Indian National Movement III (1930-1947): UPSC Previous Year Questions (Modern History)

Explanation

In March 1942, the British government sent the Cripps Mission to gain full Indian cooperation in the war effort. The mission was led by Sir Stafford Cripps, a senior left-wing Labourite and a member of Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s War Cabinet.

Explanation

In June 1945, Lord Wavell, the Viceroy of India, proposed the Wavell Plan at the Simla Conference to reconstitute the Viceroy’s Executive Council. The plan’s key features included: 1. All members of the Executive Council would be Indian except the governor general and commander-in-chief. 2. Equal representation for Caste Hindus and Muslims. 3. All portfolios, including that of War Members were to be held by the Indians. 4. The Viceroy/Governor-General would retain veto power, but its use would be minimal.

Explanation

In the 1936-37 elections, the Indian National Congress formed a ministry in 8 out of 11 provinces under the Government of India Act, 1935. Congress ministries were formed, focusing on education, economic reform, and civil liberties. Assertion (A) is true: In 1939, all Congress ministries resigned from their positions in the provinces. The resignations marked the end of Congress-led governance under the Government of India Act, 1935, intensifying the freedom struggle. Reason (R) is true: Congress ministries resigned in 1939 because the Viceroy declared India a belligerent in WWII without consulting Indian leaders. While Congress believed India should decide independently, they also opposed supporting Britain’s war against Germany under colonial rule. This lack of consultation was the direct cause of their resignation. Therefore Reason (R) correctly explains the Assertion (A).

Explanation

The Wavell Plan (1945), proposed by Lord Wavell, aimed to resolve the political deadlock between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League. It proposed forming a framework for an interim government. Assertion (A) is true: According to the Wavell Plan, the number of Hindu and Muslim members in the Executive Council were to be equal. Reason (R) is false: Wavell Plan did not aim to prevent partition but rather to create a framework for political dialogue and the transfer of power from British rule to Indian self-rule.

Explanation

Dr. Rajendra Prasad held the portfolio of Food and Agriculture in the Interim Government formed in the year 1946.

Explanation

The Quit India Movement (QIM) was a mass civil disobedience campaign launched by the Indian National Congress in August 1942, led by Mahatma Gandhi, demanding an end to British rule in India. Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect: Mahatma Gandhi promoted non-violent resistance during the Quit India Movement but did not ask government servants to quit their roles. He focused on mass civil disobedience and non-cooperation, urging Indians to refuse support for British rule and demand independence. Gandhi ji did not ask soldiers to leave their posts.

Statement 3 is correct: Gandhi preached self-rule (Swaraj) and independence from British rule, advocating for the princely states to embrace their people’s sovereignty.

Explanation

In the 1936-37 elections, the Indian National Congress formed a ministry in 8 out of 11 provinces under the Government of India Act, 1935. Congress did not secure a majority in Punjab. Instead, the Unionist Party, a coalition of landlords and representatives of various religious communities, led by Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan, formed the government with support from the Muslim League.

Explanation

The Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress, held in December 1929, was a landmark event in India’s struggle for independence. Under the presidency of Jawaharlal Nehru, this session marked a significant shift in the Congress’s approach towards British rule. The Congress formally adopted the resolution of Purna Swaraj (complete independence), rejecting the earlier goal of dominion status within the British Empire.

Option (b) is correct: One of the key outcomes was the authorization given to the Congress Working Committee to launch a program of civil disobedience if the British government failed to meet Indian demands.

Explanation

The Shimla Conference (1945) aimed to discuss India’s future governance but failed due to Congress-Muslim League disagreements. The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (1946) saw Indian sailors revolt against British rule, protesting poor conditions and discrimination.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The conference took place in June

1945 under Lord Wavell, who served as Viceroy from 1943 to 1947. Mountbatten only assumed the role in March 1947, shortly before India’s independence.

Statement 2 is correct: The Indian Navy Revolt began on February 18, 1946, with sailors in Bombay and Karachi protesting poor conditions and discrimination. They demanded national independence and the release of INA and political prisoners, symbolizing India’s growing nationalist sentiment.

Explanation

The Round Table Conferences (1930-1932) were three meetings in London between British officials and Indian leaders to discuss constitutional reforms.

Statement 1 is correct: At the First Round Table Conference in London in 1930, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar represented the depressed classes (now Scheduled Castes) and demanded separate electorates to ensure their adequate representation and protect their interests.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Poona Pact was an agreement between Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi(his representatives) in 1932. It provided reserved seats for the depressed classes (Scheduled Castes) in provincial legislatures and ensured their political representation. This pact replaced the separate electorates initially proposed for depressed classes.

Statement 3 is correct: The Indian National Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, boycotted the Third Round Table Conference in London in 1932. The Congress had reservations about the British government’s proposals, believing the discussions would not yield a satisfactory outcome for India’s future.