Question 1. Rewrite the statements by choosing the appropriate options.
(1) .............. was the head of the Interim Government.
(a) Vallabhbhai Patel
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
(c) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
(d) Barrister Jinnah
Answer :
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the head of the Interim Government.
(2) The plan of creation of two independent nations, India and Pakistan, was made by .............. .
(a) Lord Wavell
(b) Stafford Cripps
(c) Lord Mountbatten
(d) Pethick Lawrence
Answer :
The plan of creation of two independent nations, India and Pakistan, was made by Lord Mountbatten
Question 2. Answer the following questions in one sentence.
(1) Which demand was advocated by Barrister Jinnah ?
Answer :
The two nation theory and demand of separate Muslim nation named Pakistan was advocated by Barrister Jinnah.
(2) Write the name of the ministers participating in Cabinet Mission.
Answer :
Pethick Lawrence, Stafford Cripps and A.V. Alexander were the ministers participating in the Cabinet Mission.
Question 3. Explain the following statements with reasons.
(1) The Indian National Congress approved the partition.
Answer :
- Lord Mountbatten prepared a plan of creation of India and Pakistan as two independent nations.
- Indian National Congress opposed the plan of partition as unity of the Nation was its basic stand.
- However, the Muslim League remained adamant on the creation of Pakistan.
- So, the Indian National Congress was left with no option but to accept the partition with complete helplessness.
(2) The working of Interim government could not run smoothly.
Answer :
- Muslim League demanded separate Muslim nation of Pakistan.
- The followers of the Muslim League resorted to violent ways.
- Though the Muslim League declined to participate initially, they later participated in it.
- However, the leaders oi the Muslim League adopted the policy of obstruction
- and therefore the Interim Government could not run smoothly.
(3) The Wavell Plan could not become successful.
Answer :
The Wavell Plan could not succeed because
- Barrister Jinnah insisted that only Muslim League should have the right to
- suggest the names of Muslim representatives to the Viceroy's Executive Council.
- The Congress opposed this and as a result, no consensus could be arrived at the meeting called by Lord Wavell.
Question 4. Write the events on the following timeline.
Answer :
- 1945 - Wavell plan was declared
- 1946 - Delegation of three ministers (Cabinet Mission Plan)
- 1947 - India got Independence
- 1948 - Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated
Question 5. Answer the following questions in brief.
(1) Why did the British took steps towards granting freedom to India ?
Answer :
- The Indian freedom struggle had become very intense during the period of Second World War. The revolt of Navy and Air Force shook the foundation of the British empire.
- The demand for independence of India was gaining its strength.
- The Muslim League had demanded a separate Muslim nation.
- The followers of the Muslim League resorted to violence.
- The British government realised that it was necessary to take a serious note of it. They realised that their rule in India will not last long.
As a result, the British government started to take measures to grant India independence.
(2) Write information about Mountbatten Plan.
Answer :
- England's Prime Minister Atlee announced the transfer of power would be before June 1948.
- He appointed Lord Mountbatten as the Viceroy of India who was to arrange the transfer of power.
- He held discussions with the leaders of India.
- Mountbatten prepared a plan for partition of India i.e., creation of two independent nations, India and Pakistan.
- The Indian National Congress opposed the plan.
- But, due to the adamant behaviour of the Muslim League, the Indian National Congress accepted the Plan, with complete helplessness.
- On the basis of Mountbatten Plan, Indian Independence Act was passed.
(3) Why did Muslim League declare to observe 16 August as Direct Action Day? What were its effects ?
Answer :
- The Muslim League was adamant on the demand of Pakistan.
- It was not satisfied with Cabinet Mission plan as it had no provision for a separate Muslim state.
- Direct Action Day was observed on August 16, 1946.
- The followers of Muslim League resorted to violent ways.
- There were Hindu-Muslim riots in various parts of the country.
- There were massacres in the Noakhali region in the province of Bengal.