed but it showed British that holding India was becoming increasingly difficult.

Correct Answer: A. A. Proposal by Viceroy Wavell to form an interim council of Indians

The Wavell Plan of 1945 was a proposal by Viceroy Lord Wavell to form an Executive Council made up entirely of Indians (except the Viceroy and Commander-in-Chief). It was discussed at the Simla Conference of June 1945. The plan failed due to Jinnah's insistence that all Muslim members must be from the Muslim League. Communal deadlock continued.

Correct Answer: A. A. Military annexation of Hyderabad to India

Operation Polo, also called 'Police Action', was the Indian military operation in September 1948 to integrate the princely state of Hyderabad into the Indian Union. The Nizam of Hyderabad refused to accede and declared independence. The Indian Army under Major General J.N. Chaudhuri captured Hyderabad in just 5 days. Hyderabad became part of India.

Correct Answer: A. A. Clement Attlee

Clement Attlee's Labour government came to power in Britain in July 1945 and oversaw Indian independence. Attlee sent the Cabinet Mission in 1946 and appointed Mountbatten as the last Viceroy in 1947. Churchill, who had opposed Indian independence, lost the 1945 election. Attlee's decision to grant independence was a recognition that holding India was no longer feasible or desirable.