Challenges of Nation Building

1 mark Question
1. Name the leader of the freedom movement of India who was popularly known as Frontier Gandhi. (Delhi 2014)
Answer: Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan. Question 2. Name the leader who played a historic role in negotiating with the
rulers of princely states to join the Indian Union. (Delhi 2014) Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Question 3. Mention
the main recommendation of the State Reorganisation Commission of 1953. (All India 2014) OR What was the basis
of the report of the States Reorganisation Commission? (All India 2012) Answer: The basis of report of the States
Reorganisation Commission was that the boundaries of the states should reflect boundaries of different languages.
Question 4. What is the ‘Two Nation Theory’ advanced by Muslim League? (Delhi 2013) Answer: According to the
‘Two-Nation Theory’, India consisted of not one but two ‘people’, Hindus and Muslims. That is why it demanded
Pakistan, a separate country for the Muslims. Question 5. Which four princely states of India initially resisted to join
the Indian Union? (Delhi 2013) Answer: junagad, hyderabad, Kashmir and Manipur.
Question 6. What was the huge obstacle in nation building at the time of India’s independence? (Delhi 2011) OR
What was the biggest obstacle in nation building at the time of India’s independence? (Delhi 2011) Answer: The huge
obstacle in nation building at the time of India’s independence was to shape a nation that was united, yet
accommodative of the diversity in our society. Question 7. Why were the states reorganised on linguistic basis in
India in 1956? (HOTS; Delhi 2011) Answer: The states were reorganised on linguistic basis under the pressure of
people and leaders and also it helped to preserve the diverse culture of India. Question 8. Which two princely states
refused to join either Pakistan or India at the time of Independence? (Delhi 2011) Answer: Hyderabad, Junagadh and
Kashmir refused to join either Pakistan or India at the time of Independence. Question 9. What do you understand
by ‘instrument of accession’? (Delhi 2010) Answer: The ‘Instrument of accession’ was a legal document created in
1947. It was executed by Government of India to princely states which was signed by most of the rulers. Question
10. When and by whom was the ‘tryst with destiny’ speech delivered? (Delhi, 2010) Answer: ‘Tryst with destiny’
speech was delivered by JawAllar Lai Nehru at midnight on 14th-15 th August, 1947. Question 11. Which theory was
behind the partition of India in 1947? (Delhi 2009) Answer: The two-nation theory of Muslim League was behind the
partition of India in 1947. Question 12. How many princely states were in India at the time of its independence?
(Delhi (C) 2008) Answer: At the time of Independence there were 565 princely states in India. Question 13. Where
was the ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech delivered by Pt. Nehru? (All India (C) 2008) Answer: Pt. Nehru delivered ‘Tryst
with Destiny’ speech from Red Fort, Delhi on 15th August, 1947. Question 14. Give the name of two provinces which
were also divided during the partition of India? (All India 2008) Answer: The two provinces which were divided
during the partition of India were Punjab and Bengal. Question 15. Why did the leaders of the National Movement
cherish the ideal of the secular nation? Give any one reason. (HOTS; All India 2008) Answer: The leaders of the
National Movement cherished the ideal of the secular nation because they knew that India i.e. Bharat is a land of
many religions and faiths. So, in order to survive as a unified country India had to follow secular ideals.
2 Mark Questions Question
1. Analyse the two political developments of 1940s that led to the decision for the creation of Pakistan, (HOTS; Delhi
2016) Answer: During 1940s in India, there were many political developments which led to the decision for the
creation of Pakistan. Two prominent among them were :
The political competition between the Congress and the Muslim League was taking place. The Congress wanted to
make a nation that reflect democratic government, whereas the Muslim League propounded Two-Nation Theory to
gain power and status for minority community in politics. The British were also playing their role of ‘divide and rule
policy’ and accepted the Two-Nation Theory for partition of India. Thus, in 1947 the two-nation i.e. India and
Pakistan came into existence.
Question 2. While the rest of the country was reorganised on linguistic lines in 1950s, why had Punjab to wait till
1966? (Delhi 2016) Answer: Except Punjab rest of the country was reorganised on linguistic lines in 1950s. Punjab
had to wait till 1966 due to following reasons :
In Punjab, there were two linguistic groups, Hindi-speaking and Punjabi-speaking. The Punjabi-speaking people
demanded a separate state. Finally in 1966 Haryana and Himachal Pradesh were separated from Punjab.
Question 3. Identify any two consequences of the partition of India in 1947. (All India 2014) OR Highlight any two
outcomes of partition or division of India into India and Pakistan, (All India, (C) 2008) Answer: Two consequences of
the partition of India in 1947 are following: There were killings and atrocities on both sides of the border. Political
division of the country led to the administrative failure.
Question 4. What is meant by ‘Two Nation Theory’? (Delhi 2014) Answer: The ‘Two Nation Theory’ means the
cultural, political, religious, economic and social dissimilarities between the two major communities living in India;
Hindus and Muslim. This theory gave rise the demand of two separate countries/nations one for Muslims (Pakistan)
and one
for Hindus (India). Question 5. Name the original states from which the following states were carved out. (i)
Meghalaya (ii) Gujarat (All India 2012) Answer: Meghalaya was carved out from Assam in 1972. Gujarat was carved
out from Bombay state in 1960. Question 6. What two challenges were faced by India at the time of her
independence? (Delhi 2012; 2008 (C); All India 2010) OR Mention any two challenges that India faced just after
independence. (Delhi 2012) OR Mention any two challenges that India faced just after independence. (Delhi 2012)
Answer: The two challenges faced by India just after independence were:
Challenge to shape a nation which is accommodative of the diversity in our society. Challenge to establish
democracy. Challenge to ensure development and well-being of the entire society.
Question 7. What was meant by princely states? How many princely states were there in India at the time of
independence? (All India 2011) Answer: During colonial period there were several large and small states ruled by
princes were called Princely States. There were 565 princely states at the time of independence. Question 8. Explain
the role played by Sardar Patel in the unification of princely states in India. (Delhi 2011, 2009) OR Mention the role of
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel towards India’s integration. (Delhi 2009) Answer: Sardar Patel played following roles in the
unification of princely states in India
He procured letter of accession from the princely states through diplomacy and negotiation. He used force and
persuation with the states of Hyderabad, Junagadh, Manipur and Kashmir for their merger.
4 Mark Questions
Question 1. What does the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 mean? (All India 2014)
Answer: After partition Hari Singh, the Hindu ruler of Kashmir signed an ‘Instrument of Accession’ with the
Government of India. Sheikh AbdullAll who was against joining Pakistan, became the Prime Minister and Indian
Government agreed to maintain the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir was given a special
status in Article 370 of Indian Constitution. Jammu and Kashmir is included in the first schedule as one of the states
after signing the instrument of Accession. Article 370 says that except defence, foreign affairs, communication and
ancillary matters, the Indian Parliament needs the permission of State Government’s for applying all other laws.
Article 370 grant special autonomous status to the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Thus, the state has separate set of
law, including those related to citizenship, ownership of property and Fundamental Rights. Question 2. How did the
state of Hyderabad became a part of the Indian Union after partition? (HOTS; All India 2009) Answer: Hyderabad, the
largest of the princely states covered almost l/3rd part of South India. Nizam signed Standstill Agreement with the
Government of India and state emerged as an independent state after India’s independence. Many movements took
place in Hyderabad; State specially in Telangana region where many peasants were victimised and oppressed by
Nizans Nizam sent his para-military force,
the non-Muslims. Therefore, Central Government ordered the army to tackle the situation on 13th September, 1948,
Indian army marched in Hyderabad and on the 17th September, 1948. Hyderabad surrendered. This way Hyderabad
became a part of the Indian Union after partition. Question 3. What was the approach of the Government of India
towards the princely states immediately after the partition of India in 1947? All India 2009 Answer: At the time of
India’s independence, there were 565 princely states. Immediately after partition communal violence was at its
culmination. In this environment, the government’s approach towards princely states was guided by following three
considerations: Firstly, the people of most of the princely states clearly wanted to become part of the Indian union.
Secondly, the government was prepared to be flexible in giving autonomy to some regions. The idea was to
accommodate plurality and adopt a flexible approach in dealing with the demands of the regions. Thirdly, in the
backdrop of partition which brought into focus the contest over demarcation of territory, the integration and
consolidation of the territorial boundaries of the nation had assumed supreme importance. Question 4. Describe the
outcomes of States Reorganisation Commission appointed in 1953. (Delhi 2009) Answer: The States Reorganisation
Act was passed in 1956. This led to the creation of 14 states and 6 Union Territories. Earlier there were demands of
separate states on the basis of linguistic line, but leaders did not support this. Thereafter a lot of movements
occurred and provinces suffered from it therefore under popular pressure, finally decision was taken in favour of
linguistic states. It was hoped that if we accept the demand of linguistic claims then the separatism and division
would be reduced. Thus, these divisions reflected the true democracy. Question 5. Describe briefly any four
problems faced in the process of partition of India. (Delhi 2008) Answer: The major problems faced by India at the
time of partition were as follows :
Problem of integration of the territories which were divided on the basis of language, religion and culture. Problem
of well being of the entire society particularly the minorities and other weaker sections. Challenge to shape a nation
which just got the independence. Challenge to establish democracy and make a constitution for all.
Question 6. Describe how the princely states of Manipur and Junagadh acceded to India. (All India 2008) Answer:
Accession of Manipur After the independence in 1947, MAllaraja of Manipur Bodhachandra Singh, signed the
Instrument of Accession with Indian Union on the assurance that the internal autonomy of Manipur would be
maintained. Under the pressure of people of Manipur, MAllaraja held the election in June, 1948 and state became a
constitutional monarchy. Thus, Manipur was the first state to hold an election on the basis of adult franchise. The
legislators of the regional parties of Manipur did not want to merge with India but state Congress wanted to.
Government of India pressurised the Manipur MAllaraja and succeeded to do so. MAllaraja accepted the agreement
and signed it without consulting the Legislative Assembly. This led to lot of anger and resentment in Manipur, the
repercussions of which are still being felt. Accession of Junagadh In case of Junagadh, the Nawab of Junagadh
wanted to merge with Pakistan or wanted to remain independent. The people of Junagadh wanted to merge with
Indian Union. This lead to several events and also a plebiscits which resulted in the integration of Junagadh into
India. The successful negotiations brought many states to sign Instrument of Accession which means that states
wanted to accept the sovereignty of India.
6 Marks Questions
Question 1. Analyse any six consequences of the partition of India in 1947. (HOTS; All India 2016) OR
Assess any six consequences of the partition of British India in 1947. (Delhi 2014) OR Explain any three consequences
of partition of British India in 1947. (Delhi 2013) OR Explain any two causes of the partition of India in 1947. Analyse
its any four major consequences. (Delhi 2011) OR Assess any two causes of the partition of India in 1947. Explain any
four of its consequences. (All India 2010) OR What were the consequences of partition of India in 1947? (All India
2008) Answer: Muslim League advanced ‘Two-Nation Theory’ which advocated India consisted of not one but two
‘people’, Hindus and Muslims. That is why Muslim League demanded Pakistan, a separate country for the Muslims.
The two main causes of partition in 1947 were as follows :
Political competition between the Congress and the Muslim League. The role of Britishers in dividing the Hindus and
Muslims by their policy of ‘divide and rule’. The consequences of partition of India in 1947 are as follows: 1. Division
of provinces according to majority The implementation of partition was very difficult because there was no single
belt of Muslims majority in British India. The concentration of Muslims were in Punjab which was in the West and
Bengal which was in East. The problems lied in these areas as concentration of non-Muslims were more. Therefore,
it was decided that these two provinces would be bifurcated according to the majority at the district or even lower
level. 2. Exploitation of minorities Further there were problems with the minorities on both side of the borders, they
were easily targeted and there was no option except to leave their own land and homes and go across the border.
This transfer is said to be most abrupt, largest and unplanned transfer known in the human history. There were
killings and atrocities on both sides of border in the name of religion. The minorities on both sides fled from their
homes and often secured temporary shelter in refugee camps. Even they were not safe in refugee camps so, they
travelled to the other side by all means railways, roads and by foot. 3. Exploitation of women During this journey,
women were oftf n attacked and killed. Women were abdi cted and raped and also forcefully conve :ted to other
religion. Therefore, family
members killed their girls and women. 80 lakh people migrated across the new border and between 5 to 10 lakh
people were killed during partition. Thus, partition of India established the deep trauma within minds of the citizens.
4. Problem with refugee Those who did manage to cross the border found that they had no home. For lakhs of these
‘refugees’ the country’s freedom meant life in ‘refugees camps’, for months and sometimes for years. 5.
Administrative failure There were competing political interests behind communal conflicts. The Muslim league was
formed to protect the interests of the Muslims in colonial India. It was in the forefront of the demand for a separate
Muslim nation. Similarly there were organisations, which were trying to organise the Hindus in order to turn India
into a Hindu nation. This situation led to administrative failure in the country. 6. Distribution of financial assets The
financial assets and things like tables, chairs, typewriters, paper-clips, books and also musical instruments of the
police band were divided. The employees of the government and the railways were also ‘divided’. It was a violent
separation of communities who had hitherto to lived together as neighbours. Question 2. “The accommodation of
regional demands and the formation of linguistic states were also seen as more democratic.” Justify the statement
with any three suitable arguments, (HOTS; Delhi 2016) Answer: This statement can be justified by following three
arguments: Regional aspirations are very much a part of democratic politics. Expression of regional issues is not an
aberration or an abnormal phenomenon. A large and diverse democracy like India must deal with regional
aspirations on a regular basis. The best way to respond to regional aspirations is through democratic negotiations
rather than through suppression. Regional imbalance in economic development contributes to the feeling of regional
discrimination. Regional imbalance is a fact of India’s development experience. Question 3. How did the
reorganisation of states take place in India after its independence? Explain. (All India 2014) OR What forced the
Union Government of India to appoint the States Reorganisation Commission in 1953? Mention its two main
recommendations. Name any four new states formed after 1956. (Delhi 2014)
OR Explain the process and basis of the Reorganisation of States of Indian Union. (Delhi 2013) OR What was the
States Reorganisation Commission? When was it constituted? What was the most important recommendation of this
commission? (Delhi 2010) OR What was the States Reorganisation Commission? What were its important
recommendations? (Delhi to 2008) Answer: State Reorganisation Commission The formation of Andhra Pradesh
spurred the struggle for making of other states on linguistic basis in other parts of the country. These struggle forced
the Central Government into appointing a States Reorganisation Commission in 1953 to look into Recommendations
of State Reorganisation Commission were :
To look into the question of redrawing of the boundaries of states. This commission in its report accepted that the
boundaries of the state should reflect the boundaries different languages. On the basis of its report the States
Reorganisation Act was passed in 1956. Process and the basis of Reorganisation of States of Indian Union After
partition the challenge was to draw the internal boundaries of the Indian states. The boundaries had to be drawn in
a way so that the linguistic and cultural plurality of the country could be reflected without affecting the unity of the
nation. Indian National Congress and many leaders recognised the linguistic principle as reorganisation of new
states’ boundaries. But our leader further felt that carving out states on the basis of language might lead to
disruption and disintegration and would draw attention away from other social and economic challenges that the
country faced. Thus, protests began in the Telugu speaking areas of the old Madras province. The Vishalandhra
Movement (the movement for a separate Andhra) demanded that the Telugu speaking areas should be separated
from the Madras province and be made into a separate Andhra province. The movement gathered momentum. Potti
Sriramulu, a Congress leader and a Veteran Gandhian, went on an indefinite fast that led to his death after 56 days.
This caused great unrest and resulted in violent outbursts in Andhra region. Finally, the Prime Minister announced
the formation of a separate Andhra State in December 1952. New States formed after 1956 were :
This commission led to the creation of 14 states and six union territories. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana,
Himachal Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand are the new
states formed after 1956. Uttarakhand from Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh from Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand from
Bihar all of these created in 2000. In 2014, another state is created after bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, namely
Telangana. As a result Gujarat was formed out by Bombay. Haryana was from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh was formed
out from Punjab. Tripura, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh were created from AssAnswer: Question 4. Explain any
three challenges faced by India at the time of its independence. (Delhi 2014) OR Explain any three challenges that
India faced at the time of her independence. (Delhi 2010) Answer: The major challenges faced by India at the time of
its independence are as follows: 1. To shape a United Nation Immediately after independence, there was a challenge
to make India an unified nation. There were diversities of cultures, languages, religions etc increased the questions
on India’s future. 2. To establish democracy However, India is seventh largest country in the world and has different
values, cultures norms etc. According to the Constitution, India has adopted the democratic government on the basis
of adult franchise. The challenge was how to maintain democracy. 3. To ensure the development and well-being The
Constitution laid down in Fundamental Rights that all citizens are equal and all of them are free to practise their own
religion. In DPSP laid down welfare state. Although the Preamble of the Constitution laid down that the Principles of
justice, liberty, equality and fraternity were adopted to develop the society. However, the challenges were how to
overcome the poverty and how to develop economy of India through the peoples’ participation. 4. Integration of
princely states After independence, there were 565 Princely States. The Independence Act, 1947 says that British
India divided into two nations India and Pakistan. And Princely States may be merged with both the countries or
stayed independent. The British left India with multiple problems. This was certain and very serious challenge raised
in front of India. Question 5. What were the major challenges of building democracy in India? (All India 2011)
Answer: There were three major challenges of building democracy in India. These were as follows :
1. Communalism Indian polity is secular in nature, but communalism is thriving in the country and now it constitutes
a serious problem of Indian states. India respects all religions and the major religious communities are Hindus,
Muslims, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, Christians and AngloIndians The Muslims constitute the largest minority
community. The Hindus constitute more than 80 per cent of population of the country. Most of Hindu leaders
believed that India does not have diverse communities. 2. Caste This is the biggest threat to India as political parties
candidates are of the same caste as that of the majority voters, who favour him on caste basis although politics has
moved towards casteism. It has brought a balance in caste equation, because not only the advanced castes but other
castes also are eligible for participation in a representative democracy. The association of politics with caste has led
democracy to a greater rationality vis-a-vis the caste system. The political parties while selecting the candidates, see
whether the candidate will be able to get the support of voters of his caste or not. 3. Multi-party system After
independence, many regional parties have formed, whether on religious basis or caste basis or any other basis.
These multi-party systems further lead to coalition government this is also big threat to Indian democracy. Question
6. Discuss the problem related to Kashmir between India and Pakistan. (HOTS: All India 2010) Answer: The Congress
party has evolved its politics on Kashmir on the basis of major global and domestic developments. Pt. Jawaharlal
Nehru repeated his commitment to find the will of the people of Kashmir in the Constituent Assembly of India. The
problems of Kashmir between Indian and Pakistan are : 1. Accession to India India was satisfied that the most
important political leader and party of Kashmir had accepted accession to India. The leader like Sheikh AbdullAll of
National Conference represented the democratic will of the people of Kashmir and they were unambiguously
acceeded to India. The Congress party also assured internal autonomy to the people of Jammu and Kashmir through
the Constitution of India. 2. Article 370 and political consensus The Article 370 of Constitution can be altered in
favour of the centre. Many other parties have supported this article, but Bharatiya Jan Sangh (now BJP) rejected
every premise and every policy of the Congress and wanted to omit Article 370. Two extremely polarised position on
Kashmir are represented by Congress and the BJP and it is impossible to evolve any minimal national consensus on
Kashmir in India. 3. Emergence of terrorism Further the emergence of terrorism in the valley has accentuated
polarisation among political parties in India because Pakistan is directly involved in terrorist activities. 4. Inter-
regional dispute Another dimensions that Kashmir valley, Jammu and Ladakh have involved is, inter-regional
disputes and competition. Ladakh’s political parties say that Kashmir discriminated them. But after the entry of
centre all the movements were discontinued. If Jammu and Kashmir valley are separated from each other, then
another two-nation theory could be faced by Indian Union. That’s why the political parties have to maintain
legitimacy and democracy with all. Question 7. What were the main consideration for bringing princely states with
Indian Union? Who played the historic role in this task? (Delhi 2008) Answer: The British paramountacy was over on
the princely States after independence and these states may go with India or Pakistan or stay independent. There
were 565 princely states. Problem started because of following reasons: The decision was totally upto the ruler not
on the people this was a serious problem and big threat on the existence of a united India. After Independence ruler
of Travancore declared himself ‘ independent after a few days Hyderabad made same declaration. Nawab of Bhopal
was averse to join Constituent Assembly. This kind of differences might futher divide India into small states or
countries. Government Approaches Government took forward step and negotiated with the Princely State ruler and
saw that the people of these states wanted to become a part of the Indian Union. Then government adopted flexible
diplomacy and gave autonomy to some states. India held plebiscite and acceded the Princely States into Indian
Union and operations which government operationalised accessed the Princely States, e.g., in Junagadh Government
held plebiscite, operation Vijay in Goa and operation Polo in Hyderabad. Therefore, after all these efforts integrated
Princely States. Sardar Patel who was the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister that time, played an important
role in negotiating with Princely States rulers and brought them into the Indian Union.
Passage-Based Questions
Question 1. Read the paragraph given below carefully and answer the following questions. (Delhi 2010) We have a
Muslim minority who are so large in numbers that they cannot, even if they want, go anywhere else. That is a basic
fact about which there can be no argument. Whatever the provocation from Pakistan and whatever the indignities
and horrors inflicted on non-Muslims there, we have got to deal with this minority in a civilised manner. We must
give them security and the rights of citizens in a democratic state. If we fail to do so, we shall have a festering sore
which will eventually poison the whole body politic and probably destroy it. Jawaharlal Nehru, Letter to Chief
Minister, 15th October, 1947 : (i) In spite of indignities and horrors inflicted on Non-Muslims by Pakistan, why
Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to deal with the Muslim minority in a civilised way? (ii) Why this minority should be given
the security and rights on the same footing as to all others in a democratic system? (iii) If this minority was not
provided security and rights what kind of scenario is envisaged? Answer: (i) At the time of partition Pakistan inflicted
horrors on non-Muslims. Despite this fact Nehru wanted to deal with the Muslim minority in a civilised way because
out of the then minority communities in India Muslims were large in numbers. They had no option to go anywhere.
(ii) India is a democratic and secular country, where all religions are treated equally. Because of this factor the
Muslim minority should be given security and rights on the same footings in India. (iii) If this minority was not
provided security and rights it will poison the whole Indian political system and the Indian democratic set-up would
come to an end.
Value Based Questions
Question 1. Sardar Patel in a letter to princely rulers in 1947 said, “I hope the Indian states shall realise fully that if
we do not cooperate and work together in general interest, anarchy and chaos will overwhelm us all, great and
small, and lead us to total ruin.” Answer the following questions (i) What general interest has been referred to? (ii)
What situation would lead to total ruin? (All India 2008) Answer: (i) The general interest referred to raise the country
to new greatness. Lack of unity will expose India to unexpected calamities. (ii) Sardar Patel said that Indian states
should realise fully that if they do not cooperate and work together in general interest, anarchy and chaos will lead
the nation to total ruin. Question 2. Malama Gandhi said on 14th August, 1947, “Tomorrow will be a day rejoicing as
well as mourning”. (Delhi 2008) OR According to MAllatma Gandhi, why would 15th August, 1947 (tomorrow) be a
day of rejoicing as well as mourning? Answer: Malama Gandhi referred to the 15th August, 1947 both a day of
rejoicing as well as mourning beause on one hand India was about to get independence from the British rule,
whereas on the other hand gruesome riots between Hindus and Muslims were taking place in the country due to
partition.