All questions of Towards Freedom and Partition (1939-1947) for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Statement Analysis:

Statement 1: Except Provincial Congress Committees, The Congress Working Committee, the All India Congress Committee were declared unlawful associations under the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1908.

Statement 2: The assembly of public meetings was prohibited under the Defence of India Rules.

Correctness of the statements:

Statement 1 is not correct as it states that Provincial Congress Committees were not declared unlawful associations, which is false. In fact, all Congress Committees were declared unlawful associations under the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1908.

Statement 2 is correct as the assembly of public meetings was indeed prohibited under the Defence of India Rules.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - 1 Only.

Explanation:

The Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1908 was enacted by the British Government to suppress political dissent in India. Under this act, the Congress Working Committee, the All India Congress Committee, and all Provincial Congress Committees were declared unlawful associations. This meant that any person found to be a member of these associations could be arrested and prosecuted.

The Defence of India Rules were also introduced during the First World War to control political activities in India. These rules prohibited the assembly of public meetings, processions, and demonstrations without prior permission from the authorities. This was done to prevent anti-British sentiments from spreading and to maintain law and order.

In conclusion, both the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1908 and the Defence of India Rules were used by the British Government to suppress political dissent and maintain their control over India.

The Indian National Congress had several objections to the Cripps mission, which was a proposal for Indian constitutional reform presented by Sir Stafford Cripps, a British politician, in 1942. The objections can be summarized as follows:

1. Objection to the provinces' right to form unions: The INC believed that allowing provinces to form unions would harm national unity and lead to the fragmentation of India. They argued that a strong central government was necessary to maintain the integrity of the country.

2. Objection to the Governor-General's power: The INC opposed the retention of the Governor-General's powers, as they believed that he should be a constitutional head rather than having executive powers. They wanted a system of government where the Governor-General would act on the advice of Indian ministers.

3. Lack of concrete plan for immediate transfer of power: The INC was disappointed with the lack of a clear plan for the immediate transfer of power from British rule to Indian self-rule. They felt that the proposals presented by Cripps were vague and lacked a definite timeline for independence.

Overall, the Indian National Congress felt that the Cripps mission did not go far enough in terms of granting India full independence and did not address their concerns about national unity and the role of the Governor-General. Therefore, they rejected the proposals and continued to press for a more comprehensive plan for Indian self-rule.

Lower level of government officials participated in the movement. The Muslim League opposed the movement.

There are multiple factors that led to the British withdrawal from India seeming imminent by 1946. These factors include the limitations of the British strategy of conciliation and repression, demoralization among the bureaucracy and loyalist sections, and the success of nationalist forces in the struggle for hegemony.

1. Limitations of the British strategy of conciliation and repression:
- The British adopted a strategy of conciliation towards the Indian National Congress (INC) during World War II, hoping to secure Indian support for the war effort. However, this strategy proved to be inadequate in addressing the growing demands for independence.
- The repression and violence employed by the British to suppress the Quit India Movement in 1942 further alienated the Indian population and intensified the demand for independence.
- The failure of the Cripps Mission in 1942, which aimed to secure Indian cooperation in the war in exchange for limited self-government, demonstrated the limitations of the British strategy.

2. Demoralization among bureaucracy and loyalist sections:
- The Indian Civil Service (ICS) and other administrative bodies, which had traditionally been loyal to the British, began to witness a decline in morale and support for the colonial rule.
- The ICS officers, who were often seen as the backbone of British administration in India, faced challenges in maintaining law and order due to the growing unrest and nationalist movements.
- The failure of the British to address the demands for better career prospects and representation for Indians in the bureaucracy further added to the demoralization among these sections.

3. Success of nationalist forces in the struggle for hegemony:
- The Indian National Congress, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, played a crucial role in mobilizing the masses and demanding independence.
- The Quit India Movement in 1942 and subsequent mass protests showcased the strength and determination of the nationalist forces.
- The Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, also gained significant support and successfully articulated the demand for a separate Muslim-majority nation, which further weakened the British position in India.

In conclusion, the limitations of the British strategy, demoralization among bureaucracy and loyalist sections, and the success of nationalist forces all contributed to the British withdrawal from India seeming imminent by 1946. These factors highlighted the inability of the British to maintain control and effectively address the growing demand for independence.

Indian Government Ministers

Statement 1: Liaqat Ali Khan was the Finance Minister

- Liaqat Ali Khan was not a Finance Minister in the Indian government.
- Liaqat Ali Khan was the first Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Statement 2: Baldev Singh was the defence minister

- Baldev Singh was the first Defence Minister of independent India.
- He served as the Defence Minister from 1947 to 1952.
- He was also the first Indian to be appointed as the Minister of Defence.

Statement 3: C Rajagopalachari was the education minister

- C Rajagopalachari, also known as Rajaji, was the last Governor-General of India.
- He was a freedom fighter and a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress.
- He served as the Chief Minister of Madras State and also as the Governor of West Bengal.
- However, he was not the Education Minister of India.

Correct answer: All of them (Option D)

- Liaqat Ali Khan was not a Finance Minister in the Indian government, but he was a prominent political leader who played a significant role in the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan.
- Baldev Singh was the first Defence Minister of independent India, and he served as the Defence Minister from 1947 to 1952.
- C Rajagopalachari was not the Education Minister of India, but he was a prominent freedom fighter and political leader who served as the last Governor-General of India.

Hence, option D is the correct answer, as all the statements are correct in their own context.

In the provincial elections, it got a majority in most provinces except in Bengal, Sindh and Punjab. The Congress majority provinces included the NWFP and Assam which were being claimed for Pakistan.

The correct answer is option 'A' - only statement 1 is correct. Let's discuss each statement in detail:

1. Jinnah objected to C Rajagopalachari formula because he wanted the Congress to accept the two Nation theory

This statement is correct. C Rajagopalachari, also known as Rajaji, proposed a formula in 1944 which aimed to resolve the political deadlock between the Congress and the Muslim League. The formula suggested that the Congress should agree to the Muslim League's demand for the creation of a separate Muslim-majority state, provided that the Muslim-majority provinces of Punjab, Bengal, and Sindh voted for it in a referendum.

However, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leader of the Muslim League, objected to this formula. Jinnah believed in the Two-Nation Theory, which argued that Hindus and Muslims were separate nations and could not live together in a united India. Jinnah wanted the Congress to accept the Two-Nation Theory and agree to the creation of a separate Muslim state without any conditions. Since the Rajagopalachari formula did not fully address Jinnah's demand, he rejected it.

2. Hindu leaders led by Veer Savarkar cooperated with C Rajagopalachari to prepare his formula

This statement is incorrect. There is no historical evidence to suggest that Hindu leaders, led by Veer Savarkar or anyone else, cooperated with C Rajagopalachari to prepare his formula. It is important to note that Veer Savarkar was a prominent Hindu nationalist leader who advocated for the concept of Hindutva, which aimed to define Indian culture in Hindu terms. Savarkar did not have a favorable view of the Muslim League's demand for a separate Muslim state and did not actively cooperate with Rajagopalachari in formulating his formula.

In summary, statement 1 is correct as Jinnah objected to the Rajagopalachari formula due to his insistence on the acceptance of the Two-Nation Theory. Statement 2 is incorrect as there is no evidence of Hindu leaders, including Veer Savarkar, cooperating with Rajagopalachari in preparing his formula. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - only statement 1 is correct.

1. The Hindu Mahasabha and the Liberals were against the right of states to secede
The statement is correct. The Hindu Mahasabha, a Hindu nationalist political party, and the Liberals, who believed in a united India, were indeed against the right of states to secede. They supported the idea of a united India and opposed any partition.

2. The Sikhs objected because they thought any partition would leave Punjab in the hands of Pakistan
The statement is also correct. The Sikhs were concerned that if India were to be partitioned, Punjab would be divided between India and Pakistan, leaving them as a minority in either country. They feared for their safety and rights in such a scenario.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D', as both statements are accurate in reflecting the positions of the Hindu Mahasabha, Liberals, and Sikhs during the discussions on the partition of India.

The correct chronological order of the events is: 1-2-3.

Explanation:

1. Gandhi started the fast:
Gandhi's fast was a significant event during India's struggle for independence. It took place in 1943 as a protest against communal violence and to promote Hindu-Muslim unity. Gandhi's fasts were a powerful tool for nonviolent resistance and drew attention to the injustices of British rule. This event occurred before the other events mentioned.

2. Pakistan day was observed:
Pakistan Day is celebrated on March 23rd every year to commemorate the Lahore Resolution of 1940, where the All India Muslim League demanded a separate homeland for Muslims in British India. This event occurred after Gandhi's fast and is a significant milestone in the history of the creation of Pakistan.

3. C Rajagopalachari formula introduced:
The C Rajagopalachari formula, also known as the CR formula, was proposed in 1944 as a compromise to resolve the political deadlock between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League. The formula suggested the acceptance of the demand for Pakistan in principle, with the option for individual provinces to decide whether to join Pakistan or remain in India. This event occurred after both Gandhi's fast and the observation of Pakistan Day.

Therefore, the correct chronological order is 1-2-3, as stated in option 'B'.

The correct answer is option 'D', neither of them. Both statements are correct.

1. Two boundary commissions, one in respect of each province, were constituted to demarcate the boundaries of the new provinces:
- The Mountbatten Plan, also known as the Indian Independence Act, was implemented on August 15, 1947, and it resulted in the partition of India and the creation of two separate nations: India and Pakistan.
- As part of the plan, two boundary commissions were constituted, one for Punjab and one for Bengal, to demarcate the boundaries of the new provinces.
- The Radcliffe Commission was appointed to demarcate the boundary between India and Pakistan. Sir Cyril Radcliffe, a British lawyer, was the chairman of the commission.
- The boundary commission's task was to divide the provinces of Punjab and Bengal along religious lines, taking into consideration the demographic distribution of Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs.
- The Radcliffe Line, drawn by the commission, divided the Punjab and Bengal regions into two parts, with one part going to India and the other to Pakistan.

2. The referendum in NWFP decided in favor of Pakistan, the provincial Congress refrained from the referendum:
- NWFP (North-West Frontier Province) was a province in British India, which is now known as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan.
- In NWFP, a referendum was conducted in 1947 to determine whether the province should join India or Pakistan.
- The referendum was held to take into account the preferences of the people of NWFP, who were primarily Pathans or Pashtuns.
- The majority of the people in NWFP voted in favor of joining Pakistan in the referendum.
- The provincial Congress, which was predominantly Hindu and Sikh, refrained from participating in the referendum due to political and communal tensions.
- As a result, NWFP became part of Pakistan after the partition.

Therefore, both statements are correct. The Mountbatten Plan did involve the constitution of boundary commissions to demarcate the boundaries of the new provinces, and the referendum in NWFP did result in the province joining Pakistan, with the provincial Congress abstaining from the referendum.

The correct answer is option 'A', which states that only statement 1 is correct.

Let's analyze each statement to understand why option 'A' is the correct answer:

1. Students - If confident, leave studies:
This statement is a reflection of Gandhi's belief in self-reliance and personal freedom. Gandhi encouraged students to leave their studies if they felt confident enough to pursue their goals without formal education. He believed that education should not limit an individual's potential and that learning could happen outside the classroom as well. However, it is important to note that Gandhi did not advocate for dropping out of school without a valid reason or alternative plan.

2. Peasants - Do not pay rent to Zamindars:
This statement is incorrect. Gandhi did not instruct the peasants to stop paying rent to the Zamindars. Instead, he emphasized the need for fair and just treatment of peasants by the Zamindars. Gandhi advocated for the abolition of the Zamindari system, which he believed exploited the peasants. He supported land reforms and the redistribution of land to empower the peasants. Therefore, the statement that peasants should stop paying rent is not in line with Gandhi's teachings.

3. Soldiers - Leave the army:
This statement is also incorrect. Gandhi did not instruct soldiers to leave the army. While Gandhi was a staunch advocate of non-violence, he acknowledged that there might be situations where the use of force was necessary to protect oneself or others. He believed in the principle of non-violence but recognized the need for a strong defense system. However, Gandhi did encourage soldiers to uphold the values of non-violence and peaceful coexistence even in their roles as protectors of the nation.

In conclusion, statement 1 is correct as it reflects Gandhi's belief in personal freedom and self-reliance. However, statements 2 and 3 are incorrect as they do not align with Gandhi's teachings regarding peasants and soldiers.

Explanation:

The August Offer was a proposal made by the British government in August 1940 in response to the demand for independence by the Indian National Congress (INC) and the All India Muslim League (AIML). The offer consisted of the following proposals:

1. Expansion of the Viceroy's Executive Council to include more Indians.

2. Establishment of a War Advisory Council, which would include Indian leaders.

3. The British government would work towards the creation of a Dominion of India, which would have the same status as Canada or Australia.

4. The British government would convene a conference after the war to draft a new constitution for India.

1. The INC rejected this offer at its meeting at Wardha in August 1940. It demanded complete freedom from colonial rule.

The Indian National Congress (INC) rejected the August Offer because it did not go far enough in meeting their demands for complete independence from British rule. The Congress demanded that India be granted complete freedom and the British rule to be abolished. The INC also objected to the proposal to create a Dominion of India, which would still be part of the British Empire.

2. The League also rejected the offer saying that nothing short of partitioning the country would be acceptable to them.

The All India Muslim League (AIML) also rejected the August Offer. The league demanded the creation of a separate Muslim state in the northwestern and northeastern regions of India, which would be called Pakistan. The league believed that Muslim interests could not be protected within a united India and that the only solution was to create a separate Muslim state.

Conclusion:

Therefore, both statements are not correct as the first statement is about the INC's rejection of the August Offer, and the second statement is about the AIML's rejection of the offer. Both the INC and AIML rejected the August Offer, but for different reasons.

Reasons for failure of Cripps Mission:

There were several reasons for the failure of the Cripps Mission, which was sent by the British government to India in 1942 to discuss India's political future and to secure Indian support for the war effort during World War II. The two main reasons are as follows:

1. The proposals were seen as too radical by the British and as too conservative by the INC who wanted complete independence:

The proposals made by the Cripps Mission were seen as too radical by the British government and as too conservative by the Indian National Congress (INC). The mission proposed that India would be given dominion status after the war, but with certain reservations such as the retention of the Governor-General's powers, the right to interfere in the provincial governments, and the retention of British control over India's defense and foreign policy. This proposal was seen as too radical by the British because it would grant India a level of independence that they were not willing to concede. At the same time, it was seen as too conservative by the INC because they wanted complete independence.

2. The Mission was rejected by the INC, the Muslim League and other Indian groups:

The Cripps Mission was rejected by the Indian National Congress (INC), the Muslim League, and other Indian groups. The INC rejected the proposals because they did not go far enough in granting India full independence. The Muslim League rejected the proposals because they did not address the issue of a separate Muslim state. Other Indian groups rejected the proposals because they felt that they were not given enough representation in the proposed government.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the failure of the Cripps Mission can be attributed to the fact that the proposals were seen as too radical by the British and as too conservative by the INC who wanted complete independence. In addition, the Mission was rejected by the INC, the Muslim League, and other Indian groups.

No immediate mass struggle to be launched.

Arrangement of Events Chronologically

Introduction:
The question requires us to arrange three events in chronological order. The events are Congress launches Individual Satyagraha, Pakistan resolution passed at Lahore session, and Japan reaches Rangoon after having overrun almost the whole of South-East Asia.

1. Japan reaches Rangoon after having overrun almost the whole of South-East Asia:
This event took place in March 1942. Japan had been advancing in South-East Asia since December 1941, and by March 1942, they had almost overrun the entire region. They had captured Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and other territories.

2. Congress launches Individual Satyagraha:
This event took place on August 17, 1940. The Individual Satyagraha was a movement launched by the Indian National Congress to protest against the British Government's oppression in India. It was a limited movement, and only a select few individuals were chosen to participate in it.

3. Pakistan resolution passed at Lahore session:
This event took place on March 23, 1940. The Lahore session of the All India Muslim League passed the Pakistan resolution, which called for the creation of a separate Muslim state in the subcontinent. This resolution was a significant milestone in the demand for Pakistan.

Conclusion:
Therefore, the events arranged chronologically are 2-1-3, which means that Congress launches Individual Satyagraha took place before the Pakistan resolution passed at Lahore session, and both these events took place before Japan reaches Rangoon after having overrun almost the whole of South-East Asia.

As the Congress and the League could not agree on the fundamental issue of the unity or partition of India, the mission put forward its own plan for the solution of the constitutional problem in May 1946.

The correct answer is option 'B' - 3 Only. Let's break down the points made in Attlee's statement and explain why option 'B' is the correct choice:

1. Mountbatten would replace Linlithgow as the Viceroy:
This statement is not mentioned in Attlee's statement. There is no mention of the replacement of the Viceroy in his statement.

2. British powers vis-a-vis the princely states would lapse with the transfer of power, and this would be transferred to the successor government in British India:
This statement is not mentioned in Attlee's statement either. There is no explicit mention of the transfer of power from the British to the successor government in British India.

3. The British would relinquish power either to the Central Government or in some areas to the existing provincial governments:
This point is the main essence of Attlee's statement. He mentions that the British would relinquish power either to the Central Government or in some areas to the existing provincial governments. This indicates that the transfer of power would take place to either the central or provincial governments, depending on the circumstances.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B' - 3 Only, as only the third point is mentioned in Attlee's statement. The other two points are not supported by his statement.

Introduction to the Cripps Mission
The Cripps Mission, sent by the British government in March 1942, aimed to secure Indian cooperation during World War II. However, it faced significant opposition from various Indian political factions, including the Muslim League.
Muslim League's Criticism
The Muslim League, under Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had several key objections to the proposals put forward by the Cripps Mission:
1. Criticism of a Single Indian Union
- The Muslim League strongly opposed the notion of a single Indian Union, arguing that it would undermine the political rights of Muslims in India.
- They believed that a unified state would not adequately represent the interests of the Muslim population.
2. Discontent with Constituent Assembly Machinery
- The League expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed machinery for forming a constituent assembly.
- They criticized the procedure for deciding the accession of provinces to the Union, which they felt did not provide adequate representation for Muslim-majority provinces.
3. Denial of Self-Determination
- The League believed that the proposals effectively denied Muslims their right to self-determination.
- They argued that the framework did not support the creation of Pakistan, which they sought as a separate nation for Muslims.
Conclusion
In summary, all three statements regarding the Muslim League's attitude toward the Cripps Mission are correct. The League's objections stemmed from fears of marginalization within a single Indian Union, dissatisfaction with the constitutional process, and concerns about their political future, leading them to advocate for the establishment of Pakistan.

Muslim League's Performance 

In the case of partition, two dominions and two constituent assemblies would be created. 

1. The government was keen to avert the developing constitutional crisis:
The fixed date for withdrawal was set by the government in order to avoid a constitutional crisis. The Indian independence movement was gaining momentum, and there was growing pressure on the British government to grant independence to India. The government realized that if they did not set a date for withdrawal, the situation could escalate into a full-blown crisis, with potentially violent consequences. By fixing a date for withdrawal, the government hoped to defuse the tension and prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.

2. The government hoped that a fixed date would shock the parties into an agreement on the main question:
One of the main reasons for fixing a date for withdrawal was to push the parties involved in the negotiations to reach an agreement on the main question of India's independence. By setting a deadline, the government hoped to create a sense of urgency and shock the parties into action. They believed that the fear of the withdrawal of British rule would force the Indian leaders and the British government to come to a consensus and negotiate a peaceful transfer of power.

3. The government hoped to convince the Indians of British sincerity:
The British government was also aware of the growing skepticism among the Indian population about their sincerity in granting independence. By fixing a date for withdrawal, the government aimed to demonstrate its commitment to granting independence and convince the Indian people that they were serious about ending British rule. The government hoped that this gesture would help build trust and confidence among the Indian population, leading to a smoother transition to independence.

In conclusion, the government fixed a date for withdrawal for several reasons. They wanted to avoid a constitutional crisis, push the parties towards an agreement, and convince the Indian population of their sincerity. These measures were taken to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition to independence for India.

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Incorrect Statement Explanation:




Plan Balkan was a proposal put forward by the British Cabinet Mission in 1946 as a way to solve the deadlock between the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League over the issue of Indian independence and the creation of Pakistan. Here is an explanation of the incorrect statement:




Statement 2: Initially it was supported by Congress, but later it was abandoned

- The statement is incorrect because Congress never supported Plan Balkan.
- In fact, Congress vehemently opposed the plan as it saw the proposal to divide Punjab and Bengal along communal lines as unacceptable.
- The Congress leadership believed in a united India and was not in favor of partitioning provinces based on religion.
- Thus, the statement that Congress initially supported Plan Balkan is not correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B' - 2 Only. The first statement about Plan Balkan's proposal to transfer power to separate provinces with the option to vote for partition in Punjab and Bengal is correct, but the second statement about Congress supporting the plan is not accurate.