Passage Based Questions: Challenges of Nation Building - 1 | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

When India gained independence on 15 August 1947, the country faced multiple challenges. The three major challenges were:

1. Maintaining national unity and territorial integrity while accommodating India's vast diversity.
2. Establishing democracy by implementing the principles of the Constitution and ensuring political stability.
3. Ensuring development and social justice, especially for the disadvantaged sections of society.

These challenges shaped the early years of independent India, requiring careful policy-making and leadership to ensure stability and progress.

i. Which of the following was NOT one of the three main challenges faced by India after independence?  (1 Mark)
(a) National unity and territorial integrity
(b) Establishing democracy
(c) Expanding India’s colonial rule
(d) Ensuring development and social justice
ii. What were the three major challenges faced by independent India?   (2 Marks)
iii. Why was it difficult to maintain India’s unity after independence? (1 Mark)

Ans:
i. (c) Expanding India’s colonial rule
ii. The three major challenges faced by independent India were:

• Maintaining unity and integrating diverse regions into the Indian Union.
• Establishing democracy by implementing the Constitution and protecting fundamental rights.
• Ensuring development and social justice, especially for disadvantaged groups.

iii. Maintaining India’s unity was difficult due to its vast diversity in language, culture, and religion, which complicated the integration of different communities.

Q2: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

The Partition of India in 1947 led to the creation of two separate nations, India and Pakistan. The division was based on religious majorities, but it resulted in mass violence, displacement, and communal tensions. Around 10-12 million people were forced to migrate, making it one of the largest human displacements in history. The violence in Punjab and Bengal was particularly intense, and cities like Lahore, Amritsar, and Kolkata saw major communal riots.

i. Which two provinces were divided during the Partition of India? (1 Mark)
(a) Punjab and Bengal
(b) Gujarat and Maharashtra
(c) Bihar and Odisha
(d) Assam and Manipur
ii. What were the consequences of Partition? (2 Marks)
iii. Why was the Partition particularly violent? (1 Mark)

Ans: 
i. (a) Punjab and Bengal
ii. The consequences of the Partition included:

• Mass migration of approximately 10-12 million people between India and Pakistan.
• Widespread communal violence in cities such as Lahore, Amritsar, and Kolkata.

iii. The Partition was particularly violent due to:

• Heightened religious tensions between communities.
• Uncertainty regarding new borders, which led to panic and chaos.

Q3: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

At the time of independence, India had 565 princely states, each with the choice to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent. The task of integrating these states was led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who used diplomacy, persuasion, and, in some cases, military action. While most princely states joined India peacefully, some states like Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Manipur posed challenges and required additional efforts to integrate them into the Indian Union.

i. Which leader played a crucial role in integrating princely states into India? (1 Mark)
(a) Jawaharlal Nehru
(b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(c) Mahatma Gandhi
(d) B.R. Ambedkar
ii. How were princely states integrated into India? (2 Marks)
iii. Why was the integration of princely states a challenge? (1 Mark)

Ans: 
i. (b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
ii. The integration of princely states into India was achieved through:

• Diplomatic negotiations and the signing of the Instrument of Accession.
• In some cases, military intervention was necessary, as seen in Hyderabad and Junagadh.

iii. The integration posed challenges because:

• Some rulers preferred to remain independent, risking further divisions within India.
• There were concerns about maintaining unity amidst diverse regional interests.

Q4: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

After independence, India faced demands for reorganising states based on language. Initially, leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru were hesitant, fearing that linguistic states might weaken national unity. However, following protests, especially the Vishalandhra movement, the government appointed the States Reorganisation Commission (1953). Based on its recommendations, the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 was passed, leading to the formation of 14 states and 6 union territories.

i. Which movement demanded a separate Andhra state on linguistic grounds? (1 Mark)
(a) Telangana Movement
(b) Vishalandhra Movement
(c) Dravidian Movement
(d) Chipko Movement
ii. What were the main outcomes of the States Reorganisation Act of 1956? (2 Marks)
iii. Why were leaders initially hesitant about linguistic reorganisation? (1 Mark)

Ans: 
i. (b) Vishalandhra Movement
ii. Based on its recommendations, the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 was passed, resulting in:

• The formation of 14 states and 6 union territories.
• Establishing language as the primary basis for drawing state boundaries.

iii. They feared it might encourage separatism and weaken national unity.

Q5: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

Mahatma Gandhi played a crucial role in ensuring peace and communal harmony after Partition. While the country celebrated independence on 15 August 1947, he was in Kolkata, working to stop riots between Hindus and Muslims. Later, in Delhi, he undertook a fast unto death to demand fair treatment for Muslims who stayed in India. His efforts significantly reduced communal violence, but his actions angered some extremist groups. On 30 January 1948, he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist who opposed his views on non-violence and religious harmony.

i. Where was Mahatma Gandhi on 15 August 1947? (1 Mark)
(a) Delhi
(b) Kolkata
(c) Lahore
(d) Mumbai
ii. What actions did Gandhi take to stop communal violence after Partition? (2 Marks)
iii. Why was Mahatma Gandhi assassinated? (1 Mark)

Ans:
i. (b) Kolkata
ii. To stop communal violence after Partition, Gandhi:

• Visited areas affected by riots.
• Held peace meetings to promote unity.
• Undertook a fast unto death in Delhi to ensure the safety of Muslims in India.

iii. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated because:

• Extremists opposed his commitment to Hindu-Muslim unity.
• They were unhappy with his support for Pakistan's financial dues.

Q6: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

India’s first general elections were held in 1951-52, marking the beginning of democratic governance under the newly adopted Constitution of India. Despite challenges such as widespread illiteracy, lack of infrastructure, and a vast electorate, the elections were conducted successfully. The Congress Party, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, won with a clear majority. The Election Commission, under Sukumar Sen, played a crucial role in ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.

i. When were the first general elections held in independent India? (1 Mark)
(a) 1947-48
(b) 1949-50
(c) 1951-52
(d) 1956-57 
ii. What were the major challenges faced during the first general elections? (2 Marks)
iii. Why was the first general election significant for India? (1 Mark)

Ans:
i. (c) 1951-52
ii.

• A vast and mostly illiterate electorate posed difficulties in conducting elections.
• Lack of infrastructure and communication made the electoral process complicated.

iii. It established India as the world’s largest democracy and set a precedent for future elections.

Q7: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

After independence, India adopted a planned economy to promote development and reduce poverty. The government set up the Planning Commission in 1950, which introduced Five-Year Plans modeled on the Soviet Union’s economic framework. The first Five-Year Plan (1951-56) focused on agriculture, irrigation, and rural development, while the second Five-Year Plan (1956-61) emphasized industrial growth under the leadership of economist P.C. Mahalanobis.

i. When was the Planning Commission of India established? (1 Mark)
(a) 1947
(b) 1950
(c) 1952
(d) 1961
ii. What were the priorities of India’s first and second Five-Year Plans? (2 Marks)
iii. Why did India adopt a planned economy after independence? (1 Mark)

Ans: 
i. (b) 1950
ii. 

• The first plan (1951-56) focused on agriculture, irrigation, and rural development.
• The second plan (1956-61) emphasized industrial growth and heavy industries.

iii. To ensure balanced economic growth and reduce dependence on foreign countries.

Q8: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

India and China fought a war in 1962 over border disputes in the Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh regions. The conflict arose due to differences in border demarcation, with China rejecting the McMahon Line. Despite India’s policy of Panchsheel and peaceful coexistence, Chinese forces advanced deep into Indian territory. The war ended with a Chinese unilateral ceasefire, exposing India’s military weaknesses and leading to increased defense spending in later years.

i. What was the main reason for the Indo-China War of 1962? (1 Mark)
(a) Economic rivalry
(b) Border disputes over Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh
(c) Religious differences
(d) India’s support for the United States

ii. What were the key outcomes of the 1962 war between India and China? (2 Marks)
iii. Why was the 1962 war a turning point for India’s defense policy? (1 Mark)

Ans: 
i. (b) Border disputes over Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh
ii. 

• China occupied Aksai Chin, and India faced military setbacks.
• India increased defense spending and strengthened its armed forces.

iii. It highlighted weaknesses in India’s military preparedness, leading to long-term reforms.

Q9: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

The Green Revolution in India began in the 1960s to address food shortages and improve agricultural productivity. Led by scientists like M.S. Swaminathan, the revolution introduced high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, and modern irrigation techniques. While it significantly increased food production, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, it also led to economic disparities and environmental concerns.

i. Who is known as the father of the Green Revolution in India? (1 Mark)
(a) Verghese Kurien
(b) P.C. Mahalanobis
(c) M.S. Swaminathan
(d) Norman Borlaug
ii. What were the key features of the Green Revolution? (2 Marks)
iii. What were some negative consequences of the Green Revolution? (1 Mark)

Ans:
i. (c) M.S. Swaminathan
ii. 

• Introduction of high-yield variety (HYV) seeds to increase crop production.
• Use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improved irrigation techniques.

iii. It led to environmental degradation and increased economic inequalities among farmers.

Q10: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

The Partition's violence had a devastating impact on women, with estimates of thousands abducted, assaulted, or killed amid communal riots. In response, India and Pakistan signed an agreement in 1947 for the recovery of abducted women. Social workers and governments facilitated their return, but many women faced rejection by families due to societal stigma, leading to long-term trauma.

i. What was a major social consequence of Partition for women? (1 Mark)

(a) Increased political rights
 (b) Abduction and violence 
(c) Economic independence
 (d) Educational opportunities

ii. What measures were taken to address the issue of abducted women? (2 Marks)
 iii. Why did many recovered women face challenges upon return? (1 Mark)

Ans:
i. (b) Abduction and violence
ii. Measures included:

• A bilateral agreement between India and Pakistan for recovery. 
• Efforts by social workers and governments to locate and rehabilitate them.

iii. Due to societal stigma and rejection by their own families.