Worksheet Solutions: Challenges of Nation Building | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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Q1: India became independent on the midnight of __________, 15 August 1947.
Ans: 14
India became independent on the midnight of 14, 15 August 1947, marking the end of British colonial rule.

Q2: The speech given by Jawaharlal Nehru on independence day is known as __________.
Ans: Tryst with Destiny
The speech given by Jawaharlal Nehru on independence day is known as Tryst with Destiny, expressing India's commitment to a new era of freedom and opportunity.

Q3: India was divided into three parts: British India, Pakistan, and __________.
Ans: Princely states
India was divided into three parts: British India, Pakistan, and princely states, creating complexity in the process of nation-building post-independence.

Q4: The leader of the North-West Frontier Province during partition was __________, popularly known as "Frontier Gandhi."
Ans: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
The leader of the North-West Frontier Province during partition was Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, popularly known as "Frontier Gandhi," who opposed partition and advocated for unity.

Q5: The Memorandum of Understanding for the merger of princely states is called __________.
Ans: Instrument of Accession
The Memorandum of Understanding for the merger of princely states is called Instrument of Accession, a crucial document that facilitated princely states' integration into India after independence.

Q6: The first Home Minister of India was __________.
Ans: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
The first Home Minister of India was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a pivotal role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union.

Q7: The creation of linguistic states in India was implemented through the __________ Act.
Ans: States Reorganisation
The creation of linguistic states in India was implemented through the States Reorganisation Act, which restructured states based on linguistic lines, fostering better governance and regional identities.

Q8: The government appointed the __________ in 1953 for state reorganization.
Ans: States Reorganisation Commission
The government appointed the States Reorganisation Commission in 1953 for state reorganization, aiming to address regional disparities and linguistic diversity in the country.

Match the Column

Q1:

Ans: 1. Instrument of Accession (C): This document was signed by princely states, indicating their willingness to merge with India after independence. It was crucial in the integration of princely states into the newly formed Indian Union.
2. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (D): He was a prominent leader during India's independence movement and played a key role in integrating princely states into India. Due to his efforts, he earned the title "Iron Man of India."
3. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (A): He was the leader of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) during the independence era. Despite his opposition, he played a significant role in the region during the partition.
4. Nizam of Hyderabad (B): The Nizam was the ruler of Hyderabad, one of the largest princely states in India. His desire for Hyderabad to remain independent led to conflicts and eventual integration into India.
5. Razakars (E): Razakars were armed militia sent by the Nizam of Hyderabad to suppress the popular movement in favor of merging with India. They were involved in various atrocities, leading to the intervention of the Indian Army.
6. States Reorganisation Act (G): This legislation was passed in 1956 and was a significant step in the reorganization of Indian states based on linguistic lines. It led to the formation of states and union territories in India, simplifying administrative and political divisions.
7. Bodh Chandra Singh (F): He was the princely state ruler of Manipur. Under pressure from the Indian government and due to political developments within Manipur, he signed the accession agreement, leading to Manipur becoming a part of India.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: The partition of India led to one of the largest population transfers in human history.
Reason: Communal violence was at its peak during the partition, forcing millions to abandon their homes.
(a) True for both Assertion and Reason
(b) True for Assertion, but False for Reason
(c) False for Assertion, but True for Reason
(d) False for both Assertion and Reason
Ans: (a)
The assertion and reason both accurately describe the situation during the partition of India. The partition indeed led to one of the largest population transfers in human history due to communal violence, forcing millions to abandon their homes and migrate to different parts of India and Pakistan.

Q2: Assertion: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a crucial role in integrating princely states into India.
Reason: Most princely states willingly joined the Indian Union.
(a) True for both Assertion and Reason
(b) True for Assertion, but False for Reason
(c) False for Assertion, but True for Reason
(d) False for both Assertion and Reason
Ans: (a)
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a crucial role in integrating princely states into India. The reason that most princely states willingly joined the Indian Union is also true. Patel's diplomatic skills and persuasion techniques ensured that a majority of princely states willingly acceded to India, making the assertion and reason both true.

Q3: Assertion: The creation of Andhra Pradesh in 1952 marked the beginning of state reorganization in India.
Reason: Princely states were already reorganized based on linguistic lines.
(a) True for both Assertion and Reason
(b) True for Assertion, but False for Reason
(c) False for Assertion, but True for Reason
(d) False for both Assertion and Reason
Ans: (b)
The creation of Andhra Pradesh in 1952 marked the beginning of state reorganization in India based on linguistic lines. However, the reason that princely states were already reorganized based on linguistic lines is false. The reorganization of states occurred later, primarily through the States Reorganisation Act of 1956.

Q4: Assertion: The reorganization of states in India was a smooth and uncontroversial process.
Reason: The States Reorganisation Act was passed in 1956, leading to the formation of 14 states and 6 Union Territories.
(a) True for both Assertion and Reason
(b) True for Assertion, but False for Reason
(c) False for Assertion, but True for Reason
(d) False for both Assertion and Reason
Ans: (b)
The assertion that the reorganization of states in India was a smooth and uncontroversial process is false. The process was complex, involving political, social, and cultural considerations. While the States Reorganisation Act was indeed passed in 1956, the process leading up to it was marked by numerous debates, discussions, and challenges. The formation of states and Union Territories was a result of careful deliberation rather than a smooth and uncontroversial process.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What were the three challenges in nation-building after India's independence?
Ans: The three challenges in nation-building after India's independence were religious and communal tensions, the integration of princely states, and the establishment of a democratic government.

Q2: Who was Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and why was he significant during partition?
Ans: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as the Frontier Gandhi, was a prominent Pashtun political leader and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. He was significant during partition because he advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity and worked towards promoting peace and non-violence.

Q3: What was the Instrument of Accession, and why was it crucial for princely states?
Ans: The Instrument of Accession was a legal document through which the rulers of princely states agreed to accede to either India or Pakistan after independence. It was crucial for princely states as it determined their political integration into the newly formed nations.

Q4: Who was the Nizam of Hyderabad, and what did he want for Hyderabad?
Ans: The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, was the ruler of the princely state of Hyderabad. He wanted Hyderabad to remain an independent state or join Pakistan rather than acceding to India.

Q5: What were the Razakars, and why did the Indian Army intervene in Hyderabad?
Ans: The Razakars were a private militia formed by the Nizam of Hyderabad to resist the integration of Hyderabad into India. The Indian Army intervened to suppress the Razakars and enforce the integration of Hyderabad into India.

Q6: Why did the Indian government put pressure on the king of Manipur?
Ans: The Indian government put pressure on the king of Manipur to accede to India and integrate the princely state into the Indian Union.

Q7: What was the significance of the creation of Andhra Pradesh in 1952?
Ans: The creation of Andhra Pradesh in 1952 marked the first linguistic reorganization of states in India. It established a separate state for Telugu-speaking people, setting a precedent for future state reorganizations based on linguistic considerations.

Q8: Why did the government appoint the States Reorganisation Commission in 1953?
Ans: The government appointed the States Reorganisation Commission in 1953 to address the demands for the linguistic reorganization of states and to recommend the formation of new states based on linguistic boundaries.

Q9: What was the main consideration of the government in dealing with princely states?
Ans: The main consideration of the government in dealing with princely states was to ensure their integration into the Indian Union and establish a unified nation.

Q10: Why was the reorganization of states in India necessary after independence?
Ans: The reorganization of states in India was necessary after independence to address linguistic, cultural, and regional aspirations, promote better governance, and facilitate efficient administration of diverse regions within the country.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the process of partition between India and Pakistan in 1947.
Ans: The partition of India in 1947 refers to the division of British India into two separate nations, India and Pakistan. The process was initiated by the Indian Independence Act, which was passed by the British Parliament. The Act stated that the British rule in India would end on August 15, 1947, and the country would be divided along religious lines. The predominantly Hindu regions would become India, while the predominantly Muslim regions would become Pakistan. The partition led to mass migrations, communal violence, and the displacement of millions of people.

Q2: Who was Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and what was his role in the partition?
Ans: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as Bacha Khan, was a prominent Pashtun political leader in British India. He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and a supporter of the Indian National Congress. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan played a crucial role in advocating for the unity of India and opposing the partition. He believed in non-violence and worked towards fostering communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims. Despite his efforts, the partition took place, resulting in the creation of Pakistan.

Q3: What were some of the consequences of the partition, particularly in terms of population transfers and communal violence?
Ans: The partition of India led to massive population transfers and communal violence. Millions of Hindus and Sikhs migrated from the newly formed Pakistan to India, while Muslims migrated from India to Pakistan. This mass migration resulted in widespread displacement, deaths, and the uprooting of communities. Communal violence erupted between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, leading to riots, killings, and destruction of property. The violence and animosity created deep scars in the collective memory of both nations.

Q4: How did the Indian government approach the integration of princely states into the newly independent India?
Ans: The Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, adopted a pragmatic approach to integrate the princely states into the newly independent India. They emphasized the importance of voluntary accession and negotiations with the rulers of these states. The government aimed to create a federal and democratic India, where the princely states would become an integral part of the nation.

Q5: What was the "Instrument of Accession," and who played a crucial role in getting princely states to join India?
Ans: The "Instrument of Accession" was a legal document through which the leaders of princely states agreed to join either India or Pakistan. It specified the terms and conditions of their accession, including the transfer of powers and responsibilities to the central government. The role of Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of States of India, was crucial in getting princely states to join India. He negotiated with the rulers, convincing them of the benefits of joining the Indian union and ensuring their integration.

Q6: Explain the significance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the integration of princely states.
Ans: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a pivotal role in the integration of princely states into India. As the Minister of States, he led negotiations with the rulers, persuading them to accede to India. Patel's diplomacy, determination, and persuasive skills were instrumental in convincing more than 500 princely states to join India. His efforts helped in consolidating the diverse regions and people into a united and independent India.

Q7: Describe the events that led to the integration of Hyderabad and Manipur into India.
Ans: The integration of Hyderabad and Manipur into India involved different circumstances. In the case of Hyderabad, the Nizam, who ruled the princely state, initially expressed intentions to remain independent or join Pakistan. However, the Indian government, under Patel's leadership, took a firm stance and launched "Operation Polo" in 1948. The operation involved the Indian military's intervention, resulting in the annexation of Hyderabad into India. In the case of Manipur, it was a princely state located in the northeastern region of India. Manipur's Maharaja Bodhchandra Singh signed the Instrument of Accession in 1949, voluntarily merging Manipur with India. This integration took place peacefully, without any major conflicts or military interventions.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the challenges of building a united India in the aftermath of independence. How did the Indian government address these challenges in terms of princely states' integration?
Ans: Building a united India after independence was a formidable challenge. India was divided into three parts: British India, Pakistan, and princely states. To address these challenges, the Indian government adopted several strategies.

• First, leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a pivotal role in convincing most princely states to accede to India. The Instrument of Accession was used, and Patel's diplomatic skills were instrumental in bringing these states into the Indian Union.
• Second, the government was prepared to offer autonomy to certain regions to gain their allegiance while still maintaining the territorial integrity of the nation. Flexibility was a key element in this approach.
• Third, the government recognized that people in most princely states wanted to join India. Their aspirations were respected, and the government worked towards accommodating these sentiments.
• Overall, India's commitment to democracy and its willingness to address the specific needs and aspirations of princely states played a crucial role in the successful integration of a diverse set of territories into a united India.

Q2: Analyze the consequences of the partition in 1947, focusing on the human and social impact, as well as the failures of political and administrative machinery.
Ans: The partition of India in 1947 had profound and devastating consequences. Human and social impacts included:

• Massive population transfers: Millions of people were displaced and forced to migrate to either India or Pakistan, often resulting in loss of lives and property.
• Communal violence: The partition witnessed one of the deadliest outbreaks of communal violence, leading to the loss of countless lives and widespread suffering.
• Displacement of minorities: Minorities on both sides faced persecution, with many leaving their homes to seek refuge in "refugee camps."
• Violence against women: Women were subjected to sexual violence, abduction, and forced religious conversions, which caused immense suffering.

Political and administrative machinery also failed on both sides, as they struggled to manage the enormity of the situation. Government structures were unprepared to handle the mass migrations and communal violence, leading to widespread chaos and suffering.

Q3: Explain the significance of the States Reorganisation Commission and the reorganisation of states based on linguistic lines. How did this impact the map of India in the 1950s?
Ans: The States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) played a significant role in reshaping the map of India in the 1950s. The key points are:

• The SRC recognized that linguistic diversity was a significant factor in India and that reorganizing states along linguistic lines would help better address regional issues and governance.
• The SRC's recommendations led to the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, which resulted in the creation of 14 states and 6 Union Territories based on linguistic principles.
• This linguistic reorganization had several impacts. It allowed for better governance and administration by aligning the states with the languages spoken by the majority of their populations. It also gave rise to stronger regional identities and facilitated the preservation of cultural diversity.

By the 1950s, India's political map was redrawn to reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of the nation, leading to more effective governance and a stronger sense of regional identity.

Q4: Describe the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the integration of princely states, with a particular focus on his involvement in the cases of Hyderabad and Manipur.
Ans: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a pivotal role in integrating princely states into the newly independent India. In the cases of Hyderabad and Manipur:

• Hyderabad was one of the largest princely states with a ruler, the Nizam, who initially wanted it to remain independent. However, Patel, with his diplomatic skills, successfully convinced the Nizam to join India. The Indian Army intervened to end atrocities committed by the Razakars, and Hyderabad became a part of India.
• Manipur, located in the east, had a king who initially resisted accession to India. Patel applied diplomatic pressure and eventually convinced the king to sign the accession agreement, even though it was met with some opposition in the Legislative Assembly. Manipur became an integral part of India.
• Patel's role was instrumental in achieving the integration of princely states, and his ability to negotiate and persuade was crucial in ensuring the territorial integrity of India during its formative years. His efforts earned him the title of the "Iron Man" of India and made a significant contribution to building a united nation.