Passage Based Questions: Challenges of Nation Building | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Passage - 1

Q. 1. Examine the cartoon carefully and answer the following questions:

(i) What were the primary causes of the partition? (Mention any two)
Ans: The first and foremost cause of the partition was the Two-Nation Theory propounded by the Muslim League. Additionally, the increasing communal tension between the two communities accelerated the process of partition. [2]

(ii) On what basis was the Two-Nation Theory formulated?
Ans: The Two-Nation Theory essentially means that cultural, political, religious, economic, and social differences existed between the two major communities, Hindus and Muslims, in the Subcontinent. [1]

(iii) Which two states were undecided about joining either country during the partition?
Ans: Travancore, Jammu and Kashmir, and Hyderabad wanted to remain independent states. [1]

(iv) Which prominent political leader opposed the partition?
Ans: Mahatma Gandhi opposed the idea of partition. [1]

Passage - 2

Q. 2. Read the passage below and respond to the following questions:

"We have a Muslim minority who are so large in numbers that they cannot, even if they want, go anywhere else. That is a basic fact about which there can be no argument. Whatever the provocation from Pakistan and whatever the indignities and horrors inflicted on non-Muslims there, we have got to deal with this minority in a civilized manner. We must give them security and the rights of citizens in a democratic State. If we fail to do so, we shall have a festering sore which will eventually poison the whole body politic and probably destroy it." —Jawaharlal Nehru

(i) Why did Jawaharlal Nehru emphasize dealing with the Muslim minority in a civilized manner?
Ans: At the time of partition, Pakistan inflicted horrors on non-Muslims. Despite this, Nehru emphasized treating the Muslim minority in a civilized manner because Muslims constituted a large portion of the minority communities in India, and they had no option to go elsewhere.

(ii) Why should this minority be granted security and rights on par with others in a democratic system?
Ans: India is a democratic and secular country where all religions are treated equally. Due to this, the Muslim minority should be granted security and rights on an equal footing with others in India.

(iii) What scenario is anticipated if this minority is not provided security and rights?
Ans: If this minority is not provided security and rights, it could poison the entire Indian political system, potentially leading to the collapse of India's democratic framework. [1 + 2 + 2 = 5]

Passage - 3

Q. 3. Read the passage below and answer the following questions:

"We should begin to work in that spirit, and in course of time, all these angularities of the majority and minority communities—the Hindu community and the Muslim community—because even as regards Muslims, you have Pathans, Punjabis, Shias, Sunnis, and so on, and among the Hindus, you have Brahmins, Vaishnavas, Khatris, also Bengalees, Madrasis, and so on—will vanish. … You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed—that has nothing to do with the business of the State."

(i) Who made this statement, and when and where was it delivered?
Ans: Mohammad Ali Jinnah made this statement as the Presidential Address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan in Karachi on August 11, 1947. [2]

(ii) Does this statement contradict the Two-Nation Theory that led to the creation of Pakistan? Justify your answer.
Ans: Jinnah’s statement does not contradict the Two-Nation Theory, as he aimed at creating separate states for Muslims without interfering with other communities like Pathans, Punjabis, etc. [1]

(iii) To what extent did Pakistan fulfill the expectations outlined in the passage?
Ans: Pakistan did not fully live up to Jinnah’s expectations, as it gradually became an orthodox Muslim country that did not respect the interests of other communities after independence. [1]

(iv) What is the central message of the statement above?
Ans: The essence of the statement is Jinnah's secular outlook, emphasizing the protection and promotion of every community's rights, allowing them to practice their own beliefs freely. [1]

Passage - 4

Q. 4. Examine the picture provided and answer the following questions:

(i) What does this picture represent?
Ans: This picture represents the painful scene of the partition of the country when people were forced to leave their homes.

(ii) List a few consequences of the partition.
Ans: (a) Communal Riots
(b) Social Sufferings
(c) Administrative Concerns and Financial Strains. (Any Two)

(iii) Which year is depicted in the picture?
Ans: The year 1947, which was the most abrupt and unplanned year in Indian history.

Passage - 5

Q. 1. Read the passage below and respond to the following questions:

"The interim government took a firm stance against the possible division of India into smaller 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, India’s Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Minister during the crucial period, immediately after independence, played a historic role in negotiating with the rulers of princely states in bringing most of them into the Indian Union."

(i) What is referred to as the interim government?
Ans: The government formed under the Indian National Congress is referred to as the interim government. [1]

(ii) Why did the Muslim League oppose the Indian National Congress?
Ans: The Muslim League opposed the Indian National Congress’ stance of not allowing the princely states the freedom to choose their own path. [2]

(iii) What makes Sardar Patel’s role historically significant?
Ans: Sardar Patel’s role is considered historic because he successfully negotiated with the rulers of princely states and diplomatically integrated them into the Indian Union. [2]

Passage - 6

Q. 2. Read the passage below and respond to the following questions:

"In the history of nation-building, only the Soviet experiment bears comparison with the Indian. There too, a sense of unity had to be forged between many diverse ethnic groups, religious, linguistic communities, and social classes. The scale—geographic as well as demographic—was comparably massive. The raw material the state had to work with was equally unpropitious: a people divided by faith and driven by debt and disease." —Ramachandra Guha

(i) What commonalities does the author identify between India and the Soviet Union? Provide one example of each from India.
Ans: The commonalities between India and the Soviet Union include:
(a) Both countries were designed on linguistic principles.
(b) State boundaries were defined based on geographical conditions and demographic situations, particularly in relation to linguistic principles.
(c) Both countries have seen significant technical, technological, and economic progress for public welfare. [2]

(ii) The author does not mention the differences between the two experiments. Can you list two dissimilarities?
Ans: The most significant dissimilarity is that while the Soviet Union eventually broke into more than 15 independent nations, India has maintained its integrity and continues to uphold the principle of unity in diversity. [2]

(iii) In retrospect, which of these experiments proved more successful, and why?
Ans: The Indian experiment has been more successful in promoting national integration while preserving the linguistic and cultural heritage of the states. [1]

Passage - 7

Q. 3. Study the picture below and respond to the following questions:

(i) Identify the individual at the center of the cartoon and describe the challenge he is facing.
Ans: The individual is the first Prime Minister of India, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, who faced the challenge of integrating princely states and forming linguistic states.

(ii) What is the picture actually referring to?
Ans: The picture refers to the problem of reorganizing states on a linguistic basis while fearing the possible disintegration of the country.

(iii) How did India manage to avoid these conflicts?
Ans: India successfully recognized and respected regional demands and enhanced democracy by granting some autonomy to the states.

Passage - 8

This was not going to be easy. India was born in very difficult circumstances. Perhaps no other country by then was born in a situation more difficult than that of India in 1947. Freedom came with the partition of the country. The year 1947 was a year of unprecedented violence and trauma of displacement. It was in this situation that independent India started on its journey to achieve several objectives. Yet the turmoil that accompanied independence did not make our leaders lose sight of the multiple challenges that faced the new nation.

Q1: What challenges did India face during its early years of independence in 1947?
Ans:

• India faced multiple challenges during its early years of independence, including the trauma of partition, unprecedented violence, and displacement of people.
• The process of achieving freedom in 1947 was marked by significant difficulties and turmoil.

Q2: What were the circumstances under which India gained independence in 1947?
Ans:

• India gained independence in 1947, and this was accompanied by the partition of the country, leading to the creation of India and Pakistan as separate nations.
• The circumstances of India's birth as an independent nation were exceptionally challenging.

Q3: Despite the difficult situation at the time of independence, what did India's leaders demonstrate in terms of their vision for the country's future?
Ans:

• India's leaders did not lose sight of the multiple challenges facing the new nation, even in the midst of the violence and trauma that accompanied independence.
• They displayed a strong sense of purpose and determination to address these challenges and guide the country's journey toward achieving its objectives.

Passage - 9

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

The second challenge was to establish democracy. You have already studied the Indian Constitution. You know that the Constitution granted fundamental rights and extended the right to vote to every citizen. India adopted representative democracy based on the parliamentary form of government. These features ensure that the political competition would take place in a democratic framework.

Q1: What was the second major challenge faced by India in its early years of independence, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• The second significant challenge was the establishment of democracy in India.

Q2: How did the Indian Constitution address the challenge of establishing democracy, and what key rights and provisions were granted to citizens?
Ans:

• The Indian Constitution granted fundamental rights to citizens and extended the right to vote to every citizen, ensuring universal suffrage.
• India adopted a representative democracy based on the parliamentary form of government, which allowed for democratic political competition.

Q3: How do the features of the Indian Constitution, as described in the passage, contribute to ensuring political competition within a democratic framework?
Ans:

• The features of the Indian Constitution, including fundamental rights and universal suffrage, create a democratic framework in which political competition can take place.
• The parliamentary form of government further strengthens India's commitment to representative democracy.

Passage - 10

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

The idea might appear simple, but it presented all kinds of difficulties. First of all, there was no single belt of Muslim majority areas in British India. There were two areas of concentration, one in the west and one in the east. There was no way these two parts could be joined. So it was decided that the new country, Pakistan, will comprise two territories, West and East Pakistan separated by a long expanse of Indian territory. Secondly, not all Muslim majority areas wanted to be in Pakistan. Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan, the undisputed leader of the North Western Frontier Province and known as ‘Frontier Gandhi’, was staunchly opposed to the two-nation theory. Eventually, his voice was simply ignored and the NWFP was made to merge with Pakistan.

Q1: What geographical challenge did the idea of creating Pakistan face, and how was it resolved?
Ans:

• The challenge was that there was no single continuous belt of Muslim majority areas in British India.
• Pakistan was created as two separate territories, West Pakistan and East Pakistan, with a long expanse of Indian territory in between, to accommodate the two main concentrations of Muslim-majority areas.

Q2: Who was Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan, and what was his stance regarding the two-nation theory and Pakistan's creation?
Ans:

• Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan, also known as 'Frontier Gandhi,' was the undisputed leader of the North Western Frontier Province.
• He staunchly opposed the two-nation theory and the creation of Pakistan but was eventually ignored, and the NWFP was made to merge with Pakistan.

Q3: What were the two major regions that formed the territories of Pakistan, and what geographical feature separated them?
Ans:

• Pakistan was comprised of two main territories, West Pakistan and East Pakistan.
• These territories were separated by a long expanse of Indian territory, making them geographically distinct from each other.

Passage - 11

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Forced to abandon their homes and move across borders, people went through immense sufferings. Minorities on both sides of the border fled their home and often secured temporary shelter in ‘refugee camps’. They often found unhelpful local administration and police in what was till recently their own country. They travelled to the other side of the new border by all sorts of means, often by foot. Even during this journey they were often attacked, killed or raped. Thousands of women were abducted on both sides of the border. They were made to convert to the religion of the abductor and were forced into marriage. In many cases women were killed by their own family members to preserve the ‘family honour’. Many children were separated from their parents.

Q1: What were the common experiences of people who were forced to leave their homes and cross borders during this period?
Ans:

• People who were displaced experienced immense suffering and hardships as they were forced to abandon their homes.
• Minorities on both sides of the border sought refuge in temporary refugee camps but often encountered unhelpful local administration and police, even in their own country.
• Many individuals traveled to the other side of the new border using various means, often on foot, and faced dangers during their journey, including attacks, killings, and sexual violence.

Q2: What were the fates of many women who were abducted during this period, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• Thousands of women were abducted on both sides of the border, and they often faced coercion to convert to the religion of their abductors and were forcibly married.
• In some cases, women were killed by their own family members in an attempt to preserve the family's honor.

Q3: How did the forced migration affect families, especially in terms of relationships and separation?
Ans:

• Many children were separated from their parents as families were forced to abandon their homes and move across borders.
• The displacement had a profound impact on family structures and relationships, often leading to tragic and life-altering consequences.

Passage - 12

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Beyond the administrative concerns and financial strains, however, the partition posed another deeper issue. The leaders of the Indian national struggle did not believe in the two-nation theory. And yet, partition on religious basis had taken place. Did that make India a Hindu nation automatically? Even after large scale migration of Muslims to the newly created Pakistan, the Muslim population in India accounted for 12 per cent of the total population in 1951.

Q1: What deeper issue did the partition of India pose beyond administrative and financial concerns?
Ans:

• The partition raised the question of whether India, despite its leaders' rejection of the two-nation theory, could automatically be considered a Hindu nation based on religious lines.

Q2: What was the stance of the leaders of the Indian national struggle on the two-nation theory?
Ans:

• The leaders of the Indian national struggle did not believe in the two-nation theory, which was the basis for the partition of India.

Q3: What was the demographic composition of India in terms of its Muslim population in 1951, and how did it relate to the question of India being automatically considered a Hindu nation?
Ans:

• In 1951, even after the significant migration of Muslims to Pakistan, the Muslim population in India still accounted for 12 percent of the total population.
• This demographic composition challenged the notion of India automatically becoming a Hindu nation, highlighting its religious and cultural diversity.

Passage - 13

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

British India was divided into what were called the British Indian Provinces and the Princely States. The British Indian Provinces were directly under the control of the British government. On the other hand, several large and small states ruled by princes, called the Princely States, enjoyed some form of control over their internal affairs as long as they accepted British supremacy. This was called paramountcy or suzerainty of the British crown. Princely States covered one-third of the land area of the British Indian Empire and one out of four Indians lived under princely rule. 

Q1: What were the two main categories of administrative divisions in British India, and how did they differ in terms of governance?
Ans:

• British India was divided into British Indian Provinces and Princely States.
• The British Indian Provinces were directly controlled by the British government, while the Princely States were ruled by local princes who retained some authority over their internal affairs under British suzerainty.

Q2: What was the extent of the Princely States' coverage in terms of land area and population within the British Indian Empire?
Ans:

• The Princely States covered approximately one-third of the land area of the British Indian Empire.
• About one out of every four Indians lived under the rule of these Princely States.

Q3: How did the British crown's authority over the Princely States manifest, and what was the term used to describe it?
Ans:

• The British crown's authority over the Princely States was described as paramountcy or suzerainty.
• While the Princely States had some control over internal matters, they had to accept British supremacy and acknowledge the British crown's ultimate authority.

Passage - 14

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

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.

Q1: What important roles did Sardar Patel hold in the Indian government immediately after Independence, and what was his historic contribution during that period?
Ans:

• Sardar Patel served as India's Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Minister following Independence.
• He played a significant role in diplomatically negotiating with the rulers of princely states and successfully integrating most of them into the Indian Union.

Q2: What was the nature of the challenge faced by Sardar Patel in negotiating with princely states, and what were some examples of regions with complex administrative divisions?
Ans:

• Negotiating with princely states was a complicated task that required skillful persuasion.
• For instance, there were 26 small states in today's Orissa, and the Saurashtra region of Gujarat had 14 big states, 119 small states, and various other different administrations.

Q3: What made Sardar Patel's role in integrating princely states into the Indian Union historically significant, and why was it considered a challenging task?
Ans:

• Sardar Patel's role was significant because he successfully brought most princely states into the Indian Union, contributing to India's territorial integration.
• The complexity of dealing with numerous princely states and diverse administrative structures made this task challenging and required skillful diplomacy.

Passage - 15

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

In the meantime, a movement of the people of Hyderabad State against the Nizam’s rule gathered force. The peasantry in the Telangana region in particular, was the victim of Nizam’s oppressive rule and rose against him. Women who had seen the worst of this oppression joined the movement in large numbers. Hyderabad town was the nerve centre of this movement. The Communists and the Hyderabad Congress were in the forefront of the movement. The Nizam responded by unleashing a para-military force known as the Razakars on the people.

Q1: What was the key driving force behind the movement of the people of Hyderabad State against the Nizam's rule?
Ans:

• The movement against the Nizam's rule in Hyderabad State was primarily driven by the oppressive and authoritarian nature of his rule, particularly affecting the peasantry in the Telangana region.

Q2: Which groups or organizations played a significant role in leading the movement against the Nizam's rule, and where was the nerve centre of this movement located?
Ans:

• The Communists and the Hyderabad Congress were at the forefront of the movement against the Nizam's rule.
• The nerve centre of the movement was Hyderabad town.

Q3: How did the Nizam respond to the growing movement against his rule, and what was the paramilitary force he used against the people?
Ans:

• In response to the movement, the Nizam unleashed a para-military force known as the Razakars to suppress the uprising and maintain his rule.
• The Razakars were used as a tool of repression against the people, particularly in the Telangana region.

Passage - 16

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Under the pressure of public opinion, the Maharaja held elections in Manipur in June 1948 and the state became a constitutional monarchy. Thus Manipur was the first part of India to hold an election based on universal adult franchise. In the Legislative Assembly of Manipur there were sharp differences over the question of merger of Manipur with India. While the state Congress wanted the merger, other political parties were opposed to this. The Government of India succeeded in pressurising the Maharaja into signing a Merger Agreement in September 1949, without consulting the popularly elected Legislative Assembly of Manipur.

Q1: What significant event took place in Manipur in June 1948, and why was it historically noteworthy?
Ans:

• In June 1948, elections were held in Manipur under the pressure of public opinion, marking the transition from princely rule to a constitutional monarchy.
• Manipur became the first part of India to conduct an election based on universal adult franchise during this period.

Q2: What was the key point of contention in the Legislative Assembly of Manipur regarding the merger with India, and which political parties held differing views on this matter?
Ans:

• The main point of contention was the question of merging Manipur with India.
• The state Congress supported the merger, while other political parties in Manipur opposed it.

Q3: How did the merger with India take place in Manipur, and why was it a source of controversy?
Ans:

• The Government of India pressured the Maharaja of Manipur into signing a Merger Agreement in September 1949.
• This agreement was signed without consulting the popularly elected Legislative Assembly of Manipur, leading to controversy and differing views on the manner in which Manipur became a part of India.

Passage - 17

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

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. 

Q1: What principle did the Indian national movement reject as artificial when it came to the formation of states, and what principle did it endorse instead?
Ans:

• The Indian national movement rejected divisions based on administrative or artificial criteria.
• It endorsed the linguistic principle as the basis for the formation of states, emphasizing that states should be organized along linguistic lines.

Q2: How was the linguistic principle embraced within the Indian National Congress, and what specific changes did it bring about within the party?
Ans:

• After the Nagpur session of Congress in 1920, the linguistic principle was recognized as the basis for reorganizing the Indian National Congress party itself.
• Many Provincial Congress Committees were created based on linguistic zones, which diverged from the administrative divisions of British India.

Q3: Why was the linguistic principle favored for state formation, and how did it reflect the sentiment within the Indian national movement?
Ans:

• The linguistic principle was favored because it reflected the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Indian subcontinent.
• It was seen as a way to accommodate the aspirations of various linguistic communities and promote a sense of unity among people who shared a common language.