Transfer of Power & Partition — Set 7
National Movement · सत्ता हस्तांतरण और विभाजन · Questions 61–70 of 140
When did India become a fully independent republic?
Correct Answer: A. A. January 26, 1950
India became a fully independent republic on January 26, 1950 when the Constitution of India came into force. Until this date India was a dominion with the British Crown represented by a Governor-General. The Constitution replaced the Government of India Act 1935. January 26 is celebrated as Republic Day. Dr. Rajendra Prasad became India's first President.
The partition of Punjab led to which significant event?
Correct Answer: A. A. Massive communal violence killing hundreds of thousands
The partition of Punjab in August 1947 led to massive communal violence in which hundreds of thousands of people were killed. Entire train loads of refugees were massacred. Both Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims suffered tremendously. The violence was the worst humanitarian catastrophe in the subcontinent's modern history. Estimates of dead range from 200,000 to 2 million.
What was Nehru's 'discovery of India' — the famous book he wrote in prison?
Correct Answer: A. A. A history of India's civilization and freedom struggle
'Discovery of India' was a book written by Jawaharlal Nehru during his imprisonment at Ahmednagar Fort from 1942-1945. It is a sweeping account of India's history, civilization, and culture from ancient times to modern independence movement. It reflects Nehru's vision of India as a nation with a rich and diverse heritage. It remains one of the most influential books about India.
When was the Constituent Assembly of India first convened?
Correct Answer: A. A. December 9, 1946
The Constituent Assembly of India first convened on December 9, 1946 in New Delhi. It was convened under the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946. Dr. Sachidananda Sinha was the oldest member and served as temporary chairman. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the permanent President of the Assembly. The Muslim League boycotted its initial sessions.
What was the attitude of the Indian National Congress toward partition?
Correct Answer: A. A. Congress reluctantly accepted partition to avoid civil war
The Indian National Congress reluctantly accepted the partition plan in June 1947 after concluding that it was the only way to avoid a prolonged civil war. Leaders like Nehru and Patel accepted partition while Gandhi remained opposed. Congress acceptance came after realizing the Muslim League would not join a united India. The partition decision was one of the most painful in Indian political history.
Which Indian leader refused to accept the partition of the country?
Correct Answer: A. A. Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi refused to accept the partition of India and opposed it throughout. He said he would rather die than accept partition. Despite his opposition, Congress leaders Nehru and Patel accepted partition. After partition, Gandhi worked to stop communal violence, fasting in Calcutta and Delhi to restore peace. He was assassinated on January 30, 1948 by Nathuram Godse.
What is the Radcliffe Award?
Correct Answer: A. A. The boundary demarcation by Sir Cyril Radcliffe dividing India and Pakistan
The Radcliffe Award refers to the boundary demarcation by Sir Cyril Radcliffe that divided India and Pakistan in Punjab and Bengal. The award was announced on August 17, 1947, two days after independence. Both India and Pakistan were dissatisfied with various aspects of the award. The Radcliffe Line became the international boundary between the two nations.
Which high-ranking British official stated that 'the British government has no selfish interests in India'?
Correct Answer: A. A. Clement Attlee in 1947
British Prime Minister Clement Attlee stated in 1947 that the British government had no selfish interests in India and intended to grant it full independence. This represented a dramatic shift from Churchill's position of keeping India within the Empire. Attlee's Labour government committed to Indian independence and the process was completed on August 15, 1947.
In which province did the 'Great Calcutta Killings' of 1946 take place?
Correct Answer: A. A. Bengal
The Great Calcutta Killings took place in Bengal (in Calcutta, now Kolkata) in August 1946. They were triggered by Direct Action Day called by Jinnah on August 16, 1946. Approximately 4,000 to 10,000 people were killed in three days of communal violence. The killings spread to other parts of Bengal and elsewhere, dramatically worsening Hindu-Muslim relations.
What was the population transfer associated with partition?
Correct Answer: A. A. About 10-15 million people crossed the border in both directions
The partition of India in 1947 resulted in one of the largest forced migrations in history with about 10-15 million people crossing the border. Muslims moved from India to Pakistan (both West and East) while Hindus and Sikhs moved from Pakistan to India. The migration was accompanied by terrible communal violence. The human tragedy has left lasting psychological and political scars.