BPSC CCE Prelims
Towards Independence and Partition Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Showing solved Previous Year Questions for Chapter: Towards Independence and Partition
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Which Act provided for the partition of India into two new dominions - India and Pakistan?
Detailed Explanation:
Indian Independence Act, 1947 was passed by the British Parliament on 18 July 1947 and came into effect on 15 August 1947.
It legally ended British rule and partitioned British India into two independent dominions: India and Pakistan, each with its own Governor-General and Constituent Assembly.
The Government of India Act, 1919 introduced dyarchy in provinces, while the Government of India Act, 1935 provided for provincial autonomy and an All-India Federation – neither provided for partition.
When did Muslim League observe "Direct Action Day"?
Detailed Explanation:
Direct Action Day was observed by the Muslim League on 16 August 1946, called by Muhammad Ali Jinnah to demand Pakistan after rejecting the Cabinet Mission Plan.
The day led to violent communal riots in Calcutta (Kolkata), known as the Great Calcutta Killings, resulting in thousands of deaths and intensifying the demand for Partition of India in 1947.
On February 20, 1947, Prime Minister Attlee announced the British Government's decision to withdraw from India latest by
Detailed Explanation:
On February 20, 1947, Prime Minister Clement Attlee announced in the British Parliament that the British Government would transfer power to Indian hands by June 1948.
This announcement was part of the Attlee Declaration, which formally set a definite deadline for British withdrawal from India, though the actual transfer occurred earlier on August 15, 1947 under the Indian Independence Act 1947.
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Who among the following headed the two Boundary Commissions set up to delineate the international frontiers between India and Pakistan in 1947?
Detailed Explanation:
Cyril Radcliffe, a British lawyer with no prior experience in India, headed both the Boundary Commissions established in 1947 to demarcate the borders between India and Pakistan in Punjab and Bengal.
The Radcliffe Line, announced on August 17, 1947 (two days after independence), divided the two provinces and became the international boundary, affecting millions through partition.
Who was allotted the Portfolio of the Labour Department in the Interim Government's Cabinet of 1946 AD?
Detailed Explanation:
The Interim Government of 1946 was formed on 2nd September 1946 under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru as Vice President of the Executive Council. Jagjivan Ram was allotted the Labour portfolio.
Other key portfolios included Rajendra Prasad (Food & Agriculture), Vallabhbhai Patel (Home Affairs), and Syed Ali Zaheer (Law). Jagjivan Ram, a prominent Dalit leader from Bihar, played a crucial role in labor welfare during this period.
Therefore, Jagjivan Ram held the Labour portfolio, making Option 4 the correct answer.
Who was the Finance Minister in the Interim Government?
Detailed Explanation:
Liaquat Ali Khan, a prominent Muslim League leader, was appointed Finance Minister in the Interim Government of India (1946) formed under the Cabinet Mission Plan. This was a strategic appointment to ensure Muslim League representation in key portfolios.
Jawaharlal Nehru was Vice President and head of the Interim Government, Sardar Patel held Home Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, while M. A. Jinnah remained outside the government as Muslim League President.
Therefore, Liaquat Ali Khan being Finance Minister makes Option 1 the correct answer.
What portfolio Rajendra Prasad held in the interim Government established in 1946 AD?
Detailed Explanation:
Rajendra Prasad held the Food and Agriculture portfolio in the Interim Government (1946), formed under Nehru's leadership before independence.
Jawaharlal Nehru led as Vice-President (External Affairs), Sardar Patel held Home Affairs, and Liaquat Ali Khan held Finance—reflecting the power-sharing arrangement between Congress and Muslim League.
Therefore, Rajendra Prasad held Food and Agriculture, making Option 4 the correct answer.