All Exams  >   Humanities/Arts  >   Political Science Class 12  >   All Questions

All questions of Challenges of Nation Building for Humanities/Arts Exam

The Cities that were divided into ‘communal zones’ during the partition violence were
  • a)
    Lahore, Amritsar and Calcutta.
  • b)
    Kashmir, Lucknow and Allahabad.
  • c)
    Madras, Hyderabad and Mysore.
  • d)
    Delhi, Mumbai and Gwalior.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Swara Patel answered
In these regions communal violence intensified and many innocents were killed and women were raped. Muslims would avoid going into an area where mainly Hindus or Sikhs lived; similarly the Hindus and Sikhs stayed away from areas of Muslim predominance.

The interim government formed under the cabinet mission plan was headed by
  • a)
    Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
  • b)
    Jawaharlal Nehru.
  • c)
    Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
  • d)
    Rajagopalachari.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The interim government of India existed from 2 September 1946 to 15 August 1947 with the purpose of transitioning India from British Raj to independence. The interim government was formed on 2 September 1946 from the newly-elected Constituent Assembly of India. It was headed by Jawaharlal Nehru and Vallabhbhai Patel held the second-most powerful position in the council, heading the Department of Home Affairs, and Department of Information and Broadcasting.

Which of the following was a consequence of the creation of linguistic states in India after 1956?
i. It helped address regional demands for recognition.
ii. It led to a decrease in democratic participation.
iii. It strengthened national unity by accommodating diversity.
iv. It caused severe divisions within the Indian Union.
  • a)
    i and iii
  • b)
    ii and iv
  • c)
    i, ii and iii
  • d)
    iii and iv
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Athul Chawla answered
Consequences of Linguistic States in India
The creation of linguistic states in India post-1956 had significant implications for the political and cultural landscape of the country. The correct answer to the question emphasizes the positive outcomes of this administrative reorganization.
Addressing Regional Demands for Recognition
- The formation of states based on linguistic lines allowed various linguistic and cultural groups to gain political representation.
- This move acknowledged the distinct identities and aspirations of different regions, helping to quell longstanding regional grievances.
Strengthening National Unity by Accommodating Diversity
- Rather than creating divisions, the linguistic state policy promoted a sense of belonging among diverse groups.
- By recognizing and accommodating various languages and cultures, India fostered a more inclusive national identity.
- This approach helped to unify the country while respecting its rich diversity, contributing to social harmony.
Decrease in Democratic Participation (Not Applicable)
- The assertion that it led to a decrease in democratic participation (option ii) is incorrect.
- In fact, the creation of linguistic states encouraged greater participation as local populations felt more connected to their governments.
Severe Divisions within the Indian Union (Not Applicable)
- While some critics argue that linguistic states could lead to fragmentation, the overall effect was one of greater cohesion rather than severe divisions.
- The policy facilitated smoother governance and better representation, which typically strengthens the union rather than undermining it.
In conclusion, options i and iii highlight the positive aspects of creating linguistic states, making option 'A' the correct choice.

Read the following passage and answer the question.
The process of nation-building did not come to an end with Partition and integration of Princely States. Now the challenge was to draw the internal boundaries of the Indian states. This was not just a matter of administrative divisions. The boundaries had to be drawn in a way so that the linguistic and cultural plurality of the country could be reflected without affecting the unity of the nation. During colonial rule, the state boundaries were drawn either on administrative convenience or simply coincided with the territories annexed by the British government or the territories ruled by the princely powers. Our national movement had rejected these divisions as artificial and had promised the linguistic principle as the basis of formation of states. In fact after the Nagpur session of Congress in 1920 the principle was recognised as the basis of the reorganisation of the Indian National Congress party itself. Many Provincial Congress Committees were created by linguistic zones, which did not follow the administrative divisions of British India.
Why were the divisions created by the British rejected by the Indian national movement?
  • a)
    They were too large to govern
  • b)
    They were too difficult to manage administratively
  • c)
    They were imposed without consulting Indian leaders
  • d)
    They were seen as artificial and not reflective of linguistic and cultural identities
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

The Indian national movement rejected British divisions as artificial because they did not reflect the linguistic and cultural identities of the people.

Directions: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Mark the correct choice as:
Assertion: The Nizam of Hyderabad never negotiated with Sardar Patel. He did not at all agreed to accept any offer to join India.
Reason: The Nizam wanted an independent status for Hyderabad.
  • a)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  • b)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • c)
    (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  • d)
    (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Akshita Saha answered
Assertion: The Nizam of Hyderabad never negotiated with Sardar Patel. He did not at all agree to accept any offer to join India.
Reason: The Nizam wanted an independent status for Hyderabad.

The correct answer is option 'D', i.e., (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Explanation:

The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, was the ruler of the princely state of Hyderabad at the time of India's independence in 1947. The Nizam had initially hesitated to join either India or Pakistan, hoping to maintain an independent status for Hyderabad. However, the situation soon escalated into a crisis as communal tensions and violence increased.

The Indian National Congress, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was the Minister of States and was responsible for the integration of princely states into India, wanted Hyderabad to join India. Sardar Patel made several attempts to negotiate with the Nizam and persuade him to accede to India. However, the Nizam refused to negotiate or accept any offer from the Indian government.

The Nizam's refusal to negotiate with Sardar Patel and his reluctance to join India can be attributed to his desire to maintain an independent status for Hyderabad. The Nizam feared that joining India would result in a loss of autonomy and power for himself and his state. He also had concerns about the treatment of the Muslim minority in India.

However, the Indian government, under the leadership of Sardar Patel, was determined to integrate Hyderabad into India. As the situation in Hyderabad deteriorated, the Indian government launched Operation Polo in September 1948 to annex Hyderabad. The operation was successful, and Hyderabad became a part of India.

In conclusion, the statement of reason is true. The Nizam of Hyderabad wanted an independent status for Hyderabad, which is why he did not negotiate with Sardar Patel or agree to join India. However, the statement of assertion is false because Sardar Patel did make efforts to negotiate with the Nizam.

Assertion: The creation of linguistic states in India was seen as a potential threat to national unity.
Reason: The formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1952 sparked further demands for state reorganization on linguistic lines across the country.
  • a)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  • b)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • c)
    (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  • d)
    (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

  • Assertion is true: Initially, there was concern that creating states based on linguistic lines could lead to divisions and weaken national unity.
  • Reason is true: The formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1952 did indeed encourage other regions to demand state reorganization based on linguistic identities.
  • Reason does not correctly explain the Assertion: While the reason is true, it does not directly explain why the creation of linguistic states was seen as a potential threat to national unity. Thus, The correct option is B.

Assertion (A): The Nizam of Hyderabad resisted joining the Indian Union to maintain the state's independence.
 
Reason (R): The people of Hyderabad were largely in favor of joining the Indian Union and opposed the Nizam's rule.
 
  • a)
    If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion
  • b)
    If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion
  • c)
    If Assertion is true but Reason is false
  • d)
    If both Assertion and Reason are false
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Sarthak Joshi answered
Understanding the Assertion and Reason
The assertion and reason in question revolve around the historical context of Hyderabad's accession to the Indian Union post-independence.
Assertion (A): The Nizam of Hyderabad resisted joining the Indian Union to maintain the state's independence.
- The Nizam, Mir Osman Ali, sought to retain Hyderabad's sovereignty.
- He was reluctant to integrate with India due to fears of losing power and autonomy.
Reason (R): The people of Hyderabad were largely in favor of joining the Indian Union and opposed the Nizam's rule.
- Many citizens supported the idea of joining India, partly due to dissatisfaction with the Nizam's autocratic governance.
- The popular sentiment favored integration to ensure democratic governance and social reforms.
Why Option 'B' is Correct
- Both assertion and reason are true.
- The Nizam's resistance was indeed aimed at preserving independence, reflecting his desire to maintain control.
- However, the people's support for joining the Indian Union did not directly explain the Nizam's actions. His resistance stemmed from a personal desire for power rather than a reflection of public sentiment.
Conclusion
In summary, while both the assertion and reason hold true, the reason does not accurately explain the assertion. The Nizam's motives were rooted in his own interests, making option 'B' the correct choice.

Assertion (A): The successful integration of 565 princely states into India post-independence was crucial for national unity.
Reason (R): The princely states were primarily autonomous regions that had the option to choose their allegiance after independence.
  • a)
    If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion
  • b)
    If both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion
  • c)
    If Assertion is true but Reason is false
  • d)
    If both Assertion and Reason are false
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

 
- The Assertion (A) is true because the integration of the princely states was essential to create a unified nation after the division of British India and the establishment of Pakistan.
- The Reason (R) is also true as the princely states had significant autonomy and could choose whether to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent, which made their integration a vital issue for national unity.
- Since the Reason provides a correct explanation for why the Assertion is true, the correct answer is Option A.
 

Assertion: The Indian National Congress initially postponed the plan for linguistic state reorganization after independence.
Reason: The Congress was focused on addressing the status of princely states and the immediate challenges following partition.
  • a)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  • b)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • c)
    (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  • d)
    (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

  • Assertion is true: The Indian National Congress did indeed delay the plan for reorganizing states based on linguistic lines after independence because other issues, such as the integration of princely states and the aftermath of partition, were more immediate.
  • Reason is true: The Congress was indeed focused on resolving the status of princely states and the consequences of partition immediately after independence, which took priority over linguistic reorganization.
  • Reason correctly explains the Assertion. Thus, option A is correct.

The States Reorganisation Commission was appointed in which year?
  • a)
    1950
  • b)
    1951
  • c)
    1953
  • d)
    1954
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Rohit Goyal answered
The Central government had appointed a State Reorganisation Commission in 1953 to look into the question of redrawing the boundaries of states.

Which of the following was one of the three main challenges India faced after independence in 1947?
i. Building a united India by integrating princely states
ii. Setting up a monarchy across the country
iii. Establishing a democratic system with rights for all
iv. Ending foreign trade with other nations
  • a)
    i and iii
  • b)
    ii and iv
  • c)
    i, iii, and iv
  • d)
    ii and iii
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Challenges Faced by India After Independence
India gained independence from British rule in 1947, and the newly formed nation encountered several significant challenges. Among the options provided, the correct answer is a) i and iii. Here’s a breakdown of the primary challenges:
Building a United India by Integrating Princely States
- Fragmented Territory: At the time of independence, India was a patchwork of princely states and British territories.
- Integration Efforts: Leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a crucial role in persuading princely states to join the Indian Union.
- Significance: Successfully integrating these states was vital for national unity and governance.
Establishing a Democratic System with Rights for All
- Democratic Foundations: One of the foremost challenges was to establish a robust democratic framework post-independence.
- Universal Rights: The Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, aimed to guarantee fundamental rights and equality for all citizens.
- Political Stability: Ensuring a stable and inclusive democracy was essential for the country’s progress.
Incorrect Options
- Setting Up a Monarchy Across the Country (ii): India opted for a democratic system rather than a monarchy, making this option invalid.
- Ending Foreign Trade with Other Nations (iv): India did not aim to end foreign trade; rather, it sought to engage with the global economy.
In conclusion, the challenges of building a united nation and establishing a democratic system with rights for all were paramount in shaping India's post-independence trajectory.

Read the following passage and answer the question.
The process of nation-building did not come to an end with Partition and integration of Princely States. Now the challenge was to draw the internal boundaries of the Indian states. This was not just a matter of administrative divisions. The boundaries had to be drawn in a way so that the linguistic and cultural plurality of the country could be reflected without affecting the unity of the nation. During colonial rule, the state boundaries were drawn either on administrative convenience or simply coincided with the territories annexed by the British government or the territories ruled by the princely powers. Our national movement had rejected these divisions as artificial and had promised the linguistic principle as the basis of formation of states. In fact after the Nagpur session of Congress in 1920 the principle was recognised as the basis of the reorganisation of the Indian National Congress party itself. Many Provincial Congress Committees were created by linguistic zones, which did not follow the administrative divisions of British India.
What principle did the Indian National Congress adopt after the Nagpur session in 1920?
  • a)
    Formation of states based on religious divisions
  • b)
    Linguistic principle for reorganization
  • c)
    Integration of princely states
  • d)
    Creation of new provinces by annexation
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Crafty Classes answered
The Congress adopted the linguistic principle as the basis for reorganizing itself, which later influenced state formation in independent India.

Read the following passage and answer the question.
The process of nation-building did not come to an end with Partition and integration of Princely States. Now the challenge was to draw the internal boundaries of the Indian states. This was not just a matter of administrative divisions. The boundaries had to be drawn in a way so that the linguistic and cultural plurality of the country could be reflected without affecting the unity of the nation. During colonial rule, the state boundaries were drawn either on administrative convenience or simply coincided with the territories annexed by the British government or the territories ruled by the princely powers. Our national movement had rejected these divisions as artificial and had promised the linguistic principle as the basis of formation of states. In fact after the Nagpur session of Congress in 1920 the principle was recognised as the basis of the reorganisation of the Indian National Congress party itself. Many Provincial Congress Committees were created by linguistic zones, which did not follow the administrative divisions of British India.
How were the boundaries of Indian states drawn during colonial rule?
  • a)
    Based on linguistic divisions
  • b)
    According to the wishes of local rulers
  • c)
    Based on administrative convenience or British-annexed territories
  • d)
    To reflect the cultural unity of the regions
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

During colonial rule, state boundaries were drawn for administrative convenience or coincided with territories annexed by the British.

Read the following passage and answer the question.
The interim government took a firm stance against the possible division of India into small principalities of different sizes. The Muslim League opposed the Indian National Congress and took the view that the States should be free to adopt any course they liked. Sardar Patel was India’s Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Minister during the crucial period immediately following Independence. He played a historic role in negotiating with the rulers of princely states firmly but diplomatically and bringing most of them into the Indian Union. It may look easy now. But it was a very complicated task which required skilful persuasion. For instance, there were 26 small states in today’s Orissa. Saurashtra region of Gujarat had 14 big states, 119 small states and numerous other different administrations. The government’s approach was guided by three considerations. Firstly, the people of most of the princely states clearly wanted to become part of the Indian union. Secondly, the government was prepared to be flexible in giving autonomy to some regions. The idea was to accommodate plurality and adopt a flexible approach in dealing with the demands of the regions. Thirdly, in the backdrop of Partition which brought into focus the contest over demarcation of territory, the integration and consolidation of the territorial boundaries of the nation had assumed supreme importance.
What was one of the key challenges the interim government faced regarding the princely states?
  • a)
    Deciding whether to form a military alliance with them
  • b)
    Preventing their division into small principalities
  • c)
    Ensuring they all adopted democratic governments
  • d)
    Maintaining British control over their territories
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The interim government was firm on preventing the division of India into numerous small principalities, a significant challenge during the integration process.

Read the following passage and answer the question.
The process of nation-building did not come to an end with Partition and integration of Princely States. Now the challenge was to draw the internal boundaries of the Indian states. This was not just a matter of administrative divisions. The boundaries had to be drawn in a way so that the linguistic and cultural plurality of the country could be reflected without affecting the unity of the nation. During colonial rule, the state boundaries were drawn either on administrative convenience or simply coincided with the territories annexed by the British government or the territories ruled by the princely powers. Our national movement had rejected these divisions as artificial and had promised the linguistic principle as the basis of formation of states. In fact after the Nagpur session of Congress in 1920 the principle was recognised as the basis of the reorganisation of the Indian National Congress party itself. Many Provincial Congress Committees were created by linguistic zones, which did not follow the administrative divisions of British India.
What was the main challenge in drawing the internal boundaries of Indian states after Partition and integration?
  • a)
    Ensuring administrative convenience
  • b)
    Reflecting linguistic and cultural plurality without harming national unity
  • c)
    Aligning with British territorial divisions
  • d)
    Expanding the territories annexed by the British
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The challenge was to draw boundaries that respected the linguistic and cultural plurality of India while maintaining the unity of the nation.

Assertion: The integration of princely states into the Indian Union was largely due to the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Reason: Sardar Patel's approach included offering complete autonomy to all princely states as a condition for their accession.
  • a)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  • b)
    Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • c)
    (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  • d)
    (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

  • Assertion is true: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was instrumental in ensuring that the princely states were integrated into the Indian Union, using a combination of diplomacy and, when necessary, force.
  • Reason is false: Sardar Patel did not offer complete autonomy to princely states; rather, he persuaded them to accede to India by signing the Instrument of Accession, which involved giving up certain powers while retaining some autonomy in internal matters. Hence, the reason is incorrect.
  • Thus, the correct answer is C.

Read the following passage and answer the question.
The interim government took a firm stance against the possible division of India into small principalities of different sizes. The Muslim League opposed the Indian National Congress and took the view that the States should be free to adopt any course they liked. Sardar Patel was India’s Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Minister during the crucial period immediately following Independence. He played a historic role in negotiating with the rulers of princely states firmly but diplomatically and bringing most of them into the Indian Union. It may look easy now. But it was a very complicated task which required skilful persuasion. For instance, there were 26 small states in today’s Orissa. Saurashtra region of Gujarat had 14 big states, 119 small states and numerous other different administrations. The government’s approach was guided by three considerations. Firstly, the people of most of the princely states clearly wanted to become part of the Indian union. Secondly, the government was prepared to be flexible in giving autonomy to some regions. The idea was to accommodate plurality and adopt a flexible approach in dealing with the demands of the regions. Thirdly, in the backdrop of Partition which brought into focus the contest over demarcation of territory, the integration and consolidation of the territorial boundaries of the nation had assumed supreme importance.
What was the Muslim League’s view on the status of princely states?
  • a)
    They should be forced to join India
  • b)
    They should be free to choose their own course
  • c)
    They should merge with Pakistan
  • d)
    They should remain independent kingdoms
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The Muslim League opposed the Congress's stance and believed that the princely states should have the freedom to decide their own future.

Read the following passage and answer the question.
The interim government took a firm stance against the possible division of India into small principalities of different sizes. The Muslim League opposed the Indian National Congress and took the view that the States should be free to adopt any course they liked. Sardar Patel was India’s Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Minister during the crucial period immediately following Independence. He played a historic role in negotiating with the rulers of princely states firmly but diplomatically and bringing most of them into the Indian Union. It may look easy now. But it was a very complicated task which required skilful persuasion. For instance, there were 26 small states in today’s Orissa. Saurashtra region of Gujarat had 14 big states, 119 small states and numerous other different administrations. The government’s approach was guided by three considerations. Firstly, the people of most of the princely states clearly wanted to become part of the Indian union. Secondly, the government was prepared to be flexible in giving autonomy to some regions. The idea was to accommodate plurality and adopt a flexible approach in dealing with the demands of the regions. Thirdly, in the backdrop of Partition which brought into focus the contest over demarcation of territory, the integration and consolidation of the territorial boundaries of the nation had assumed supreme importance.
How did the Indian government approach the integration of princely states?
  • a)
    By using military force
  • b)
    By allowing full autonomy to all regions
  • c)
    Through a flexible approach and accommodating plurality
  • d)
    By immediately annexing all states without negotiations
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Crafty Classes answered
The Indian government's approach was flexible, allowing for autonomy in some regions while ensuring integration, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by Partition.

Read the following passage and answer the question.
The interim government took a firm stance against the possible division of India into small principalities of different sizes. The Muslim League opposed the Indian National Congress and took the view that the States should be free to adopt any course they liked. Sardar Patel was India’s Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Minister during the crucial period immediately following Independence. He played a historic role in negotiating with the rulers of princely states firmly but diplomatically and bringing most of them into the Indian Union. It may look easy now. But it was a very complicated task which required skilful persuasion. For instance, there were 26 small states in today’s Orissa. Saurashtra region of Gujarat had 14 big states, 119 small states and numerous other different administrations. The government’s approach was guided by three considerations. Firstly, the people of most of the princely states clearly wanted to become part of the Indian union. Secondly, the government was prepared to be flexible in giving autonomy to some regions. The idea was to accommodate plurality and adopt a flexible approach in dealing with the demands of the regions. Thirdly, in the backdrop of Partition which brought into focus the contest over demarcation of territory, the integration and consolidation of the territorial boundaries of the nation had assumed supreme importance.
What was Sardar Patel’s role in post-Independence India?
  • a)
    Prime Minister of India
  • b)
    Leader of the Muslim League
  • c)
    Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister
  • d)
    Governor of Orissa
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Crafty Classes answered
Sardar Patel was India's Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister during the crucial period following Independence, playing a key role in integrating princely states into the Indian Union.

  • a)
    A- 3, B- 4, C-1, D- 2
  • b)
    A- 1, B- 4, C-2, D- 3
  • c)
    A- 3, B-1, C- 4, D- 2
  • d)
    A- 1, B- 2, C- 3, D- 4
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Lohit Matani answered
  • A) Manipur3) Pressure on the king to sign the accession
  • B) Travancore4) Initial refusal to join India
  • C) Hyderabad1) Military intervention by Indian Army
  • D) Kashmir2) Political and communal violence

Chapter doubts & questions for Challenges of Nation Building - Political Science Class 12 2025 is part of Humanities/Arts exam preparation. The chapters have been prepared according to the Humanities/Arts exam syllabus. The Chapter doubts & questions, notes, tests & MCQs are made for Humanities/Arts 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests here.

Chapter doubts & questions of Challenges of Nation Building - Political Science Class 12 in English & Hindi are available as part of Humanities/Arts exam. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Humanities/Arts Exam by signing up for free.

Political Science Class 12

34 videos|308 docs|51 tests

Top Courses Humanities/Arts