Important Questions Test: India After Independence - UPSC MCQ

The answer to the question is B: T T Krishnamachari. Here is a detailed explanation:
Background:
During the discussions on the language to be used in the Constituent Assembly of India, there were concerns raised by people from the southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu. They feared that if Hindi was imposed as the sole official language of India, it would undermine the linguistic diversity and cultural identity of the southern states.
Who said the words:
T T Krishnamachari, also known as TTK, was the one who issued a warning on behalf of the people of the South.
Reasons for the warning:
1. Imposing Hindi as the sole official language would marginalize the non-Hindi speaking population and their languages.
2. It could lead to a sense of alienation and discrimination among the people of the South.
3. Some individuals and groups from the southern states even threatened to separate from India if Hindi was forced upon them.
Importance of the warning:
1. T T Krishnamachari's warning highlighted the concerns and grievances of the people of the South regarding the language issue.
2. It emphasized the need to respect and protect the linguistic diversity of India.
3. The warning served as a reminder that any decision regarding language should be made in consideration of the sentiments and aspirations of all the regions and linguistic communities.
In conclusion, T T Krishnamachari played a significant role in representing the concerns of the people of the South and issuing a warning against the imposition of Hindi. His words highlighted the importance of linguistic diversity and the need to safeguard the cultural identity of different regions in India.

Why was the date 26 January 1950 chosen for the new Constitution to come into force?
The date 26 January 1950 was chosen for the new Constitution to come into force for the following reasons:
1. To coincide with the 20th anniversary of the celebration of Independence day at the Lahore session of the Congress under Nehru:
- The Lahore session of the Indian National Congress was held on 26 January 1930.
- This session marked the declaration of Purna Swaraj (complete independence) as the goal of the Indian independence movement.
- By choosing 26 January as the date for the new Constitution to come into force, it symbolically connected the Constitution with the historic moment of the declaration of independence.
2. To commemorate the adoption of the Constitution:
- 26 January 1950 was the day when the Constitution of India was formally adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
- This date was selected to honor the efforts and contributions of the Constituent Assembly members who worked tirelessly to draft and finalize the Constitution.
3. To emphasize the significance of the Republic:
- The new Constitution declared India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
- By choosing 26 January as the date for the Constitution to come into force, it highlighted the transition of India from a dominion under British rule to a republic with its own independent governing system.
4. To avoid the date of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination:
- Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement, was assassinated on 30 January 1948.
- Choosing a date close to his assassination would have been inappropriate and might have overshadowed the significance of the Constitution.
In conclusion, the date 26 January 1950 was chosen for the new Constitution to come into force to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution, connect it with the historic declaration of independence, emphasize the significance of the republic, and avoid overlapping with the date of Mahatma Gandhi's assassination.

Who shot and killed Mahatma Gandhiji?
The Hindu fanatic who shot and killed Mahatma Gandhi is Nathuram Godse.
Detailed
Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist extremist, assassinated Mahatma Gandhi on January 30, 1948. Here are some key details about the incident:
Background:
- Nathuram Godse was a member of the extremist Hindu nationalist organization called the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
- Godse was strongly opposed to Gandhi's ideology of non-violence and his efforts for Hindu-Muslim unity during the partition of India.
- He believed that Gandhi's actions favored Muslims and were detrimental to the Hindu community.
The Assassination:
- On January 30, 1948, Gandhi was holding a prayer meeting at Birla House in New Delhi.
- As Gandhi was walking towards the dais, Godse approached him and fired three shots at point-blank range.
- Gandhi was hit in the chest and abdomen and died shortly after.
Aftermath:
- Nathuram Godse did not attempt to escape and was immediately apprehended by the authorities.
- He was put on trial along with his co-conspirator Narayan Apte, and both were convicted and sentenced to death.
- Godse was executed on November 15, 1949.
Impact:
- The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi shocked the nation and the world, as he was not only the leader of India's independence movement but also a symbol of peace and non-violence.
- The incident highlighted the deep divisions between religious and political factions in post-independence India.
- Gandhi's death led to a period of mourning and reflection, but his ideals and principles continue to inspire people around the world.
In conclusion, Nathuram Godse, a member of the RSS, shot and killed Mahatma Gandhi due to his ideological differences and opposition to Gandhi's principles of non-violence and Hindu-Muslim unity.

A is the correct option.Martyrs' Day, which is also known as Shaheed Diwas or Sarvodaya Day is observed on January 30 all over the country to pay homage to all those who sacrificed their lives to make India an independent nation. The day also marks the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi

Deputy Prime Minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru:
The Deputy Prime Minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Explanation:
Jawahar Lal Nehru served as the first Prime Minister of India from 1947 to 1964. During his tenure, he had a strong and capable team of ministers, including a Deputy Prime Minister.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was an influential figure in the Indian independence movement and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi.
- He played a crucial role in the integration of princely states into the newly independent India.
- As the Deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was responsible for various important portfolios, including the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- He played a key role in the drafting and implementation of the Indian Constitution.
- Vallabhbhai Patel was known for his strong leadership and administrative skills, which helped in the smooth functioning of the government.
Other Options:
- C Rajagopalachari, also known as Rajaji, served as the Governor-General of India from 1948 to 1950, but he did not hold the position of Deputy Prime Minister during Nehru's tenure.
- VK Krishna Menon was a prominent diplomat and politician, but he did not hold the position of Deputy Prime Minister.
- Dr Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India and did not hold the position of Deputy Prime Minister.
Conclusion:
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the Deputy Prime Minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru. His contributions to the nation and his role in the early years of independent India were significant.

On 1 October 1953, 11 districts in the Telugu-speaking portion of Madras State became the new Andhra State with Kurnool as the capital.

State Reorganisation Committee
The State Reorganisation Committee was set up to recommend the redrawing of district and provincial boundaries in India. It played a crucial role in the reorganization of states in India.
Year of Formation
The State Reorganisation Committee was set up in the year 1956.
Task of the Committee
The committee was tasked with the responsibility of examining the feasibility and necessity of redrawing the boundaries of various states and provinces in India.
Recommendations
The committee made recommendations on the basis of linguistic and administrative factors. It aimed to create states and provinces that would be more homogeneous in terms of language and culture, thereby promoting better administration and governance.
Implementation
The recommendations of the State Reorganisation Committee were implemented through the States Reorganisation Act of 1956. This act led to the creation of new states and the reorganization of existing ones.
Impact
The formation of new states and the redrawing of boundaries based on linguistic and administrative factors led to the preservation and promotion of regional languages, cultures, and identities. It also facilitated better governance and administration at the state level.
Therefore, the State Reorganisation Committee was set up in 1956 to recommend the redrawing of district and provincial boundaries of many provinces in India.

Reorganization of Indian States after Independence
India embarked on a process of reorganizing its states after gaining independence in 1947. The reorganization was aimed at achieving administrative efficiency, linguistic harmony, and socio-cultural integration. The main basis for reorganizing states was the language spoken by the people.
Reasons for reorganizing states:


- Linguistic Considerations: Language played a crucial role in the reorganization of states. The States Reorganization Commission, established in 1953, recommended the formation of states on linguistic lines to ensure that people speaking the same language could have their own state. This decision was based on the principle of cultural and linguistic homogeneity, enabling people to govern themselves in their own language.
Impact:


- The reorganization of states on linguistic lines helped preserve and promote regional languages and cultures.
- It also facilitated better governance and administration by allowing people to communicate and interact in their preferred language.
- The linguistic reorganization of states played a significant role in strengthening the unity and diversity of India by recognizing and respecting the linguistic diversity of its people.
Conclusion:


The reorganization of states in India after independence was primarily based on the language spoken by the people. This decision was aimed at promoting linguistic harmony, cultural integration, and effective governance. It has played a crucial role in preserving and celebrating India's linguistic diversity while fostering a sense of unity among its citizens.

The bilingual state of Bombay was divided into separate states for Marathi and Gujarati in the year 1960.
Explanation:
- Bombay, which was a bilingual state with both Marathi and Gujarati as official languages, faced significant linguistic tensions and demands for separate states based on language.
- The Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti (SMS) led a movement demanding the creation of a separate Marathi-speaking state, while the Mahagujarat Janata Parishad (MJP) demanded a separate Gujarati-speaking state.
- In response to these demands, the States Reorganization Commission (SRC) was appointed by the Indian government to recommend the reorganization of states on linguistic lines.
- The SRC recommended the division of the state of Bombay into separate states for Marathi and Gujarati speakers.
- Based on the SRC's recommendations, the Bombay Reorganization Act was passed by the Indian Parliament in 1960, leading to the creation of the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat on May 1, 1960.
- Maharashtra became the state for Marathi speakers, with Mumbai (formerly Bombay) as its capital, and Gujarat became the state for Gujarati speakers, with Gandhinagar as its capital.
- This division aimed to address the linguistic aspirations and demands of the people in the region and promote the development of regional languages and cultures.

To determine the year in which the state of Punjab was divided into Punjab and Haryana, we need to analyze the given options and find the correct answer.
Option A: 1961
- This option suggests that the division occurred in 1961.
Option B: 1966
- This option suggests that the division occurred in 1966.
Option C: 1960
- This option suggests that the division occurred in 1960.
Option D: 1963
- This option suggests that the division occurred in 1963.
Answer: B: 1966
Explanation:
- The correct answer is option B: 1966.
- The state of Punjab was divided into two separate states, Punjab and Haryana, on November 1, 1966.
- This division was a result of the linguistic reorganization of states in India, which aimed to create states based on the predominant language spoken in the region.
- The division of Punjab was primarily based on language, with Punjabi-speaking areas forming the new state of Punjab and Hindi-speaking areas forming the state of Haryana.
- This division was carried out to address the linguistic and cultural differences between the two regions and promote better governance and development.

Place where Maharaja Hari Singh ruled a majority of Muslim people:
Maharaja Hari Singh ruled over a majority of Muslim people in the region of Kashmir.
Explanation:
- Kashmir was a princely state in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent.
- Maharaja Hari Singh was the Hindu ruler of Kashmir during the period of British rule in India.
- Kashmir had a Muslim-majority population, with Hindus and other religious groups also living in the region.
- Despite being a Hindu ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh respected the religious and cultural diversity of Kashmir.
- However, tensions between the Hindu ruler and the Muslim population increased after the partition of India in 1947.
- The partition resulted in the creation of India and Pakistan as separate countries, with Kashmir becoming a disputed territory.
- Maharaja Hari Singh initially wanted to remain independent, but he eventually signed the Instrument of Accession, joining India.
- This decision led to conflicts between India and Pakistan, leading to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947.
- The issue of Kashmir's political status and the rights of its Muslim-majority population remains a contentious issue to this day.

Establishment of the Planning Commission by Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, played a significant role in the establishment of the Planning Commission. Here is a detailed explanation of the year in which it was established:
Background:
- After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, it faced numerous challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and lack of industrial development.
- Nehru recognized the need for a centralized planning body to guide the country's economic development.
Establishment:
- Jawaharlal Nehru established the Planning Commission on March 15, 1950.
- The Planning Commission was set up through a resolution passed by the Government of India.
- The commission consisted of a Chairman and other members who were responsible for formulating and implementing five-year plans.
Role and Functions of the Planning Commission:
- The Planning Commission played a crucial role in formulating and implementing economic plans for the country's development.
- It assessed the resources available and formulated strategies to achieve balanced economic growth.
- The commission allocated funds for various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and infrastructure development.
- It also monitored the progress of various projects and evaluated their impact on the overall economy.
Conclusion:
Jawaharlal Nehru established the Planning Commission in the year 1950 to drive India's economic development and address the challenges faced by the newly independent nation. The commission played a pivotal role in formulating and implementing five-year plans, allocating resources, and monitoring the progress of developmental projects.

Jawahar Lal Nehru and the Five Year Plans

• Background: Jawahar Lal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India and played a crucial role in shaping the economic policies of the country. After India gained independence in 1947, Nehru aimed to transform the nation from an agrarian society to an industrialized one.


• Adoption of Five Year Plans: To achieve this goal, Nehru adopted the concept of Five Year Plans, which were inspired by the economic planning models of the Soviet Union.


• Development model: Nehru believed that the Soviet Union's centralized planning and state-controlled economy provided a suitable framework for India's development.


• Soviet Union influence: The Five Year Plans implemented in India were heavily influenced by the Soviet Union's model of economic planning and development.


• Key features: The main features of the Five Year Plans in India included state intervention, industrialization, agricultural development, infrastructure development, and social welfare.


• Objective: The objective of these plans was to achieve rapid economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve the standard of living for the Indian population.


• Impact: The Five Year Plans played a significant role in shaping India's economic development and laid the foundation for industrialization and modernization in the country.

Therefore, Jawahar Lal Nehru developed the Five Year Plans in India based on the economic planning model of the Soviet Union.

After India achieved independence, a formal model of planning was adopted, and accordingly the Planning Commission, reporting directly to the Prime Minister of India, was established on 15 March 1950, with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as the Chairman.

The Planning Commission designed and executed suitable policies for economic development based on a Mixed Economy model.
Here is a detailed explanation:
What is a Mixed Economy?
A mixed economy is an economic system that combines elements of both a market economy and a planned economy. In this system, the government and the private sector both play important roles in economic decision-making.
Role of the Planning Commission:
The Planning Commission was a central body in India responsible for formulating and implementing economic policies for the country's development. It aimed to achieve rapid economic growth, alleviate poverty, and improve living standards.
Reasons for Choosing a Mixed Economy Model:
The Planning Commission chose a mixed economy model for several reasons:
1. Balancing Government Intervention and Market Forces: A mixed economy allows the government to intervene in key sectors of the economy while also promoting market forces. This ensures a balance between state control and private enterprise.
2. Addressing Socioeconomic Inequalities: A mixed economy model provides the government with the ability to address socioeconomic inequalities through redistributive policies, welfare programs, and targeted development initiatives.
3. Achieving Economic Stability and Growth: By combining market mechanisms with government planning, the mixed economy model aims to achieve economic stability and sustainable growth.
4. Ensuring Long-term Development: The Planning Commission recognized the importance of long-term planning and investment in key sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture. A mixed economy model allows for such strategic planning and resource allocation.
In conclusion, the Planning Commission in India designed and executed suitable policies for economic development based on a mixed economy model. This approach aimed to strike a balance between government intervention and market forces, address socioeconomic inequalities, achieve economic stability and growth, and ensure long-term development.

The Second Five Year Plan was formulated in the year 1956.
Explanation:
The Second Five Year Plan was a significant step taken by the Indian government to achieve rapid economic development in the country. Here is a detailed explanation of the formulation of the Second Five Year Plan:
- The Second Five Year Plan was formulated in the year 1956 by the Planning Commission of India.
- It covered the time period from 1956 to 1961.
- The primary objective of the plan was to focus on the development of heavy industries, increase agricultural production, and promote overall economic growth.
- The plan aimed to achieve an average annual growth rate of 4.5% in the national income.
- It emphasized the establishment of a self-reliant economy and reducing dependence on foreign aid.
- The Second Five Year Plan also aimed at achieving a balanced growth rate between agriculture and industry sectors.
- The plan prioritized the development of infrastructure, such as transport, power, and communication facilities.
- Various sectors like education, healthcare, and rural development were also given importance during this plan period.
In conclusion, the Second Five Year Plan was formulated in the year 1956 with the objective of achieving rapid economic growth and development in India.

Important sector focused strongly on the Second Five Year Plan:
The important sector that was focused strongly on the Second Five Year Plan was the heavy industries like steel. Here are the reasons why:
1. Industrialization: The Second Five Year Plan aimed to accelerate the process of industrialization in India. Heavy industries like steel played a crucial role in this process as they formed the backbone of the industrial sector.
2. Economic growth: The development of heavy industries like steel was considered vital for achieving high economic growth. Steel is a key component in the manufacturing sector and is used in various industries such as construction, automobiles, and machinery.
3. Infrastructure development: The Second Five Year Plan emphasized the development of infrastructure, and steel was required for the construction of bridges, railways, ports, and other key infrastructure projects.
4. Employment generation: The establishment and expansion of heavy industries like steel led to the creation of numerous job opportunities. This helped in reducing unemployment and poverty levels in the country.
5. Import substitution: Another objective of the Second Five Year Plan was to reduce dependence on imports and promote self-sufficiency. Developing the steel industry domestically helped in substituting imports of steel and related products.
6. Technological advancement: The development of heavy industries like steel required the adoption of advanced technologies and techniques. This led to technological advancements and the growth of indigenous technical expertise.
Overall, the focus on heavy industries like steel in the Second Five Year Plan played a significant role in the industrialization and economic development of India during that period.