Test: Independence and Partition of India - Class 10 MCQ

The Muslim League feared that their representation in the Viceroy's Council would not safeguard minority interests, as the Congress had secured a two-thirds majority in the elections. Their concerns about being outvoted led them to initially boycott participation.

The demand for Pakistan was rejected primarily due to concerns over communal harmony. The British government feared that creating a separate state would exacerbate tensions and disrupt the fragile peace between Hindus and Muslims in India.

The Labour Party's favorable stance towards Indian independence indicated a shift in British political dynamics, recognizing the need for a prompt transfer of power to address the demands of the Indian populace and international pressures.

The Indian Independence Act required the division of the Indian army and other military assets between the new dominions of India and Pakistan. This division was a complex task, reflecting the deep-seated divisions that partition entailed.

The Cabinet Mission Plan proposed the formation of a federal union in which British provinces and princely states would retain autonomy over all subjects except for defense, foreign affairs, and communications. This structure aimed to balance local governance with central oversight.

Jawaharlal Nehru was appointed as India's first Prime Minister following independence on August 15, 1947. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the newly independent nation and its policies in the subsequent years.

The interim government was intended to oversee the transition of India towards self-governance and independence. It comprised representatives from various political groups, reflecting the diverse political landscape of India at the time.

The Indian National Army (INA) uprising signified a significant awakening of patriotic feelings among Indian soldiers, showcasing their willingness to fight for independence. The INA's activities intensified the pressure on the British government, revealing a shift in loyalty among Indian troops.

The Cabinet Mission Plan proposed a federal structure for India, allowing provinces significant autonomy while establishing a central government responsible for defense, foreign affairs, and communications. This structure aimed to balance regional interests with national unity.

The Constituent Assembly was established specifically to draft the Indian Constitution, consisting of 389 members, including provisions for separate representation for Muslims and Sikhs. This assembly played a crucial role in shaping India's democratic framework.

The Mountbatten Plan provided princely states the freedom to join either India or Pakistan, which was critical in determining the borders and governance of the newly independent nations. This option was essential in addressing the diverse political landscape of British India.

The all-India strike by postal and telegraph workers in July 1946 was a manifestation of rising labor unrest across India. This strike, followed by others from different sectors, demonstrated widespread dissatisfaction with British rule and economic conditions.

Sylhet was specifically designated for a plebiscite under the Mountbatten Plan to allow its residents to choose between joining India or Pakistan. This decision highlighted the complexities of partition and the need to address local sentiments.

India faced significant challenges in the aftermath of partition, including underdeveloped agricultural sectors and limited industrial progress. These issues necessitated strategic planning and government initiatives to foster economic growth in the years that followed.

The uprising of Indian Naval Ratings in 1946 was a critical event that showcased the growing discontent among military personnel. This uprising, along with other forms of unrest, signaled a significant decline in British authority in India.

Widespread communal violence created an urgent perception that partitioning British India was the only viable solution to reduce tensions between different religious communities. This belief was pivotal in shaping the decisions leading to independence and partition.

The Labour Party's victory in the elections marked a pivotal change in British policy, as many of its members supported the Congress Party's demands for Indian independence. This shift indicated a growing recognition within Britain of the need to address India's aspirations for freedom.

The Indian Independence Act marked the end of British legislative authority in India, paving the way for the establishment of two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, on August 15, 1947. This legislation was a landmark decision in the decolonization process.

Until new constitutions were framed, both India and Pakistan were governed according to the Government of India Act of 1935. This act provided a legal framework for the functioning of the new governments during the transition period.

Tensions between the Congress and the Muslim League escalated in the years leading up to independence, primarily due to differing visions for India's future. The Congress's dominance in the Constituent Assembly raised fears among Muslims of being marginalized.