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Partition & Independence — UPSC Prelims Modern History previous year questions

26 solved previous year questions on Partition & Independence, papers from 1998 to 2021, drawn from UPPCS, JPSC, BPSC. Each carries the printed answer key and the explanation from the source compilation.

1. #1JPSC 2016
   Mountbatten Plan (June 1947) provided for a referendum in which of the following
   • ASindh
   • BBaluchistan
   • CNorth-West Frontier Province
   • DAll of these
   Answer: (C) North-West Frontier Province
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct February 1947, Prime Minister Clement Atlee the House of Commons that the British to transfer power to India by June 1948. this transition, Lord Mountbatten was India's Viceroy on March 24, 1947, with Recognizing the likelihood of India's partition creation of Pakistan, Lord Mountbatten proposed plan on June 3, 1947, known as the According to this plan, Punjab and Bengal would vote on partition in separate Hindus and Muslims to make their choices. Sindh INDIA would make its own decision, while a referendum in Frontier Province (now known as and Sylhet district of Assam was scheduled their status. NWFP chose to join Pakistan, Abdul Gaffar Khan boycotted the referendum. of independence for Princely States was ruled could either join India or Pakistan. Independence was also excluded from the plan

2. #2BPSC 2021
   Who was given the princely portfolio in the National Provisional Government?
   • AV.P. Menon
   • BSardar Vallabhbhai Patel
   • CKrishna Shahi
   • DC. Rajgopalachari
   Answer: (B) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct Vallabhbhai Patel was entrusted with the in the National Provisional Government. more than 550 princely states in India when it which were not officially under These princely states covered of the land in pre independent India. Out of the 552 princely states in decided to become a part of India. The other 3 Junagarh, and Kashmir, initially didn't join India. But eventually, they became a part of through police action, Junagarh through and Kashmir through the Instrument Important Tips Interim Government: The National Provisional Government is also called Interim Government which was formed on 2nd September, 1946 under the Cabinet Mission 14-member interim government had the President of the Executive Council (Viceroy and Governor-General of India): Viscount Wavell (until February 1947), Lord Mountbatten (from February 1947) Commander-in-Chief: Sir Claude Auchinleck

3. #3UPSC CSE Prelims 2007
   Who wrote the book "The Story of The Integration of the Indian States"?
   • AB.N. Rao
   • BC. Rajagopalachari
   • CKrishna Menon
   • DV.P. Menon
   Answer: (D) V.P. Menon
   Explanation

   Option d is the correct British colonial government did not encourage of industries in India. They preferred to as a market for British goods. The British also tariffs on Indian goods, making it difficult for to compete with British industries. In British government encouraged the rich Indians invest in land rather than in industries. This was was seen as a safe investment and it gave the a social status. As a result of these policies, no independent development of industries in British rule. The Indian economy remained and backward

4. #4UPPCS 2009
   The book "Mountbatten and the Partition of India" was written by
   • ALarry Collins and Dominique Lapierre
   • BM.N. Das
   • CLouis Fischer
   • DNone of the above
   Answer: (A) Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct 1863, the Viceroy of India, John Lawrence, decided the summer capital of the British Raj to located in the foothills of the Himalayas, from the intense summer heat experienced in of India. Recognizing the benefits of the in Simla, Lord Lawrence decided to move to Simla during the summer months

5. #5UPPCS 1998
   Which three Indian States delayed accession to India even after other princely states had joined India?
   • AJunagarh, Mysore, Jammu and Kashmir
   • BJunagarh, Hyderabad, Jammu and Kashmir
   • CUdaipur, Kapurthala, Jammu and Kashmir
   • DHyderabad, Udaipur, Travancore
   Answer: (C) Udaipur, Kapurthala, Jammu and Kashmir
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct I is true: India's share of world did steadily decline during the 19th and In 1750, India accounted for about manufacturing output. By 1947, this share to just is False: The British policies favored of raw materials from India to Britain, while faced restrictions and unfair British goods. This resulted in the decline and of many traditional Indian industries, leading decrease in production

6. #6CGPSC 2003
   The book "Guilty Man of India's Partition" was authored by
   • AJawaharlal Nehru
   • BDr. Ram Manohar Lohia
   • CMaulana Abul Kalam Azad
   • DSarojini Naidu
   Answer: (B) Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia
   Explanation

   Option bis the correct Men of India's Partition" is a book authored by Manohar Lohia. In this insightful work, Lohia painful days leading up to the partition of the leaders and circumstances responsible significant event. He shares his experiences of and ignored by influential leaders, shedding the complex decision-making process that led to of India

7. #7State PCS 2002
   Integration of States was done under the leadership of
   • AMaulana Azad
   • BGovind Ballabh Pant
   • CB. R. Ambedkar
   • DSardar Patel
   Answer: (D) Sardar Patel
   Explanation

   Option d is the correct Patel, who was in charge of the states' ministry interim cabinet, helped by V.P. Menon, the secretary ministry, was responsible for the integration of into Indian Union. There were several states that to not join India. Some of them thought this to best moment to acquire independent statehood, were others who wanted to become a part of under the able leadership of Patel all the princely successfully integrated with India

8. #8Practice set
   Consider the following statements: 1. After fourth Anglo-Mysore war the new state of Mysore was handed over to Wodeyar dynasty. 2. William Bentinck took control of Mysore on grounds of misgovernance in 1831.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   • A1 only
   • B2 only
   • CBoth 1 and 2
   • DNeither 1 nor 2
   Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct 1 is correct. The fourth Mysore war was of the Anglo Mysore wars. An indirect control of of Tipu Sultan, Seringapatam and Mysore came hands of the British. They re-established the to the Mysore throne. The Kingdom of a princely state of British 2 is correct. In 1831 William Bentinck of Mysore on grounds of misgovernance. In Ripon restored the kingdom to its ruler. Important Tips In fourth Anglo-Mysore war Tipu Sultan died and his territories were divided between British and Nizam of Hyderabad. With the death of Tipu Sultan, the supremacy of the English was more or less established in the Indian subcontinent. The fall of Seringapatam, the capital of Tipu Sultan, marked the end of Muslim rule over Mysore

9. #9Practice set
   In the context of British rule in India, Carlyle Circular is related to
   • AStrict policies implemented against the Home Rule League Movement
   • BRelief measures to support the population during the Indian famine of 1899-1900. Practiceboo
   • CFormation of a boundary commission to demarcate boundary line between India and Pakistan
   • DGovernment's measures to limit the participation of students in the Bengal anti-partition movement
   Answer: (D) Government's measures to limit the participation of students in the Bengal anti-partition movement
   Explanation

   Option d is the correct Carlyle Circular was aimed at limiting the students in the Bengal anti-partition movement. Swadeshi Movement, the British threatened to in the form of the withdrawal of and affiliations of the institutions to which through the infamous circular of 22 October by Carlyle, the Chief Secretary of the Government

10. #10Practice set
    Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the real motive behind the partition of Bengal? 1. Bengal become too big to administer. 2. For development of Assam. 3. British desire to weaken the nerve center of Indian nationalist activity.Select the correct answer using the code given below
    • A1 and 2 only
    • B2 and 3 only
    • C3 only
    • D1, 2 and 3
    Answer: (C) 3 only
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct 1 is incorrect. The official reason given decision of partition of Bengal was that Bengal with of 78 million (about a quarter of the British India) had become too big to be administered. not the real motive behind the partition of 2 is incorrect. The British Government partition would help in the development of Assam if under the direct jurisdiction of the government. It not the real motive behind the partition of 3 is correct. The real motive behind the Bengal was seen to be the British desire to weaken Bengal, nerve centre of Indian nationalism. it sought by putting the Bengalis under two dividing them

11. #11Practice set
    With reference to the Muslim League's Lahore Resolution of 1940, consider the following statements: 1. One of the demands was the creation of 'Pakistan' as a separate nation for Muslims. 2. The resolution was drafted by Sikandar Hayat Khan.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • A1 only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (B) 2 only
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct 1 is incorrect: The 1940 resolution of also called as Lahore resolution never word Pakistan. On 23 March 1940, the League resolution demanding a measure of autonomy for majority areas of the subcontinent. This never mentioned partition or Pakistan. Statement 2 is correct: Sikandar Hayat Khan, Punjab Premier and leader of the Unionist Party drafted the Lahore resolution in 1940. He declared in a Punjab assembly speech on 1 March 1941 that he was opposed to a Pakistan that would mean "Muslim Raj here and Hindu Raj elsewhere". He reiterated his plea for a loose with considerable autonomy for the confederating units

12. #12Practice set
    With reference to the Unionist party, consider the following statements: 1. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was one of the prominent members of this party. 2. The party mainly defended the rights of landless labourers in Punjab against the landlords. 3. The party supported Muslim League's demand for partition of India.How many of the statements given above are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (D) None
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct 1 is incorrect: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan is not of the Unionist party. Sir Sikandar Hayat Fazli Husain, Sir Shahab-ud-Din, Muhammad and Sir Chhotu Ram were all members of the a majority of Unionists were Muslims, a of Hindus and Sikhs also supported and the Unionist 2 is incorrect: Unionists party the interest of landlords (and not labourers). It was a political party Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus in the Punjab. Statement 3 is incorrect: Unionist Party leader Malik Khizr Hayat Khan Tiwana played a key role in limiting the Muslim League's influence in Punjab Province during 1942 to 1947. He strongly opposed the Muslim League's demand for a separate Pakistan and presented his own vision of united Punjab within a decentralised Federal India

13. #13Practice set
    With reference to the C. Rajagopalachari Formula for ending constitutional deadlock during Indian National Movement, consider the following statements: 1. It provided that only the Muslim population of North-West and North- East India would decide by a plebiscite, whether or not to form a separate sovereign state. 2. In case of acceptance of partition, it proposed a common center for safeguarding/ defense, commerce and, communication.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • A1 only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNone of the above
    Answer: (B) 2 only
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct 1944, C. Rajagopalachari proposed a formula for Cooperation to solve the ongoing 1 is incorrect: It was proposed under the that the entire population of North-West and would take part in deciding whether or not to form 2 is correct: Further, in case of acceptance Formula proposed a common center for and communication

14. #14Practice set
    Clement Attlee, the then British Prime minister, made an announcement about the future of British government in India on February 20, 1947. In this context, consider the following statements: 1. A clear deadline was fixed for transfer of power even if there was no consensus. on the new constitution. 2. After the transfer of power, princely states would still be under the obligation and paramountcy of the British. 3. Attlee's statement clearly ruled out the partition or bifurcationHow many of the statements given above are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (A) Only one
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct Attlee, the British prime minister, sensing all around, made an announcement on February The British House of Commons declared the of leaving the Indian 1 is correct: A deadline of June 30, 1948, for transfer of power even if the Indian not agreed by that time on the 2 is incorrect: British powers and the princely states would lapse with transfer but these would not be transferred to any in British India. Hence, princely states won't any obligations of the British government after of 3 is incorrect: The British would either to some form of central government or areas to the existing provincial governments if assembly was not fully representative, i.e., Muslim majority provinces did not join. This clear hints of partition and even the country into numerous states and was, in reversion of the Cripps Offer. Hence, Attlee's infer an idea of a Single Indian Union, rath

15. #15Practice set
    Consider the following statements regarding, the India Independence Act, 1947: 1. The Government of India Act, 1919 would govern the two dominions until they adopt a new constitution. 2. It allowed the princely states to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • A1 only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (B) 2 only
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct 1 is incorrect: During the transition period August 1947 to until a new constitution was adopted dominion, the governments two dominions and Pakistan weve to cu tied based on India Act, 1935. Statement 2 is correct: As per the India Independence British suzerainty over the princely states was to pdncely states could decide to join eithe.t India o.t vemain independent

16. #16Practice set
    Which of. the following statements is incorrect in context of the Lahore resolution
    • AIt aimed to discuss the Government of India joining the war without taking the opinion of the Indian leaders
    • Bdiscussed the reasons that led to the defeat of the Muslim League in the general election of 1937 in the Muslim majority provinces
    • CIt first mentioned partition of British India and formation of Pakistan
    • DThe Lahore Resolution was incorporated in the constitution of the All-India Muslim League in its Madras session of 1941
    Answer: (C) It first mentioned partition of British India and formation of Pakistan
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct Resolution adopted at the general session of league. In 1940 Mohammed Ali Jinnah called session of the All India Muslim League in Lahore the situation that had arisen due to the outbreak Second World a and b are wanted to discuss the Government of India joining the taking the opinion of the Indian leaders, and analyze the reasons that led to the defeat of the in the general election of 1937 in the Muslim c is 1940 Lahore resolution of Muslim League partition or Pakistan. They moved a a measure of autonomy for the Muslim of the subcontinent. "Partition" -the division of into the two separate states of India and Pakistan 1947 was the mechanism by which the British to secure agreement over how independence would term Pakistan was first coined by a Punjabi at Cambridge, Choudhry Rehmat Ali, who, written in 1933 and 1935, desired a status for this new d is 15 April 194

17. #17Practice set
    Consider the following statements: 1. By August 15, 1947, all states except Kashmir and Hyderabad had signed an instrufuent of accession with the Indian government. 2. Signing.strument of accession means that princely states acknowledging central authority over defence and external affairs only. 3. The/principal bait offered to the princely states was a generous privy purse.How many of the above given statements are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (A) Only one
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct 1946-4 7 there was a new upsurge of the State demanding political rights and representation Constituent Assembly. In July 1947, Vallabhbhai charge of the new States Department. Under Patel, of Indian states took place in two phases skillful combination of baits and threats of mass land 2 are incorrect. By August 15, 1947, except Kashmir, Hyderabad and Junagarh had instrument of accession with the Indian central authority over defence, and communication. The princes agreed to easily because (i) they were 'surrendering' only never had (these three functions had been a part of paramountcy) and (ii) there was no change in political 3 is correct. The second phase involved more difficult process of 'integration' of states provinces or into new units like the Vindhya and Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan Pradesh alongwith internal constitutional states which for some years retai

18. #18Practice set
    In 1720, the British government enacted the Calico Act. What is it primarily related to?
    • ADisallowing Indians from entering into Cotton trade
    • BCompulsory use of English made cotton fabrics in India
    • CBanning the use of printed cotton textile imported from India
    • DBarring of company officials from private trade of Cotton
    Answer: (B) Compulsory use of English made cotton fabrics in India
    Explanation

    Option b is. the correct correct chronologiqtl sequen 1: Immediately after 'diafollowed a policy of integrating the Naga areas of Assam and India as a whole; A section of leadership, however, opposed such integration and rebellion under the leadership of A.Z. Phizo, from India and complete independence. these separatist Nagas declared the formation of government arid the launching of a 2: North-East Frontier Agency or NEPA, which in 1948 out of the border areas of Assam. NEPA Arunachal Pradesh and granted the status of state in Unhappiness with the Assam government's during the famine of 1959 and the passage Act in 1961, making Assamese the official language state, led to the formation of the Mizo National with Laldenga as president. In March 1966, declared independence from India. A settlement arrived at in 1986. Laldenga and the MNF agreed underground violent activities, surrender Indi

19. #19Practice set
    With reference to political developments in the princely states during British rule, consider the following statements: 1. The ruler of Rajkot formed a representative assembly, consisting of representatives elected on the basis of universal adult franchise. 2. Praja Mandals were constituted in princely states demanding civil and political rights. 3. Political reforms in the princely states were actively supported by the British government.How many of the above given statements are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (B) Only two
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct answer. Statement 1 is incorrect. The Indian Statutory Commission is popularly known as the Simon Commission. The commission consisted of seven members-four Conservatives, two Labourites, and one Liberal under the joint chairmanship of the Liberal lawyer, Sir John Simon, and Clement Attlee, the future prime minister. It was appointed in November 1927 by the British. Conservative government under the Prime Minister, Stanley Baldwin. The commission was appointed by Lord Birkenhead after stating the incapability of Indians to take or form any constitutional reforms scheme. Statement 2 is correct. The Simon Commission was formed to report on the working of the Indian constitution established by the Government of India Act of 1919. It was formed to suggest, whether what extent it was advisable to expend restrict or modify the degree of responsible government introduced

20. #20Practice set
    The people in princely states started a political movement in early 20th century to improve their civil and political rights. This movement was known as
    • ANaikada movement
    • BPraja Shakti movement
    • CTanzeem movement
    • DPraja Mandal movement
    Answer: (B) Praja Shakti movement
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct to their intentions of trying to on progressive lines, now the administration reactionary policies on the pretext that not fit for self-governance and needed British their 1 is incorrect: Having decided to side with elements of Indian society, the British for social reforms and decided to minimize in social and religions aspects of the life people. They felt that their earlier intervention matters had aroused the wrath of against them. Also, by encouraging caste consciousness, the British helped the 2 is correct: In their pursuit of and hope to expand their social base, the for alliances with the most reactionary of princes, zamindars, etc. The British use them as a counterweight against Now, the zamindars and landlords as the 'natural' and 'traditional' leaders of 3 is incorrect: The British the expenditure on disproportionately large expenditure was spent on civ

21. #21Practice set
    Consider the following statements: 1. Chamber of Princes (N arendra Mandal) was set up on the recommendation of Butler Committee (1927) 2. Narendra Mandal was an advisory body having no say in the internal affairs of individual states.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • A1 only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (B) 2 only
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct 1 is incorrect: According to the the Montford Reforms (1921) a Chamber of Manda!) was set up. The Butler Committee set up to examine the nature of relationship between states and 2 is correct: Narendra Mandal was a advisory body having no say in the internal affairs states and having no powers to discuss existing rights and Solution Option b is the correct l is incorrect. A Chamber of Princes was set to solve internal affairs of Princely states but was as an advisory body having no say in their 2 is correct. Indian states were divided into for the purpose of chamber i.e

22. #22Practice set
    Consider the following statements with reference to the annexation of Princely state of Hyderabad: 1. Lord Mountbatten proposed the Heads of Agreement deal which gave Hyderabad the status of an autonomous dominion nation under India. 2. The Princely state of Hyderabad was annexed through 'Operation Polo'.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • A1 only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct 1 is correct. It was in June 1948 that proposed the Heads of Agreement deal Hyderabad the status of an autonomous under India. India was ready to sign the deal so, but the Nizam refused on the grounds that he independence or the status of dominion under Commonwealth of 2 is correct. The chaos, the unclear rumours that Hyderabad was arming itself with the Portuguese administration in Goa and Pakistan, communal clashes and added to idea of Hyderabad arming itself aided by Pakistan go down well with the Indian Government. Sardar the idea of an independent Hyderabad as "an the heart of India which needed to be removed was when talks between India and Hyderabad India decided to annex Hyderabad. This named "Operation Polo" and it is also referred to Caterpillar" at times

23. #23Practice set
    With reference to integration of states into the Union of India after the independence, consider the following statements: 1. All India State People's Conference declared that the states refusing to join the Constituent Assembly are free to form their own constitution. 2. States which signed an instrument of accession with the Indian government acknowledged central authority over defence, external affairs, and communication.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • A1 only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (B) 2 only
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct 1 is incorrect: Nehru presided over the People's Conference sessions in Udaipur (1945) (April 1947). Under this it was declared that refusing to join the Constituent Assembly would as hostile. There was no provision for the to form their own 2 is correct: By August 15, 1947, all states Hyderabad and Junagarh had signed an accession with the Indian government, authority over defence, external affairs However, in course of time the states were also integrated with the union. Hyderabad of police action, Junagarh by means of Kashmir by the Instrument of Accession

24. #24Practice set
    Which of the following is/are considered as reason for Punjab Massacre in 1947? 1. Absence of transitional institutional structures to tackle the problems of partition. 2. Delay in the announcement of the Boundary Commission award.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • A1 only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2 book
    Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
    Explanation

    Option c is the correct Indian Independence Act of 1947 had provided for of the two independent dominions of the India with effect from August 15, 1947. In the breakneck speed of events under Mountbatten in arranging the details of partition and to prevent the Punjab massacre, 1 is correct: The early withdrawal announced was one of the reasons for Punjab were no transitional institutional structures partition problems could be tackled. Hence, in this respect of mediating in the issue of partition led to a chaos between the two new borne 2 is correct: There was a delay in announcing Commission Award (under Radcliffe); though was ready by August 12, 1947, Mountbatten make it public after August 15 so that the British all responsibility of disturbances. Thus, delay Boundary Commission Award became one reasons of Punjab Massacre

25. #25Practice set
    With reference to the integration of Indian princely states, who were the 'Razakkars'?
    • AA paramilitary organization that was formed to oppose the idea of merger of Hyderabad with India
    • BMilitary force of Junagarh state who fought against India
    • CA tribal community in Northeast India known for their martial arts
    • DTribal militia who attacked Jammu and Kashmir opposing its integration with India
    Answer: (A) A paramilitary organization that was formed to oppose the idea of merger of Hyderabad with India
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct Razakkars were a Muslim paramilitary emerged in Hyderabad State in the late formed support the rule of the Nizam and idea of merging Hyderabad with India. The led by. Kasim Razvi, who was also the founder of Muslimeen (MIM) party. The notorious for their violent attacks on Hindus minority communities in Hyderabad. After the launched a military operation in to annex Hyderabad, the Razakkars were their leaders were arrested

26. #26Full-length test
    With reference to the modern history of India, consider the following statements: 1. Rabindranath Tagore hailed him as the Messiah of Indian Culture and Civilization. 2. He openly put forth the idea of complete independence from the British in newspaper 'Bande Mataram'. 3. He was prosecuted twice for sedition charges by the British Government. 4. He was a Principal of Bengal National college established during the partition movement. Who among the following is the above mentioned personality?
    • ABal Gangadhar Tilak
    • BAurobindo Ghosh
    • CBipin Chandra Pal
    • DRash Behari Bose
    Answer: (B) Aurobindo Ghosh
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct Ghosh was born in Calcutta on 15 August the age of seven he was taken to England for he studied at St. Paul's School, London, and at Cambridge. He returned to India in 1893 for the next thirteen years in the Princely State in the service of the Maharaj a and as a professor b is correct: Aurobindo Ghosh was hailed Tagore as the Messiah of Indian Civilization. Also, C R Das hailed him as the patriotism, the prophet of nationalism and the lover openly put forward in newspaper the idea of complete independence for In 1906, the nationalist leader, Bipin Chandra the daily Bande Mataram and Sri Aurobindo its chief was prosecuted twice for sedition and once (Alipore conspiracy case) and released for lack of evidence. It must be noted here that a and famous lawyer C.R. Das defended in the Alipore Conspiracy Case the anti-partition movement Aurobindo Gosh left Baroda Colleg

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