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What were the three options presented to princely states following the Indian Independence Act of 1947?
  • a)
    Join India, join Pakistan, or remain under British administration
  • b)
    Join the British Commonwealth, join India, or declare independence
  • c)
    Form an alliance with neighboring countries, seek international recognition, or join India
  • d)
    Join India, join Pakistan, or declare independence
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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What were the three options presented to princely states following the...
The Indian Independence Act of 1947 offered princely states three options: to join either India or Pakistan, or to choose to remain independent. This allowed each princely state to determine its own future and alignment.
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What were the three options presented to princely states following the...
Overview of the Indian Independence Act of 1947
The Indian Independence Act of 1947 marked a crucial turning point in the history of India. It provided a framework for the transfer of power from British rule to two independent dominions: India and Pakistan. The princely states, which were semi-autonomous territories governed by local rulers, were given specific options regarding their future.
Options for Princely States
The three primary options presented to princely states were:
- Join India: Princely states could choose to accede to the newly formed Union of India, thereby becoming part of the Indian dominion. This option allowed them to enjoy the benefits of being within a larger, unified nation while also adhering to Indian laws and governance.
- Join Pakistan: Similar to the first option, states could opt to accede to Pakistan, particularly if they had a significant Muslim population or strategic interests aligned with Pakistan. This was a critical choice, especially for states located near the newly established border.
- Declare Independence: Princely states had the option to remain independent and not join either dominion. This allowed them to maintain sovereignty and manage their own affairs, although this choice carried risks in terms of international recognition and stability.
Significance of the Choices
These options were significant as they set the stage for the political landscape of post-independence India and Pakistan. Many states chose to join one of the two dominions, while a few attempted to assert their independence, leading to complex negotiations and conflicts. Ultimately, the decisions made by these states played a critical role in shaping the borders and political dynamics of South Asia.
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What were the three options presented to princely states following the Indian Independence Act of 1947?a)Join India, join Pakistan, or remain under British administrationb)Join the British Commonwealth, join India, or declare independencec)Form an alliance with neighboring countries, seek international recognition, or join Indiad)Join India, join Pakistan, or declare independenceCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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