1 Challenges of Nation Building

TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED

1. Which among the following statements
about the partition is incorrect?
(a) Partition of India was the outcome of the “two-nation theory”.
(b) Punjab and Bengal were the two provinces divided on the basis of religion.

(c) East Pakistan and West Pakistan were not contiguous.

(d) The scheme of Partition included a plan for transfer of population across the border.
Answer: (d) The scheme of partition included a plan for transfer of population across the border.
2. Match the principles with instances:

Answer: (a)-(ii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(i), (d)-(iii)

3. Take a current political map of India (showing outlines of states) and mark the
location of the following Princely States,
(a) Junagadh (b) Manipur
(c) Mysore (d) Gwalior.
Answer: Please see the Map attached at the end of the chapter. The places are
marked as 3(a), 3(b), 3(c) and 3(d).
4. Here are two opinions:
Bismay: “The merger with the Indian State was an extension of democracy to the
people of the Princely States.” Inderpreet: “I am not so sure, there was force
being used. Democracy comes by creating consensus. ”
What is your opinion in the light of accession of Princely States and the
responses of the people in these parts?
Answer: Accession of Princely States and merger with Indian union was to expand
democracy all over the country because princely states never enjoyed their political
rights. Indian government central government used force to extend democracy to some
extent as this was mandatory to have a uniform base in the country.
5. Read the following very different statements made in August 1947: “Today you
have worn on your heads a crown of thorns. The seat of power is a nasty thing.
You have to remain ever wakeful on that seat… you have to he more humble and
forbearing… now there will be no end to your being tested. ”
-M.K, Gandhi “India will awake to a life of freedom…. we step out from, the old to
the new…. we end, today a period of ill fortune and India discovers herself again.
The achievement we celebrate today is but a step, an opening of opportunity …”,
-Jawaharlal Nehru Spell out the agenda of nation building that flows from these
two statements. Which one appeals more to you and why?
Answer: These two statements focus on the agenda of secularism, democracy,
sovereignty and freedom. It focuses on the path which will lead to the real development
and prosperity of our country. The first statement appeals to me more than the second
one because it invokes the countrymen to remain awake, alert and conscious as it is not
the end of our struggle. The time to build the nation initiates now.
6. What are the reasons being used by Nehru for keeping India secular? Do you
think these reasons were only ethical and sentimental? Or were there some
prudential reasons as well?
Answer: Reasons for keeping India secular:
1. All the Muslims did not leave India during participation, some muslims stayed in India
as a minority and Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to deal with them in a very civilised and
dignified manner.
2. He advocated security and democratic rights of Muslims as a citizen of India.
No, these reasons were not only ethical and sentimental, but there were some
prudential reasons also as:
1. India’s secular nature cherished its long term goals and principles
like socialism, equality, liberty and fraternity.
2. Secularism stops any single faith to become superior and inferior to those who
practicised another religion. Hence it considers all citizens equal irrespective of religious
affiliation.
7. Bring out two major differences between the challenge of nation building for
eastern and western regions of the country at the time of Independence.
Answer: The two major differences between eastern (Bengal) and Western (Punjab)
regions can be summed up as follows:
1. These regions were the muslim majority provinces to be joined. Hence, it was
decided that new country Pakistan will comprise two territories i.e. West and East
Pakistan.
2. Secondly, there was a problem of minorities on both sides of border (East and West).
Lakhs of Hindus and Sikhs in areas of Pakistan and Muslims on the Indian side of
Punjab and Bengal found themselves trapped with no option except to leave their
homes.
8. What was the task of the States Reorganisation Commission? What was its
most salient recommendation?
Answer: The State Reorganisation Commission was set up in 1953 by central
government to look into the matter of redrawing of boundaries of state:
1. The commission evolved that states’ boundaries should reflect the boundaries of
different languages to accommodate linguistic diversity.
2. The State Reorganisation Act was passed in 1956 which resulted the creation of 14
states and 6 union territories.
3. Its most salient recommendation was the formation of linguistic states i.e. to
reorganise states on the basis of accommodation of their languages to prepare a
uniform base for the nation.
9. It is said that the nation is to large extent an “imagined community” held
together by common beliefs, history, political aspirations and imaginations.
Identify the features that make India a nation.
Answer: India proved herself through all stages of three challenges at the time of nation
building like:
1. India is a secular country where people speak different languages and follow different
cultures and religions to be recognised as a nation of unity in diversity with common
faith and beliefs.
2. Political aspiration ensures demo¬cratic setup based on parliamentary form of
government creating political competition in a democratic framework.
3. India’s imaginations established a welfare state on the principle of equality and
special protection to socially disadvantaged groups and religions as well as cultural
communities.
10. Read the following passage and answer the questions below:
“In the history of nation-building only the Soviet experiment bears comparison
with the Indian. There too, a sense of unity had to be forged between many
diverse ethnic groups, religious, linguistic communities and social classes. The
scale-geographic as well as demographic was comparably massive. The raw
material the state had to work with was equally unpropitious: a people divided by
faith and driven by debt and disease.”
—Ramachandra Guha
(a) List the commonalities that the author mentions between India and Soviet
Union and give one example for each of these from India.
(b) The author does not talk about dissimilarities between the two experiments.
Can you mention two dissimilarities?
(c) In retrospect which of these two experiments worked better and why?
Answer: (a) Commonalities between India and Soviet Union:
(i) Both the nations shaped the nation on linguistic basis.
(ii) To promote welfare motives, the economic and technological developments took
place in India also.
(iii) States were divided on the grounds of geographical boundary and strength of
populations also in both the nations.
(b) Dissimilarities:
(i) Soviet Union was divided into 15 independent republics/countries to be disintegrated.
(ii) India maintained its unity and integrity even among diversified nature of states and
peoples without any more division.
(c) The Indian experiment worked better to promote linguistic and cultural plurality
without affecting unity and integrity of the nation though India adopted some diplomatic
measures to make country united.
MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED
Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 Mark]
1. Name the leader who played a historic role in negotiating with the rulers of
princely states to join the Indian Union.
Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
2. What is meant by Two Nation Theory?
Answer: Two Nation Theory was propounded by Muhammad Ali Jinnah to create
separate state for Muslims.
3. Mention the main recommendation of the State Reorganisation Commission of
1953.
Answer: The main recommendation of the State Reorganisation Commission was to
organise states on language basis and the boundaries of states could also reflect the
linguistic aspects.
4. Which two languages were spoken in Bombay state before it was divided in
1960?
Answer: Gujarati and Marathi
5. Name any four princely states that resisted their merger with the Indian Union?
Answer: Junagadh, Hyderabad, Kashmir and Manipur.
6. How many princely states consisted at the time of independence of India?
Answer: 565 princely states.
7. What was meant by princely states?
Answer: Princely states were ruled by princes who employed some form of control over
their internal affairs under the supremacy of the British.
8. What was the basis of the report of States Reorganisation Commission?
Answer: States Reorganisation Commission Report was based on the distribution of
boundaries of states on language basis to reflect linguistic aspects.
9. Why were the states reorganised on linguistic basis in India in 1956?
Answer: States were reorganised on linguistic basis in India in 1956 to maintain unity
and integrity of the nation to avoid violence and conflicts among the people.
10. Whose speech was known as ‘tryst with destiny’?
Answer. ‘Tryst with destiny’ speech was delivered by the first Prime Minister of
independent India Pt. Jawahar Lai Nehru while addressing special session of
constituent Assembly as the midnight of 14-15 August 1947.
11. Name the states which decided to remain independent in place of joining
India.
Answer: Travancore, Junagadh, Hyderabad and Bhopal decided to remain
independent.
12. In which Congress Session proposal for linguistic principles of reorganisation
was accepted?
Answer: Nagpur Congress Session of 1920.
13. Name the movement which demanded the separate province for Andhra
region.
Answer: The Vishalandhra movement demanded that Telugu speaking areas should be
separated from Madras Province of which they were a part and be made into a separate
Andhra Province.
14. Why did Amritsar and Kolkata become communal zones?
Answer: Amritsar and Kolkata became communal zones because Muslims did not wish
to move into area of Hindus and Sikhs majority and on the other hand Hindus and Sikhs
also wanted to stay away from the areas of Muslim predominance.
15. Define Globalisation.
Answer: Globalisation refers to integration of an economy with the other country based
on interdependence.
16. What is WSF?
Answer: WSF is the World Social Forum, a global platform to bring together a wide
coalition of human rights activists, environmentalists and women activists.
Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks]
1. Identify any two consequences of the partition of India in 1947.
Answer: 1. Communal Riots took place as the people of one community were killed and
maimed by the people of other community in the name of religion.
2. People went through immense sufferings as they were forced to abandon their
homes and to secure temporary shelter in the refugee camps. Thousands of women
were abducted on both sides of border.
2. Mention any two challenges that India faced just after independence.
Answer: (i) Challenge to shape a nation
(ii) Challenges to establish democracy.
Or
(iii) Challenge to ensure the development and well being of the entire society.
3. Name the original states from which the following states were carved out.
(a) Meghalaya (b) Gujarat
Answer: (a) Assam (1972) (b) Bombay (1960)
4. Explain the role played by Sardar Patel in the integration of princely states into
the Indian Union.
Answer. Sardar Patel negotiated with the rulers of princely states and diplomatically
merged most of them into the Indian Union i.e. there were 26 small states in today’s
Orissa and 14 big states and 119 small states in today’s Gujarat.
5. Which state got divided on bilingual basis?
Answer: Bombay got divided on bilingual basis consisting of Gujarat and Marathi
speaking people. After popular agitation, the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat were
created in 1960.
6. Name the leader who advocated separate state of Andhra Pradesh by
observing fast unto death and participation in Salt Satyagraha.
Answer: The leader Potti Sriramulu of Madras resigned from government job to
participate in Salt Satyagraha and advocated equality in the society and demanded
entry of dalits in temples of Madras as well as observed fast unto death since 19
October 1952 to create separate state of Andhra Pradesh
7. What was government’s approach towards the integration of princely states
was based on three considerations?
Answer: 1. Most of the princely states willingly wanted to join Indian Union.
2. The government wanted to accommo¬date plurality by adopting flexible approach in
dealing with the demand of the region.
3. The central government was so much concerned towards integration and
consolidation of territorial boundaries of Indian nation.
8. Which interests were hidden behind the conflicts between Hindus and Muslims
at the time of independence?
Answer: Hindu and Muslim communities bear some political interests at the time of
independence:
1. Muslim League demanded a separate nation for Muslims to protect the interests of
Muslims only.
2. There were some Hindu organisations also which made efforts to look after the
interests of Hindus only to make India a ‘Hindu Nation’.
9. “India got independence under very difficult circumstances rather than any
other country”. Justify the statement.
Answer: India got independence in 1947 under very difficult circumstances:
1. Freedom came with the partition of the country.
2. The year 1947 became the year of unprecedented violence and trauma.
3. Still our leader faced all these challenges in an appreciable manner by
accommodating regional diversities also.
Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]
1. How has the princely state of Manipur acceded to India?
Answer: Due to integration of princely states, Maharaja of Manipur Bodhachandra
Singh signed the Instrument of Accession with the India Government on the assurance
to be maintained the internal autonomy of Manipur:
1. The state became a constitutional Monarchy after it conducted elections in 1948 to
become first state to hold elections based on ‘Universal Adult Franchise’.
2. But sharp differences arose in Legislative Assembly over the question of merger of
Manipur with India while the state congress wanted the merger other political parties
were opposed to this.
2. Describe briefly any four problems faced in the process of partition of India.
Answer: The process of partition had been started in 1940 when Muslim League
Propounded Two Nation Theory. This process involved various problems:
1. Areas were supposed to be distributed on the basis of religions majority i.e. Muslim
majority areas built Pakistani territory and rest stayed with India. It created communal
riots in country.
2. No single belt of muslim majority was the part of British India. They were
concentrated in East and West. Hence, it was decided that Pakistan will comprise two
territories namely East and West Pakistan separated by long expansion of India
territory.
3. All muslim majority areas did not want to be merged with Pakistan
i. e. it was opposed in NWFP. But ultimately NW.FP was made to merge with Pakistan.
4. Another problem belonged to minorities on both sides of border
i. e. Lakhs of Hindus and Muslims and Sikhs from both the sides were left with no option
except to leave their homes.
3. Name the states divided on the basis of sub-regional culture.
Answer: In the late 20th century, some states sub-regions raised the voice for separate
states accommodating their regional culture on the ground of complaints of regional
imbalances. Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttaranchal were created in 2000 on the
basis of separate regional culture only.
4. Explain three challenges which independent India faced during the process of
Nation Building.
Answer: India had to face many challenges immediately after she got independence,
which can be summed up as follows:
1. Challenge to Shape a Nation: India was divided among various states at the time of
independence. Hence a great challenge arose to unity and integrate country into one
bond Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took upon himself to integrate these states either wilfully
or diplomatically to be completed into different stages.
2. To Establish Democratic Setup: India constituted representative democracy based on
parliamentary form of government and it was a great challenge to develop these
democratic practices in the nation.
3. To Ensure Development and Well Being of the Society: Indian polity made herself to
achieve welfare goods with the environment of effective economic policies and
eradication of poverty and unemployment.
5. What problems were involved at the integration of princely states during nation
building?
Answer: Integration of princely states possessed many difficulties in front of nation
builders:
1. British announced to lapse of British
Paramountcy over princely states with the end of their rule over India.
2. British government took the view that all these states were free to join either India or
Pakistan or remain independent wilfully. It became a hindrance for unity of nation.
3. Ruler of Travancore declared the states an independent one.
4. Nizam of Hyderabad and Bhopal also followed Travancore.
5. These responses created a possibility of division of country in place of unity and
democracy.
6. Write a short note on the people’s movement of Hyderabad.
Answer: Hyderabad was the largest princely state of India under the rule of Nizam. One
of the world’s richest person. Nizam wanted Hyderabad to be an independent state. But
the people of Hyderabad were not happy with the rule of Nizam due to his non-
democratic practices. Hence, various section of society agitated against him:
1. The peasants in Telangana region particularly rose voice against him.
2. Women also joined the movement in large number.
3. The communist and Hyderabad congress were in the forefront of movement.
4. Nizam responded by unbashing a Razakars paramilitary force on people.
5. Ultimately, the central government had to order the army to tackle and in 1948, Indian
army moved in control the Nizam’s forces.
All the above mentioned situations led to an accession of Hyderabad.
7. What was the significance of linguistic reorganisation of Indian states to the
nation building?
Answer: In the initial years it was felt that linguistic states may foster separatism and
create pressures on newly founded nation. But India considered democracy and
federalism by making a favour to linguistic states only:
1. Linguistic states enhanced democratic practices.
2. Linguistic states reduced separatist attitude by accepting the regional linguistic claims
of all regions.
3. Linguistic reorganisation provided a uniform base to the nation and strengthened
unity of nation.
4. Linguistic states promoted the principle of unity in diversity, a distinct feature of
nation.
Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the following questions:
The interim government took a firm stance against the possible division of India
into smaller principalities of different sizes. The Muslim League opposed the
Indian National Congress and took the view that the States should be free to
adopt any course they liked. Sardar Patel, India’s Deputy Prime Minister and the
Home Minister during the crucial period, immediately after Independence, played
a historic role in negotiating with the rulers of Princely States in bringing most of
them into the Indian Union.
Questions
1. Which government has been referred to as the interim government?
2. Why did the Muslim League oppose the Indian National Congress?
3. What makes the role of Sardar Patel a historic one? Explain.
Answer:
1. The Indian National Congress has been referred to as the interim government.
2. The Muslim League opposed the Indian National Congress because it was of the
view that the states should be free to adopt any course they liked.
3. Sardar Patel was India’s Deputy Prime Minister and the Home Minister during the
crucial period immediately following Independence. He negotiated with the rulers of
princely states firmly but diplomatically and brought most of them into the Indian Union.
2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
We should begin to work in that spirit and in course of time all these angularities
of the majority and minority communities, the Hindu community and the Muslim
community-because even as regards Muslims you have Pathans, Punjabis, Shias,
Sunnis and so on and among the Hindus you have Brahmins, Vaishnavas,
Khatris, also Bengalees, Madrasis, and so on-will vanish. … You are free; you are
free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other
place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste
or creed-that has nothing to do with the business of the State.
—Mohammad Ali Jinnah
Questions
1. Do you think that Jinnah’s statement contradicts the theory which was the
basis of creation of Pakistan? Justify your answer.
2. What is the essence of Jinnah’s statement in this passage?
3. To what extent did Pakistan live up to Jinnah’s expectations in this passage?
Answer:
1. Jinnah’s statement does not con-tradict the ‘Two Nations’ Theory’ as he aimed at the
creation of separate state for Muslims without any interference in other communities like
Pathans, Punjabis, Shias and Sunnis.
2. The essence of Jinnah’s statement in this passage is his secular outlook regarding
the protection and promotion of every community by giving freedom to practices one’s
own beliefs (religiously).
3. Pakistan did not live up to Jinnah’s expectations because Pakistan became an
orthodox Muslim country that did not respect interests of another communities after
indepen-dence.
3. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
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
Questions
1. Why did Jawaharlal Nehru want to deal with the muslim minority in a civilised
way?
2. Why this minority should be given the security and rights-on the same footing
as 20 all others in a democratic system?
3. If this minority was not provided security and rights w’hat kind of scenario is
envisaged?
Answer:
1. Because India adopted democracy which commit equal rights and opportunities to
each and every human being in place of dividing them.
2. It was argued by Jawaharlal Nehru not only for ethical and sentimental reasons but
prudential reasons also to realise long cherished goals and principles as socialism,
equality, and fraternity.
3. If this minority was not provided security and rights it may effect:
1. Basic nature of democratic system.
2. It is against secular nature of India.
3. It may effect India’s foreign policy also.
4. It may threat to other minorities also.
5. Most important it may lead to disintegration of the nation.
Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]
1. What forced the Union Government of India to appoint the State Reorganisation
Commission in 1953? Mention its two main recommendations. Name any four
new states formed after 1956.
Answer: 1. State Reorganisation Commission was appointed in 1953 by central
Government to rearrange the boundaries of states.
2. Its main recommendations were to organise states on language basis as well as the
boundaries of state could reflect the linguistic aspects also.
3. The Madras province under British India created following linguistic states:
(a) Andhra Pradesh (Telugu)
(b) Tamilnadu (Tamil)
(c) Kerala (Malayalam)
(cl) Karnataka (Kannad)
4. The state Reorganisation Act was passed in 1956 which created 14 states and 6
Union territories.
2. Explain any three challenges faced by India at the time of its independence.
Answer: India had to face many challenges immediately after she got independence,
which can be summed up as follows:
1. Challenge to Shape a Nation: India was divided among various states at the time of
independence. Hence a great challenge arose to unify and integrate country into one
bond. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took upon himself to integrate these states either
wishfully or diplomatically to be completed into different stages.
2. To Establish Democratic Set up: India constituted representative democracy based
on parliamentary form of government and it was a great challenge to develop these
democratic practices in the nation.
3. To Ensure Development and Well Being of the Society: Indian polity made herself to
achieve welfare goals with the evolvement of effective economic policies and
eradication of poverty and unemployment.
3. How did the reorganisation of states take place in India after its independence?
Explain.
Answer: 1. In the initial years it was felt that linguistic states may foster seperatism and
create pressures on newly founded nation, but India considered democracy and
federalism by making a favour to linguistic states only.
2. State Reorganisation Commission was appointed in 1953 central Government to
rearrange the boundaries of states.
3. Its main recommendations were to organise states on language basis as well as the
boundaries of states could reflect the linguistic aspects also.
4. The State Reorganisation Act was passed in 1956 which created 14 states and 6
union territories.
5. Linguistic states enhanced demo¬cratic practices.
6. Linguistic states reduced separatist attitude by accepting the regional and linguistic
claims of all regions.
4. Explain any three consequences of partition in India.
Answer: 1. In the name of religion, people of one community killed and mained people
of the other community. Cities like Lahore, Kolkata and Amritsar were titled as
communal zones.
2. People went through social sufferings also be forced to abandon their homes
especially minorities, who took shelter in refugee camps.
3. To preserve the honour of family, many women were killed even many children were
separated from their family and if crossed borders, they did not have any home.
4. The partition did not only divide property, assets or liabilities but also the government
employees and the railways etc.
5. Assess the role played by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in nation building.
Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is also known as ‘Iron man of India’, became India’s
Deputy Prime minister and Home minister during integration of princely states. He
played a historic role in negotiating the rulers of princely states and diplomatically
brought most of them in Indian Union. It was very complicated which required skilful
persuation i.e. there were 26 small states in today’s
Orissa, Saurashtra region of Gujarat had 14 states with 119 small states etc.
Picture/Map Based Questions [5 Marks]
A1. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. What does this picture represent?
2. Mention some consequences of partition.
3. Which year is being denoted in the picture?
Answer:
1. This picture represents the painful scene of partition of country when people were
supposed to leave their homes.
2. (i) Communal Riots (ii) Social Sufferings
(iii) Administrative Concerns and Financial Strains.
3. The year of 1947, most abrupt, unplanned year in the history.
2. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. Identify the person in the centre of the cartoon and mention the challenge
surrounding him.
2. What does the picture actually refer?
3. How did India avoid all these conflicts?
Answer:
1. The person is the first Prime Minister of India Pt. Jawahar Lai Nehru, who faced the
first and foremost challenge of integration of princely states and formation of linguistic
states.
2. The picture refers the problem of reorganisation of states on linguistic basis with the
fear of disintegration in the country.
3. India identified and respected regional demands of the people and enhanced
democracy by providing some autonomy to the states also.
B. On a political outline map of India locate and label the following and symbolise
them as indicated:

Questions
1. Name and mark the original state from . which the following states were carved
out.
(a) Gujarat (b) Meghalaya (c) Haryana (d) Chhattisgarh
2. Name and mark the countries reorganised on religious grounds.
3. Demarcated boundaries of these countries by geographical zones.
Answer:
1. (a) Gujarat (from Bombay)
(b) Meghalaya (from Assam)
(c) Haryana (from Punjab)
(d) Chhattisgarh (from Madhya Pradesh)
2. (a) India (b) Pakistan
3. (a) Pakistan (b) Bangladesh
1. The States Reorganisation Commission was appointed in which year?
(i) 1950
(ii) 1951
(iii) 1953
(iv) 1954
(iii) 1953
Q2. Which state was not created in 2000?
(i) Jharkhand
(ii) Chhattisgarh
(iii) Uttaranchal
(iv) Bihar
(iv) Bihar
Q3. When India got Independence?
(i) 1947
(ii) 1949
(iii) 1952
(iv) 1962
(i) 1947
Q4. What were the consequences of the Partition of India in 1947?
(i) Transfer of Population
(ii) Refugees Problem
(iii) Problem of Minorities
(iv) All of these
(iv) All of these
Q5. The ”communal zones” exclude
(i) Lahore
(ii) Amritsar
(iii) Kolkata
(iv) Jammu & Kashmir
(iv) Jammu & Kashmir
Q6. The states created in 1960 were
(i) Maharashtra and Gujarat
(ii) Orissa and West Bengal
(iii) Rajasthan and Gujarat
(iv) Punjab and Haryana
(i) Maharashtra and Gujarat
Q7. The main reason for India’s partition is:
(i) Adamant attitude of Jinnah
(ii) Communal riots and disorder
(iii) Failure of the Interim Government
(iv) All of these
(iv) All of these
Q8. The main reason for India’s partition is:
(i) Adamant attitude of Jinnah
(ii) Communal riots and disorder
(iii) Failure of the Interim Government
(iv) All of these
(iv) All of these
Q9. The interim government formed under the cabinet mission plan was headed
by
(i) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(ii) Jawaharlal Nehru
(iii) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(iv) Rajagopalachari
(ii) Jawaharlal Nehru
Q10. The Cities that were divided into ‘communal zones’ during the partition
violence were
(i) Lahore, Amritsar and Calcutta.
(ii) Kashmir, Lucknow and Allahabad.
(iii) Madras, Hyderabad and Mysore.
(iv) Delhi, Mumbai and Gwalior.
(i) Lahore, Amritsar and Calcutta.
Q11. What were the consequences of the Partition of India in 1947?
(i) Transfer of Population
(ii) Refugees Problem
(iii) Problem of Minorities
(iv) All of these
(iv) All of these
Q12. Which among the following statements about the partition is incorrect?
(i) Partition of India was the outcome of the ‘Two Nation Theory.’
(ii) Punjab and Bengal were the two provinces divided on the basis of religion.
(iii) East Pakistan and West Pakistan were not contiguous.
(iv) The scheme of partition included a plan for the transfer of population across
the border.
Era of One Party Dominance
TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED
1. Choose the correct option to fill in the
blanks.
(a) The First General Elections in 1952 involved simultaneous elections to
the Lok Sabha and………….
(The President of India/State Assemblies/Rajya Sabha/The Prime Minister)
(b) The party that won the second largest number of Lok Sabha seats in the first
elections was the …………
(Praja Socialist Party/Bharatiya Jana Sangh/Communist Party of India/Bharatiya
Janata Party)
(c) One of the guiding principles of the ideology of the Swatantra Party was………
(Working class interest/protection of Princely States/Economy free from State
control/Autonomy of States within the Union)
Answer: (a) State Assemblies
(b) Communist Party of India
(c) Economy free from state control.
2. Match the following

Answer: (a)—(iv), (b)-(i), (c)-(w), (d)-(iii)

3. Four statements regarding one-party dominance are given below. Mark each of
them as true or false:
(a) One-party dominance is rooted in the absence of strong alternative political
parties
(b) One-party dominance occurs because of weak public opinion.
(c) One-party dominance is linked to the nation’s colonial past.
(d) One-party dominance reflects the absence of democratic ideals in a country.
Answer: (a) True, (b) False, (c) True, (d) False
4. If Bharatiya Jana Sangh of the Communist Party of India had formed the
government after the first election, in which respects would the policies of the
government have been different? Specify three differences each for both the
parties.
Answer: 1. Bharatiya Jana Sangh:
The policies of Bharatiya Jana Sangh were based on the principles as follows:
(a) It replaced secular concept by the ideology of one country, one culture and one
nation.
(b) No cultural and educational rights as this party opposed the granting of concessions
to religious and cultural minorities.
(c) It focused on the reunity of India and Pakistan under the concept of Akhand Bharat.
2. Communist Party of India:
Communist Party of India would have been different on the principles as follows:
(а) It worked for proportional representation in the govern-ment.
(б) This party followed communist ideology in various policies.
(c) It emphasised on a control over electronic mass media by an autonomous body or
corporation.
5. In what sense was the Congress an ideological coalition? Mention the various
ideological currents present within the Congress.
Answer: The Congress Party became a social and ideological coalition for it merged
different social groups alongwith their identity holding different beliefs:
1. It accommodated the revolutionary, conservative, pacifist, radical, extremist and
moderates and the rights and the left with all other shades of the centre.
2. Congress became a platform for numerous groups, interests and even political
parties to take part in the national movement.
Ideological currents present within the Congress:
(a) In pre-independence days, many organisations and parties with their own
constitutions and organisational structures were allowed to exist within the Congress.
(b) Some of these like “Congress Socialist Party” later seperated from the Congress and
became on opposition party.
6. Did the prevalence of a ‘one-party dominant system’ affect adversely the
democratic nature of Indian politics?
Answer: No, the prevalence of one party dominance system did not affect adversely
the democratic nature of Indian politics because:
1. The key role of Congress in the freedom struggle gave it a head start over others.
2. The Congress accommodated diversified interests, religion, beliefs and aspirations to
strengthen democracy.
3. Despite being taken place of free and fair elections, Congress won elections in the
same manner again and again.
4. Congress party consisted of various factions inside itself, based on ideological
considerations who never taught together or went out of Congress.
5. Hence, on the basis of above mentioned criterion, it can be concluded that Congress
strengthened ideals of democracy and held unity and integrity of the country.
7. Bring out three differences each between Socialist Parties and the Communist
Party and between Bharatiya Jana Sangh and Swatantra Party.
Answer: 1. Differences between Socialist Parties and Communist Party:
2. Differences between Bharatiya Jana Sangh and Swatantra Party:

8. What would you consider as the main differences between Mexico and India
under one party domination?
Answer: There was a difference between one party domination in India and Mexico. In
Mexico, this was a one party system only not dominance because:
1. In India, the Congress party dominated on behalf of popular consensus but
Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) (in Spanish) ruled on behalf of perfect
dictatorship.
2. In India, free and fair elections took place, where the losing of election was also fair
but it Mexico, elections were based on malpractices, dominated by PRI.
9. Take a political map of India (with State outlines) and mark:
(a) Two states where Congress was not in poiver at some point during 1952-67.
(b) Two states where the Congress remained in power through this period.
Answer. Map is attached and marked as:
(a) 1. Kerala (Travancore-Cochin)
2. Madras (Travancore-Cochin)
(b) 1. Punjab or U.P.
2. Rajasthan or West Bengal.
10. Read the following passage:
“Patel, the organisational man of the Congress, wanted to purge the Congress of
other political groups and sought to make of it a cohesive and disciplined
political party. He … sought to take the Congress away from its all-embracing
character
and turn it into a close-knit party of disciplined cadres. Being a ‘ r list he looked
more for discipline than for took too romantic a view of “eariging on the
movement,” Patel’s idea of transforming the Congress into strictly political party
with a single ideology and tight discipline showed an equal lack of understanding
of the eclectic role that the Congress, as a government, was to be called upon to
perform in the decades to follow.”—Rnjni Kotl c – 1
(а) Why does the author think that Congress should not have been a cohesive
and disciplined party?
(b) Give some examples of the eclectic
role of the Congress party in the early years.
(c) Why does the author say that Gandhi’s view about Congress future was
romantic?
Answer: (a) Because she wanted to take the Congress away from its all embracing
character and turn it into a close knit party of disciplined caders.
(b) These examples are in the form of social and ideological coalition of Congress:
(i) It provided a platform for numerous groups, interests and even political parties to
participate in national movement.
(ii) Congress party represented a rainbow like social coalition representing diversity of
India including various castes, religions and languages.
(c) Because Gandhiji believed in hand- in-hand characteristic of national movement led
by Congress which attracted various sections groups and society to form a social and
ideological coalition in Congress.
MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED
Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 Mark]
1. Which political party laid emphasis on the idea of one party, one culture and
one nation?
Answer: Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
2. Which political party of India had leaders like A.K. Gopalan, E.M.S.
Namboodiripad, and S.A. Dange?
Answer: Communist Party of India.
3. Who was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh?
Answer: Shyama Prasad Mukherjee in 1951.
4. In which year was the Election Commission of India set up and who was the
first chief Election Commissioner of India?
Answer: 25 January 1950, Sukumar Sen.
5. Name the founder president of the Congress Socialist Party. What name was
given to this party after 1948?
Answer: The founder president of the Congress Socialist Party was Acharya Narendra
Dev and after 1955 it came to be known as Socialist Party.
6. Differentiate between one party dominance and one party system.
Answer: One party dominance refer to representation on behalf of popular consensus
alongwith free and fair elections i.e. Congress in India whereas one party system refers
representation based on malpractice, fraud etc. to ensure winning of a particular party.
7. When and why was the electronic voting machine used in India for the first
time?
Answer: The electronic voting machine was used in India in 1990 for first time for more
accuracy and fair dealing while counting as well as it helps to check Booth capturing
and other malpractices.
8. How did socialist party origin?
Answer: The founder president of the Congress socialist party was Acharya Narendra
Dev and after 1955 it came to be known as Socialist Party.
9. Define faction.
Answer: Faction are the groups formed inside the party i.e. coalitions made in
Congress created various factions which were based on either ideological
considerations or personal ambitions.
10. When and by whom PRI was founded?
Answer: The ‘Institutional Revolutionary Party’ (PRI) was founded in 1929 by Plutareo
Elias Calles in Mexico which represented the legacy of Mexican Revolution.
Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks]
1. How did the dominance of Congress Party in the first three general elections
help in establishing a democratic set-up in India?
Answer: The first general election was the first big test of democracy in a poor and
illiterate country. Till then democracy had existed only in the prosperous countries. By
that time many countries in Europe had not given voting rights to all women. In this
context India’s experiment with universal adult franchise appeared very bold and risky.
India’s general election of 1952 became a landmark in the history of democracy all over
the world. It was no longer possible to argue that domocratic elections could not be held
on conditions of poverty or lack of education. It proved that democracy could be
practised anywhere in the world. The next two general elections strengthened
democratic set-up in India.
2. Highlight any two features of ideology of Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
Answer: 1. Bharatiya Jana Sangh laid emphasis on ideology of one country, one
culture and one nation.
2. Bharatiya Jana Sangh called for reunity of India and Pakistan in Akhand Bharat.
3. Explain the major difference of ideology between that of Congress and the
Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
Answer: The major difference of ideology between Congress and the Bharatiya Jana
Sangh was that Bharatiya Jana Sangh emphasised on one party country. One culture,
one nation i.e. a Hindu nation or Hindutva whereas Congress formed ideological and
social coalitions accommodating social diversities.
4. State any two ideologies of the Swatantra Party.
Answer: Swatantra Party was founded by Senior Congress leader C. Rajgopalachari in
August 1959:
1. The party believed that prosperity could come only through individual freedom.
2. This party was against land ceilings in agriculture and opposed to cooperative
farming.
5. How has the method of voting changed from the first General Election of 1952
to the General Election of 2004?
Answer: 1. In the first General Election a box was placed inside each polling booth for
each candidate with the election symbol of the candidate. Each voter was given a blank
ballot paper to drop into the box, they wanted to vote for.
2. After first two elections, this method was changed. Now ballot paper carried the
names and symbols of candidates and the voter stamped against the name of
candidate to vote for.
3. In 2004, Electronic Voting Machine were introduced to press the button according to
choice of the voter containing the name of candidate and symbol of political party.
6. When was Communist Party emerged?
Answer: The Communist Party emerged in 1920 in different parts of India. It took the
inspiration from Bolshevik revolution in Russia. The important leaders of CPI were A.K.
Gopalan, S.A. Dange, E.M.S. Namboodiripad, P.C. Joshi, Ajay Ghosh etc.
7. “India’s experiment with universal adult franchise appeared very bold and
risky”. Justify the statement.
Answer: Because:
1. Country’s vast size and electorates made these elections unusual.
2. The year 1952, it was a big test for poor and illiterate country.
3. Till then, democracy had been existed only in the prosperous countries mainly in
Europe and North America where everyone was almost literate.
8. Mention the aims and goals of Socialist Party of India. Why the party could not
prove itself as an effective alternative to the Congress?
Answer: Aims and goals of socialist party of India:
1. The Socialist Party believed in the ideology of democratic socialism to be
distinguished from Congress and Communists both.
2. It criticised Congress for ignoring the workers and peasants.
It became difficult for socialist party to prove itself as an effective alternative to
Congress because Congress Party declared its goal to be the socialist pattern of society
in 1955.
9. What were the reasons for dominance of one party system in India?
Answer: The dominance of Congress in India was due to following reasons:
1. Congress was identified with the freedom struggle for building national unity and
solidarity.
2. Congress was associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s name.
3. It had a broad based manifesto to include the various section of society.
4. Congress bore a popular appeal of charismatic leader like Mahatma Gandhi, J.L.
Nehru, Sardar Patel, Indira Gandhi etc.
5. Congress focused on building role of the party.
10. How did India’s first general elections of 1952 become a landmark in the
history of democracy all over the world?
Answer: Because:
1. These elections were competitive among various parties.
2. The participation of people was encouraging also.
3. The results were declared in a very fair manner, even to be accepted by the losers in
a fair manner.
4. This experiment of India, proved the critics wrong also.
Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]
1. Describe the organisation of Congress Party as a social and ideological
coalitions.
Or
“For a long time Congress Party had been a social and ideological coalition”.
Justify the statement.
Answer: 1. It accommodated the revolutionary conservative, extremist and moderates
with all other shades of the centre.
2. Congress became a platform for numerous groups, interests and even political
parties to take part in national movement.
3. In pre-independence days, many organisations and parties were allowed to co-exist
within the Congress.
4. Some of these like ‘Congress Socialist Party’ later separated from the Congress and
became an opposition party.
2. How was one party dominance of India different from the other examples of
one party dominance in the world?
Or
Examine the comparative analysis of nature of Congress dominance.
Answer: India is not the only country to have dominance of one party but we have
some other examples also for the same. But the dominance of one party in India does
not compromise democratic spirit of constitution whereas other nations have
compromised it:
1. In countries like China, Cuba and Syria are permitted to be ruled by one party only by
the constitutional provisions.
2. Myanmar, Belarus, Egypt also experience one party system due to legal and military
measurer.
3. In India, Congress dominates on behalf of free and fair elections based on
democracy where the losing of other party is also fair.
3. “In India, hero-worship, plays a part in its politics unequalled in magnitude by
the part it plays in the politics of any other country But in politics, hero-worship is
a sure road to degradation and eventual dictatorship”.Babasaheb Dr. B.R.
Ambedkar Analyse the statement.
Ans: The above mentioned statement speaks of accommodating diversities by the
leader of India which was a challenging path to democracy. Our leaders wanted to
represent politics as a way of solution of problems in place of making politics a problem.
4. Examine the dominance of Congress in the first three General Elections.
Answer: I. In the first election Congress won 364/489 seats as per expectations.
2. The Communist Party next to Congress won only 16 seats.
3. Congress scored higher in state elections also except Travancore- Cochin (Kerala),
Madras and Orissa.
4. Hence, country ruled at national and state level both by declaring Pt. J.L. Nehru as
the first Prime Minister of India.
5. In second and third elections also, Congress maintained the same position in
Loksabha by winning of three fourth seats in the years 1957 and 1962 respectively.
Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
This coalition-like character of the Congress gave it an unusual strength. Firstly,
a coalition accommodates all those who join it. Therefore, it has to avoid any
extreme position and strike a balance on almost all issues. Compromise and
inclusiveness are the hallmarks of a coalition. This strategy put the opposition in
a difficulty. Anything that the opposition wanted to say, would also find a place in
the programme and ideology of the Congress. Secondly, in a party that has the
nature of a coalition, there is a greater tolerance of internal differences and
ambitions of various groups and leaders are accommodated. The Congress did
both these things during the freedom struggle and
continued doing this even after Independence. That is why, even if a group was
not happy with the position of the party or with its share of power, it would
remain inside the party and fight the other groups rather than leaving the party
and becoming an ‘opposition’.
Questions
1. What do you mean by a faction?
2. How did coalition-like character affect the nature of Congress Party?
3. How did Congress avoided to increase number of ‘opposition’?
Answer:
1. Factions are the groups formed inside the party based on either ideological
considerations or on personal ambitions and rivalries.
2. Coalition-like character of Congress accommodated all social diversities and
maintained a balance on almost all issues. Even a proper space for the programmes
and ideology of opposite parties was also given. In such a way Congress showed
greater tolerance towards internal differences.
3. Alongwith its coalition-like character, Congress did not let the groups to leave the
party to become an opposition.
2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
The socialists believed in the ideology of democratic socialism which
distinguished them both from the Congress as well as from the Communists.
They criticised the Congress for favouring capitalists and landlords and for
ignoring the workers and the peasants. But the socialists faced a dilemma when
in 1955 the Congress declared its goal to be the socialist pattern of society. Thus
it became difficult for the socialists to present themselves as an effective
alternative to the Congress. Some of them, led by Rammanohar Lohia, increased
their distance from and criticism of the Congress party. Some others like Asoka
Mehta advocated a limited cooperation with the Congress.
Questions
1. Mention the ideology of Socialists.
2. Name some leaders of the Socialist Party.
3. Why did it become difficult for socialists to present themselves as an effective
alternative to the Congress?
Answer:
1. Socialists believed in the ideology of democratic socialism to be distinguished from
Congress as well as from Communists.
2. Ram Manohar Lohia, Ashok Mehta and Acharya Narendra Dev, Jayaprakash
Narayan etc.
3. Because in 1955, Congress declared its goal to be the socialist pattern of society.
Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]
1. Describe the various steps taken to hold the first general elections in India.
How far these elections were successful?
Answer: The first general elections had to be postponed twice and finally held from
October 1951 to February 1952:
1. These elections were referred to as 1952 elections because most parts of country
voted in January 1952.
2. It took six months for campaigning, polling and counting to be completed.
3. Elections were competitive because there were on an average more than four
candidates for each seat.
4. The level of participation was en-couraging to vote out in the election.
5. The results were declared and accepted as fair even by losers to prove critics wrong.
These elections were successful:
1. The losing of the parties was also accepted as fair.
2. These elections became a landmark in the history of democracy.
3. It was no longer possible to argue that democratic elections could not be held in
conditions of poverty or lack of education. Instead, it can be practised anywhere in the
world.
2. Why was Congress considered as a social and ideological coalition in
independence days? Explain.
Answer: The Congress Party became a social and ideological coalition for it merged
different social groups alongwith their identity holding different beliefs:
1. It accommodated the revolutionary, conservative, pacifist, radical, extremist and
moderates and the right and the left with all other shades of the centre.
2. Congress became a platform for numerous groups, interacts and even political
parties to take part in the national movement.
Ideological currents present within the Congress:
(а) In pre-independence days, many organisations and parties with their own
constitutions and organisational structures were allowed to exist within the Congress.
(b) Some of these like ‘Congress Socialist Party”, later separated from the Congress
and became an opposition party.
3. How was the one party dominance in India different from the one party system
in Mexico? In your opinion which of the two political systems is better and why?
Answer: There was a difference between one party domination in India and Mexico. In
Mexico, this was a one party system only not dominance because:
1. In India, the Congress Party dominated on behalf of popular consensus but
Institutional Revolu-tionary Party (PRI) (in Spanish) ruled on behalf of perfect
dictatorship.
2. In India, free and fair elections took place, where the losing of election was also fair
but in Mexico, elections were based on malpractices, dominated by PRI.
In our opinion one party dominance¬like India is better because this sort of dominance:
1. Accommodates social diversities.
2. Encourage large number of parti-cipation.
3. Ensures democratic spirit as well as maintains the same.
4. Bear respect even for opposition.
4. How did opposition parties emerge in India? What was their importance?
Answer: Some of the diverse opposition parties had come into existence before the
first general elections in 1952 as non-Congress parties which succeeded to gain only a
taken of representation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. These parties maintained a
democratic character of the system:
1. These offered a criticism based on principles to keep ruling party under check.
2. These parties groomed the leaders also to play a crucial role in shaping the country.
3. In the early years, these was a lot of respect between leaders of Congress and
opposition parties i.e. interim government included even opposition leaders like Dr.
Ambedkar, Jayaprakash Narayan, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee into the cabinet.
Picture/Map Based Questions [5 Marks]
A. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. What does the cartoon represent?
2. What does the term ‘Tug of war’ refer to?
3. Who has been shown on the branches of tree?
Answer:
1. Cartoon represents dominance of Congress which is being tug by opposition parties
to throw Congress out of power.
2. ‘Tug of war’ refer to pulling out the Congress by criticism and mentioning its
weaknesses in an honest and justified manner.
3. Pt. Jawahar Lai Nehru alongwith his colleagues in the cabinet.
Bl. In the outline political map of India given below, five States have been marked
as A, B, C, D and E. With the help of the information given below, identify them
and write their correct names in your answer book along with the serial number
of the information used and the related alphabet in the map.
Questions
(i) The State to which C. Rajagopalachari, the first Indian Governor-General of
India, belonged.
(ii) The State where the first non-Congress Government was formed by E.M.S.
Namboodiripad.
(iii) The State to which Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, the Union Minister for Food and
Agriculture (1952-54) belonged.
(iv) The State which faced the most acute food crisis in 1965-1967.
(v) The State which led the country to White Revolution through Dairy
Cooperative Movement.
Answer:
A — (iv) Bihar B — (iii) Uttar Pradesh C — (v) Gujarat D — (i) Tamil Nadu C — (a)
Kerala
2. On a political outline map of India locate and label the following and symbolise
them as indicated:
Questions
1. Two states where Congress was not in power at some point during 1952-67.
2. Two states where the Congress remained in power through this period.
Answer:
1. (i) Jammu & Kashmir (ii) Kerala
2. (i) Uttar Pradesh (ii) Maharashtra
Question 1.
In which year first general election was held in India?
(a) 1947
(b) 1952
(c) 1955
(d) 1960
Answer: (b) 1952

Question 2.
Who became the Prime Minister of India after the first general election?
(a) Pt. JL. Nehru
(b) Sardar Patel
(c) Smt. Indira Gandhi
(d) Mahatma Gandhi
Answer: (a) Pt. JL. Nehru
Question 3.
In 1957, which party formed the government in Kerala?
(a) Jan Sangh
(b) C.P.I
(c) Congress
(d) Socialist Party
Answer: (b) C.P.I
Question 4.
When was the Socialist Party formed in India?
(a) 1948
(b) 1952
(c) 1955
(d) 1960
Answer: (a) 1948
Question 5.
Match the following leaders listed in list A with the parties in list B.
List A List B

(a) S.A. Dange (i) Bharatiya Jan Sangh

(b) Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (ii) Swatantra Party

(c) Minoo Masani (iii) Praj Social Party

(d) Ashoka Mehta (iv) Communist Party of India

Answer:
List A List B

(a) S.A. Dange (iv) Communist Party of India

(b) Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (i) Bharatiya Jan Sangh

(c) Minoo Masani (ii) Swatantra Party

(d) Ashoka Mehta (iii) Praj Social Party

Q6. The socialists advocated ideology of

(i) Democratic Socialism.
(ii) Socialism.
(iii) Communalism.
(iv) Hindutva.
(i) Democratic Socialism.
Q7. In which year first general election was held in India?
(i) 1947
(ii) 1952
(iii) 1955
(iv) 1960
(ii) 1952
Q8. In 1957, which party formed the government in Kerala?
(i) Jan Sangh
(ii) C.P.I
(iii) Congress
(iv) Socialist Party
(ii) C.P.I
Q9. The Indian leader who is the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna Award is
(i) Balraj Madhok
(ii) Rajagopalachari
(iii) B.R. Ambedkar
(iv) K.M. Munshi
(ii) Rajagopalachari
Q10. he Indian leader who is the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna Award is
(i) Balraj Madhok.
(ii) Rajagopalachari.
(iii) B.R. Ambedkar.
(iv) K.M. Munshi.
(ii) Rajagopalachari.
Q11. Who was the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh?
(i) Mahatma Gandhi
(ii) Indira Gandhi
(iii) Shayama Prasad Mukherjee
(iv) Sukumar Sen
(iii) Shyama Prasad Mukherjee
Q12. Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is used to record
(i) politicians’ preferences.
(ii) voters’ preferences.
(iii) senior citizens’ preferences.
(iv) pressure groups’ preferences.
(ii) voters’ preferences.
Q13. Which one of the following is a state where Congress was not in power
even after a huge victory in the first general elections?
(i) Bihar
(ii) Orissa
(iii) Madhya Pradesh
(iv) Maharashtra
(ii) Orissa
Q14. Institutional Revolutionary Party exercised power in:
(i) Mexico
(ii) Finland
(iii) Cairo
(iv) Brazil
(i) Mexico
Q15. An Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is used to record
(i) politicians preferences
(ii) voters preferences
(iii) senior citizens preferences
(iv) pressure groups preferences
(ii) voters preferences

Politics of Planned Development

TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED
1. Which of these statements about the Bombay Plan is incorrect?
(a) It was a blueprint for India’s economic future.
(b) It supported state-ownership of industry.
(c) It was made by some leading industrialists.
(d) It supported strongly the idea of planning.
Answer: (a) It was a blueprint for India’s economic future.
2. Which of the following ideas did not form part of the early phase of India’s
development policy?
(a) Planning
(b) Liberalisation
(c) Cooperative farming
(d) Self sufficiency
Answer: (b) Liberalisation.
3. The idea of planning in India was drawn from
(a) The Bombay plan
(b) Experiences of the Soviet bloc countries
(c) Gandhian vision of society
(d) Demand by peasant organisations
(i) (b) and (d) only
(ii) (d) and (c) only
(iii) (a) and (b) only
(iv) All the above
Answer: (iv) All of the above.
4. Match the following:

Answer: (a)-(iii), (b)-(i), (c)-(ii), (d)-(iv)

5. What were the major differences in the approach towards development at the
time of Independence? Has the debate been resolved?
Answer. At the time of independence, development was about becoming more like the
industrialised countries of the West, to be involved with the break down of traditional
social structure as well as rise of capitalism and liberalism.
1. Modernisation referred to growth, material progress and scientific rationality.
2. India had two models of modern development at the time of independence into
considerations to be adopted i.e. the liberal capitalist model like Europe and the US and
the socialist model like the USSR.
3. A debate had been occurred regarding adoption of model of development as
communists, socialists and Pt.
J.L. Nehru supported the socialist model to reflect a broad consensus to be developed
during national movement.
4. Above mentioned intentions cleared that the government made the priority to poverty
alleviation alongwith social and economic redistribution.
5. At the same time, these leaders differed and debated:
(a) Industrialisation should be the preferred path or
(b) Agricultural development should take place or
(c) Rural poverty should be alleviated.
6. What was the major thrust of the First Five Year Plan? In which ways did the
Second Plan differ from the first one?
Answer: The First Five Year Plan was commenced in 1951 to be drafted by Young
Economist
K.N. Roy with the emphasis on poverty alleviation. Its main thrusts were as follows:
1. To invest in dams and irrigation to improve agricultural sector with the urgent
attention.
2. Huge allocations were made for large scale projects like Bhakra-Nangal Dam.
3. It focused on land reforms for the development in rural areas.
4. It aimed to increase level of National Income.
The first five year plan differed from the second five year plan:
(a) TheSecondFiveYearPlanstressed on heavy industrialisation.
(b) Second Five Year Plan wanted to bring quick structural transformation in all possible
directions in place of slow and steady growth like First Five Year Plan.
7. What was the Green Revolution? Mention two positive and two negative
consequences of the Green Revolution.
Answer: Green Revolution was introduced to bring about revolutionary changes in
agriculture especially in foodgrains like wheat and rice to increase production through
high yielding varieties of seeds, fertilisers and scientific irrigation—
1. The government offered high yielding varieties of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and
better irrigation facilities at subsidised prices to farmers.
2. The government fixed the prices also to purchase the produce of farmers at a given
price.
Positive Consequences:
(i) In many parts, the stark contrast between the poor peasantry and the landlords
produced conditions favourable for left wing organisations to organise the poor
peasants.
(ii) It resulted in the rise of what is called the ‘Middle peasant sections’ who were
farmers with medium size holdings who benefitted from the changes and soon emerged
politically influential in many parts of country.
Negative Consequences:
(i) This created a stark contrast between the poor peasantry and the landlords.
(ii) It delivered only a moderate agricultural growth i.e. a rise in rice and wheat
production by raising availability of foodgrains in country. On the other hand it increased
polarisation between the classes and regions like Northern States
i. e. Punjab, Haryana, West-UP become agriculturally rich but others remained
backward.
8. State the main arguments in the debate that ensued between industrialisation
and agricultural development at the time of the Second Five Year Plan.
Answer: At the time of Second Five Year Plan, some controversial issues rose in
reference of relevancy of agriculture over industry.
1. Second Five Year Plan emphasised on industry in place of agriculture or rural India.
2. J.C. Kumarappa, a Gandhian Economist proposed an alternative blueprint to
emphasise on rural industrialisation.
3. Bharatiya Lok Dal leader, Chaudhary Charan Singh also commented that the
planning leading to creation of prosperity in Urban and industrial sections at the cost of
rural welfare. Others debated that without an increase in industrial sector poverty could
not be alleviated:
(i) India planning did not have an agrarian strategy to boost the production of food
grains.
(ii) It also proposed programmes of community development and spent large sums on
irrigation project and failure was not that of policy but of its non¬implementation
because of the politics of land owning classes.
(in) Besides, they also argued that every if the government had spent more money on
agriculture it would not have solved the massive problem of rural poverty.
9. “Indian policy makers made a mistake by emphasising the role of state in the
economy. India could have developed much better if private sector was allowed a
free play right from the beginning”. Give arguments for or against this
proposition.
Answer: No, the above statement is not perfectly true because state’s intervention was
mandatory to regulate country’s economy
after independence immediately. Indian did not follow either capitalist model of
development or socialist model completely. Instead she adopted the model of‘mixed
economy’ to be criticised from the right and the left:
(i) Private sector lacked enough space and stimulus to grow.
(ii) Licensing and permits for investment in private sector created hurdles for private
capital accumulation.
(iii) The state control beyond the limits led to inefficiency and corruption. State control
was emphasised:
1. State helped the private sector to make profits by intervening only in those areas
where the private sector was not prepared to go.
2. Instead of helping the poor, the states intervention ended up creating a new class
that enjoyed the privileges of higher salaries without much account-ability.
Q10. Read the following passage:
“In the early years of Independence,
two contradictory tendencies were already well advanced inside the Congress
Party. On the one hand, the national party executive endorsed socialist principles
of state ownership, regulation and control over key sectors of the economy in
order to improve productivity and at the same time curb economic concentration.
On the other hand, the national Congress government pursued liberal economic
policies and incentives to private investment that was justified in terms of the
sold criterion of achieving maximum increase in production”.
—Francine Frankel
(a) What is the contradiction that the author is talking about? What would be the
political implications of a contradiction like this?
(b) If the author is correct, why is it that the Congress was pursuing this policy?
Was it related to the nature of the opposition parties?
(c) Was there also a contradiction between the central leadership of the Congress
party and its state level leaders?
Answer: (a) The author is talking about contradiction regarding adoption of
development models either socialist or capitalist. Political implications of this
contradiction may result the differences among party members itself and government
can issue licensing and permits in more complicated manner.
(b) Congress was pursuing this policy as a sole criterion of achieving maximum
increased in production. Yes, it was related to the nature of opposition parties to be
pursued liberal economic policies and incentives to private investment.
(c) No, there was not a contradiction between the central leadership of the Congress
Party and its state level leaders because state emphasised on states’ ownership,
regulation and control over key sectors improve productivity whereas control leadership
pursued liberal economic policies and incentives to private investment.
MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED
Very Short Answer Type Questions [ 1 Mark]
1. Who was the founder of Indian Statistical Institute?
Answer: P.C. Mahalanobis to initiate Second Five Year Plan to support industrialisation
and positive role of public sector.
2. What is ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ in politics?
Answer: These refer to position of concerned party in the group. The left signifies to
favour the poor and downtrodden section of society through government politics
whereas the ‘Right’ favours free economy in the market not to be intervened
unnecessarily by the government.
3. What is ‘Development’?
Answer: Development refers to the process of improving living standard of country
people and economic level in reference of industrialisation and modernisation to be
judged by the improvements in the quality of life.
4. Mention the primary responsibilities of India immediately after independence.
Answer: 1. Development of agriculture
2. Poverty alleviation of rural and urban level both.
3. Social and economic redistribution.
5. Why did India adopt planning?
Answer: Because:
1. To bring a socio-economic changes.
2. It was to provide a controlled and faster growth rate.
3. To resolve contradictions between societies.
6. What is composition of Planning Commission of India?
Answer: 1. It consists Prime Minister as its Chairman.
2. Some ministers or incharges of economic portfolios.
3. The members of Planning Commission have a high public image alongwith an
administrative and educational background.
7. Mention the various interests associated with Orissa Reserved Iron Resource.
Answer: The reserved iron resource of Orissa is an important investment destination
due to rise a global demand of Iron. The state government signed Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with both international and domestic steel makers in order to
bring in capital investment and employment opportunities.
8. What are the key conflicts associated with Orissa reserved Iron Resources?
Answer: 1. These iron resources lie in some most underdeveloped and predominant
tribal districts.
2. Tribal population feared that the setting up of industries would mean displacement
from their name and livelihood.
3. The environmentalist feared to be polluted the environment due to mining and
industrial activities.
9. What was Bombay Plan?
Answer: Bombay Plan was drafted in 1944 in the want of states to take major initiatives
in industrial and other economic investment through a joint proposal of a section of the
big industrialist for setting up a “Planned Economy”.
10. What are the objectives of planning?
Answer: 1. To make economy self reliant and self generating through planned
strategies.
2. To activate distributive justice among various sectors of economy.
Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks)
1. Differentiate between the main objectives of the First and Second Five Year
Plans.
Answer: 1. Objectives of First Five Year Plan:
(a) It focused on land reforms for the development in rural areas.
(b) It aimed to increase level of National Income.
2. The First Five Year Plan differed from the Second Five Year Plan:
(a) The second five year plan stressed on heavy industrialisation.
(b) Second five year plan wanted to bring quick structural transformations in all possible
directions in place of slow and steady growth like first five year plan.
2. Differentiate between the capitalist and socialist models of development.
Answer: The capitalist model of development refers to the strategies in which the
private sectors are prioritised in place of social welfare whereas socialist model of
development aims at public sector and planning to establish egalitarian society.
3. What is meant by decentralized planning?
Answer: Decentralized planning is designed to involve the peoples through voluntary
citizens organisation in making plans at the panchayats, blocs and districts level. Its
example is the ‘Kerala Model’.
4. Highlight the two areas on which the First Five Year Plan focused.
Answer: The first five year plan was commenced in 1951 to be drafted by young
economist K.N. Raj with the emphasis on poverty alleviation. Its main thrusts were as
follows:
1. To invest in dams and irrigation to improve agricultural sector with the urgent
attention.
2. Huge allocations were made for large scale projects like Bhakra-Nangal Dam.
5. Which are the two models of development? Which model of development was
adopted by India?
Answer: Two models of development are the capitalist and socialist models of
development, India adopted the elements from both these models together to be known
as “Mixed Economy”.
6. What were the fears of tribal population of Orissa and environmentalist about
setting up industries in tribal areas?
Answer: 1. These iron resources lie in some most underdeveloped and predominant
tribal districts.
2. Tribal population feared that the setting up of industries would mean displacement
from their home and livelihood.
3. The environmentalists feared to be polluted the environment due to mining and
industrial activities.
7. What is the meaning and importance of economic planning in Indian context?
Answer: Economic planning in India refers do a systematic regulation of economic
activities by government to reduce the wastage of time and resources:
1. Economic planning helps to achieve national goals in a continuous process of
development.
2. It is a rational process to associate with the future needs and goals to evaluate
alternate proposals also.
8. What was Kerala Model?
Answer: Kerala model is an example of decentralised planning at the state level:
1. It is the initiative taken by Kerala for planning and development strategies.
2. It targeted on education, health, land reform, effective food distribution and poverty
alleviation.
3. Kerala model initiated to implement Panchayati Raj, blocs and district level of
government.
9. Which state was prone to food crisis in the early years of independence?
Answer: Bihar was prone to food crisis in the early years of independence
1. It was due to a near famine situation.
2. The food shortage was very much acute in all districts of Bihar.
3. Food shortage led to acute and widespread malnutrition.
4. The zoning policies of government prohibited trade of food across states, which
reduced availability of food in Bihar.
10. Who was J.C. Kumarappa?
Answer: 1. J.C. Kumarappa was originally known as J.C. Cornelius.
2. He was an economist and chartered accountant.
3. He was the follower of Mahatma Gandhi to apply Gandhian Principles of Economic
Policies.
4. He was the author of ‘Economy of Permanence’ and a member of planning
commission.
11. What is Plan Holiday?
Answer: 1. Plan Holidays is a gap between two five years plan, i.e. 1979-1980 and
1990-92.
2. It was a stop gap arrangements by the provisions of annual plans.
3. Plan holidays took place due to change in government to be locked in development-
goals and priorities etc.
4. Those five year plans were supposed to be reviewed and changed by the succeeding
government.
12. What results were revealed by Planned Economy?
Answer: 1. Big industrialists continued to benefit.
2. The land owning classes became politically powerful.
3. Land reforms could not take place effectively.
4. The early initiatives for planned development were realising the goals of economic
development.
13. Which methods were used to implement the development process in a mixed
economy?
Answer: 1. Planning and governmental regulation to control economy.
2. Licensing, subsidies, progressive taxing, price control and reforfhs etc. were also
implemented.
3. To make a significant role of public sector.
4. To ensure a political democracy.
14. What is ‘Mixed Economy’?
Answer: Mixed economy is an economy to co-exist private and public sector both:
1. Both the sectors work within invisible lands of market forces and visible lands of
planning set by government.
2. ‘State own’ means of production to aim social welfare and ‘private own’ means of
production to be regulated by states.
15. How did Indian lay down the foundation of future economic growth?
Answer: 1. Some of the largest developmental projects in India’s history were
undertaken during this period to include mega dams like Bhakra- Nangal and Hirakud
for irrigation and power generation.
2. Heavy industries were started in the public sector like steel plants, oil refineries,
manufacturing units and defence production etc.
3. Infrastructure and communication were also improved.
Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]
1. Explain any two merits and two demerits each of the Green Revolution.
Answer: Two Merits of the Green Revolution:
(i) The Green Revolution ensured food sufficiency in the country. In many parts, the
stark contrast between the poor peasantry and the landlords produced conditions
favourable for left wing organisations to organise the poor peasants.
(ii) The Green Revolution resulted in the rise of middle peasant sections.
These were farmers with medium size holding, who benefited from the changes and
soon emerged politically influential in many parts of the country.
Two Demerits of the Green Revolution:
(i) The Green Revolution delivered only moderate agricultural growth and raised the
availability of food in the country but also increased polarisation between classes and
regions.
(ii) Some regions like Punjab, Haryana and Western UP became agriculturally
prosperous while others remained backward.
2. List any two merits and two demerits of Green Revolution.
Or
What is Green Revolution? Highlight any two of its effects?
Answer: Green Revolution was introduced to bring about revolutionary changes in
agriculture especially in foodgrains like wheat and Rice to increase production:
1. Production was increased by the use of high yielding varieties of seeds.
2. Scientific irrigation and fertilisers were also applied.
Merits of Green Revolution:
(а) The government offered various irrigational facilities at a subsidised prices.
(б) It resulted in the rise of ‘Middle Peasant Section’ who soon emerged politically
influential.
Demerits of Green Revolution:
(a) This created a stark contrast between the poor peasantry and the landlords.
(b) It increased polarisation between the classes and regions like northern states i.e.
Punjab, Haryana, West UP, became agriculturally rich but other remained backward.
3. How was Planning Commission of India : set up? Mention its scope of work.
Answer:Planning Commission was set up as:
1. It consists Prime Minister as its chairman.
2. Some ministers or incharges of economic portfolios.
3.The members of planning commission have a high public image alongwith an
administrative and educational background.
Its scope of work:
1. To bring socio-economic change.
2. It was to provide a controlled and faster growth rate.
3. To resolve contradictions between societies.
4. describe the main functions of planning commission of India.
Answer: Planning commission was set up in 1950 by a cabinet resolution as an extra
constitutional body:
1. It look advisory in nature but it is very powerful to be known as economic cabinet of
country.
2. Planning commission prepares a document to have plan for income and expenditure
for five year plans.
3. Planning commission prepares strategies to provide adequate means of livelihood for
every man and woman.
4. It also ensures not to concentrate wealth and means of production into few hands
only.
5. What was the protest against Posco plants in Orissa?
Answer: In Orissa, Posco is the state plant. The government of Orissa signed a
Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Korean Company for enhancement of the
plant. But this displaced many workers working in the plant.
Hence, the workers demonstrated outside Korean Company’s office to cancel the
memorandum. This demonstration was organised by Rashtriya Yuva Sanghtan and
Navmirmana Samithi.
6. Which part of constitution helps the planning commission to ensure
socio¬economic justice?
Answer. The directive principles of state policy ensure the welfare through securing and
protecting them from any kind of social, economic and politieal industries:
1. Men and women equally have the right to adequate means of livelihood.
2. Prevent concentration and means of production into the few hands only.
3. Equal distribution of resources.
7. What do you know about land reforms in India during planning period?
Answer: 1. Zamindari system was abolished to release land from big landlord who were
least interested in agriculture.
2. Lands were consolidated to bring small pieces together to increase the farm size.
Drawbacks:
1. Despite a ‘ceiling’, people with excess land managed to violate the laws.
2. The tenants, who worked on
someoneelse’s land were given greater legal security which rarely implemented.
3. Landowners were very powerful and wielded considerable political influence.
8. What is meant by White Revolution in Gujarat?
Answer: The White Revolution in Gujarat was started by ‘Varghese Kurien’ known as
milkman of India to launch Gujarat Cooperative Milk and Marketing Federation Ltd.,
which further launched ‘AmuF.
Amul is a dairy cooperative movement based in ‘Anand’ town of Gujarat to become a
unique appropriate model for rural development and poverty alleviation.
Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
It was in Bihar that the food-crisis was most acutely felt as the state faced a near-
famine situation. The food shortage was significant in all districts of Bihar, with 9
districts producing less than half of their normal output. Five of these districts, in
fact, produced less than one- third of what they produced normally. Food
deprivation subsequently led to acute and widespread malnutrition. It was
estimated that the calorie intake dropped from 2200 per capital per day to as low
as 1200 in many regions of the
state (as against the requirement of2450 per day for the average person.). Death
rate in Bihar in 1987 was 34% higher than the number of deaths that occurred in
the following year. Food prices also hit a high in Bihar during the year, even when
comp
states. For wheat and rice the prices in the state were twice or more than their
prices in more prosperous Punjab. The government had ‘honing” policies that
prohibited tra.de of food across states* tins reduced the availability of food in
Bihar dramatically. In situations such as this, the poorest sections of the so. .
most.
Questions
1. What is food-crisis?
2. What were the reasons of food crisis in Bihar?
3. What do you understand by ‘Zoning’ policies of government?
Answer:
1. When any state or country face the problem of insufficiency of food in the region or
food shortage is known as food crisis.
2. (i) Famine situation occurred there.
(ii) Food prices also hit a high in Bihar than other states.
(iii) Government policies of‘Zoning1 also caused it.
3. Zoning policies of government prohibit trade of food across the states which reduced
the availability of food in Bihar.
2.Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
Decentralized Planning: It is not necessary that all planning always lias to be
centralised; nor is it that planning is only about big industries and large projects.
The ‘Kerala modle’ is the name given to the path of planning and development
charted by the Stats of Kerala .There has been a focus model on education,
health, land refoiin, effective food distribution, and poverty alleviation. Despite
low per capita incomes,
and a relatively weak industrial base, Kerala achieved nearly total literacy,long life
expectency ,low infant and female mortality, low birth .rates and Mgb access to
medical care. Between 1987 and 1991, the government launched the New
Democratic Initiative which involved campaigns for development (including total
literacy especially in science and environment) designed to involve people
directly in development activities through voluntary citizens’ organisations. The
State has also taken initiative to involve people in making plans at the Panchavat,
block and district level.
Questions
1. What is meant by decentralisation?
2. Which state is the best example for this?
3. Which methods were used by state of Kerala for decentralisation?
Answer:
1. Decentralisation shares the powers even among the states and its subordinate units
to run the administration in efficient manner i.e. at the Panchayats, blocs and district
level.
2. Kerala which is known as ‘Kerala Model’ also.
3. 1. Campaigning for development
especially in Science and environment.
2. To involve people in making plans at Panchayat, blocs and district level.
Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]
1. What was Green Revolution? Mention its any two positive and two negative
consequences.
Answer: Green Revolution was introduced to bring about revolutionary changes in
agriculture especially in foodgrains like wheat and rice to increase food production
through high yielding varieties of seeds, fertilisers and scientific irrigation. Positive
Consequences:
1. In many parts, the stark contrast between the poor peasantry and the landlords
produced conditions favourable for left wing organisations to organise the poor
peasants.
It resulted in the rise of what is called the ‘Middle Peasant Sections’
who were farmers with medium size holdings who benefitted from the changes and
soon emerged politically influential in many parts of country. Negative Consequences:
(i) This created a stark contrast between the poor peasantry and the landlords.
(ii) It delivered only a moderate agricultural growth i.e. a rise in rice and wheat
production by raising availability of foodgrains in country. On the other hand it increased
polarisation between the classes and regions like Northern States i. e. Punjab, Haryana,
West-U.P. became agriculturally rich but others remained backward.
2. Explain the main arguments in the debate that ensued between
industrialisation agricultural development at the time of second five year plan.
Answer: At the time of second five year plan, some controversial issues rose in
reference of relevancy of agriculture over industry:
1. Second five year plan emphasised on industry in place of agriculture or rural India.
2. J.C. Kumarappa, a Gandhian Economist proposed an alternative blueprint to
emphasise on rural industrialisation.
3. Bharatiya Lok Dal leader, Chaudhary Charan Singh also commented that the
planning was leading to creation of prosperity in Urban and industrial sections at the
cost of rural welfare.
Others debated that without an increase in industrial sector poverty could not be
alleviated:
1. India planning did not have agrarian strategy to boost the production of foodgrains.
2. It also proposed programme of community development and spent large sums on
irrigation projects and failure was not that of policy but of its non-implementation
because of the politics of land owning classes.
3. Besides they also argued that even if the government had spent more money on
agriculture, it would not have solved the massive problems of rural poverty.
Picture/Map Based Questions [5 Marks]
A1. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:
Questions
1. What message does the cartoon convey?
2. Name the person who is making efforts to balance both the sectors.
3. How was both these sectors balanced?
Answer:
1. Cartoon is trying to make balance between the private and public sector to maintain
the growth of an economy adopted by India.
2. Pt. Jawahar Lai Nehru, the then Prime Minister of India.
3. Pt. Nehru made a balance between both the sectors by adopting the model of mixed
economy to co-exist the private and public sector.
Question 1.
Which of these statements about the Bombay Plan is incorrect?
(a) It was a blueprint for India’s economic future.
(b) It supported state ownership of industry.
(c) It was made by some leading industrialists.
(d) It supported strongly the idea of plàhning.
Answer: (a) It was a blueprint for India’s economic future.
Question 2.
Which of the following ideas did not form part of the early phase of India’s
development policy?
(a) Planning
(b) Liberalisation
(c) Cooperative Farming
(d) Self-sufficiency
Answer: (b) Liberalisation
Question 3.
The Idea of Planning in India was drawn from:
(a) The Bombay Plan
(b) Experiences of the Soviet bloc countries
(c) Gandhian Vision of Society
(d) Demand by Peasant Organisation
(I) b and d only
(II) d and e only
(III) a and b only
(IV) all the above
Answer: (III) (a) and (b) only.
Q4. Which are the two models of development?
(i) Capitalist and Socialist
(ii) Capitalist and Marxist
(iii) Capitalist and Gandhism
(iv) None of the above
(i) Capitalist and Socialist
Q5. Which of the following ideas did not form part of the early phase of India’s
development policy?
(i) Planning
(ii) Liberalisation
(iii) Cooperative Farming
(iv) Self-sufficiency
(ii) Liberalisation
Q6. Tribals of Odisha fear their displacement due to the extraction of which
mineral?
(i) Copper
(ii) Zinc
(iii) Uranium
(iv) Iron ore
(iv) Iron ore
Q7. Which of these statements about the Bombay Plan is incorrect?
(i) It was a blueprint for India’s economic future
(ii) It supported state-ownership of industry
(iii) It was made by some leading industrialists
(iv) It supported strongly the idea of planning
(i) It was a blueprint for India’s economic future
Q8. Which of these statements about the Bombay Plan is incorrect?
(i) It was a blueprint for India’s economic future.
(ii) It supported state ownership of industry.
(iii) It was made by some leading industrialists.
(iv) It supported strongly the idea of plàhning.
(i) It was a blueprint for India’s economic future.
Q9. Socialist model of development was related to
(i) U.S.A.
(ii) Europe.
(iii) USSR.
(iv) Pakistan.
(iii) USSR.
Q10. Which of the following is not a contributory factor for development?
(i) Abundance of national resources
(ii) Character of people
(iii) Frequent and free elections
(iv) Level of technology
(ii) Character of people
India’s External Relations
TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED
1. Write ‘True’ or ‘False’ against each of these statements.
(a) Non-alignment allowed India to gain assistance both from USA and USSR.

(b) India’s relationship with her neighbours has been strained from the beginning.

(c) The cold war has affected the relationship between India and Pakistan.
(d) The treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1971 was the result of India’s closeness to USA.
Answer: (a) True; (b) True; (c) True; (d) False.
2. Match the following:

Answer: (a)—(ii), (b)-(iii), (c)-(iv), (d)-(i).

3. Why did Nehru regard conduct of foreign relations as an essential indicator of
independence? State any two reasons with examples to support your reading.
Answer. 1. India decided to conduct its foreign relations with respect to sovereignty of
other nations and maintain peace and security through mutual cooperation to be
reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy on Article 51 of constitution
2. India always advocated the policy of Non-alignment, made efforts to reduce cold war
tensions and contributed human resources to UN peace keeping operations.
3. Hence, India took independent stand and got assistance from members of both the
blocs.
4. “The conduct of foreign affairs is an outcome of a two-way interaction between
domestic compulsions and prevailing international climate”. Take one example
from India’s external relations in the 1960s to substantiate your answer.
Answer: The statement is justified to maximum extent to be proved during ‘Sino-Indian
Conflict of 1962’ to dent India’s image at home and international level, India had to
approach the Americans and the British for military assistance to tide over the issues.
The Soviet Union remained neutral during the conflict:
(i) All the occurrings, created a sense of national humiliation but strengthened a spirit of
nationalism also on the other hand.
(ii) Pt. Nehru was also criticised for his naive assessment of Chinese intentions and lack
of military preparedness.
(iii) Political mood of country began to change, when no-confidence motion against
Nehru moved in and debated in Lok-Sabha.
(iv) ‘Sino-Indian Conflict’ splitted the Communist Party of India in 1964s split fraction
formed communist party of India (CPI-M).
(v) Besides, the war with China alerted Indian leadership to volatile situation in the North
east region.
(vi) Apart from being isolated and extremely underdeveloped, this region posed the
challenge of national integration in front of India.
5. Identify any two aspects of India’s foreign policy that you would like to retain
and two that you would like to change, if you were to become a decision maker.
Give reasons to support your position.
Answer: Two Aspects to be Supported:
1. India always maintained her dignity and image of a peace loving country by taking
initiatives to bring about equality and understanding among the nations i.e. India
supported to end Korean War in 1953, French rule in China, US role in Vietnam.
2. India’s initiatives for Non¬alignment are also appreciable for the maintenance of
mutual understanding and security. During post cold war era also, NAM had become an
effective tool to make the Security Council more effective and democratic.
Two Aspects to be Changed:
1. In the course of decade of 1962-72, India faced three wars and its peaceful image
played a very limited role.
2. Conflict with neighbouring countries like China and Pakistan derailed India’s concept
of regional co¬operation under SAARC.
Hence, India must adopt diplomatic and defensive postures in its foreign policy to
maintain its independent entity.
6. Write short notes on the following:
(a) India’s nuclear policy
(b) Consensus in foreign policy matters
Answer: (a) India’s Nuclear Policy:
1. India advocates no first use and reiterates India’s commitment to global verifiable on
non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament loading to a nuclear weapon free world.
2. Pt. Nehru always promoted ’ science and technology to build
a modern India, i.e. initiated nuclear programme in the late 1940s under the guidance of
Homi J. Bhoba.
3. India was against nuclear weapons, hence pleaded many nuclear disarmament with
superpowers.
4. India always considered NPT as discriminatory and refused to sign on it.
5. Even India’s first Nuclear Test in May 1974 was termed as a peaceful explosion and
India argued to use nuclear power for peaceful purposes only.
(6) Consensus in Foreign Policy Matters:
1. Pt. Nehru played a crucial role in the architecture of setting National Agenda for
foreign policy.
2. Both as a Prime Minister and foreign minister he played profound influence in the
formulation and implementation of India’s foreign policy from 1946 to 1964.
3. When different parties came to power from time to time, foreign policy of India played
a limited role in party politics.
7.India’s foreign policy was built around the principles of peace and cooperation.
But India fought three wars in a space of ten years between 1962 and 1971. Would
you say that this was a failure of the foreign policy? Or
would you say that this was a result of international situation? Give reasons to
support your answer.
Answer: No, this was not the failure of foreign policy but this was a result of
international situation:
1. The Chinese Invasion 1962:
(a) Serious conflict arose when China annexed Tibet in 1950 and removed a historical
buffer between two nation, and India did not oppose this openly.
(b) India grew uneasy, when China began to suppress Tibetan Culture.
(c) Another border dispute arose when China claimed Aksai Chin area and NEFA (much
of the state in Arunachal Pradesh) within the Indian territory.
(id) Despite long term correspondence and discussions, these issues have not been
resolved even by top leaders of country.
(e) Hence, India had to indulge in the conflict.
2. War with Pakistan:
(a) A serious armed conflict between two countries began in 1965 with the initiative of
Pakistan over Kashmir partition.
(b) In 1966, the hostilities came to an end with the UN intervention and Tashkent
Agreement signed between Indian Prime Minister Lai Bahadur Shastri and Pakistan’s
General Ayub Khan.
(c) The 1965 War added to India’s already difficult economic situation.
3. Bangladesh War of 1971:
(a) In 1970, Pakistan faced its biggest crisis in the way for a split verdict i.e. Zulficar Ali
Bhutto’s Party emerged as winner in West Pakistan while Awami league led by “Sheikh
Mujibur- Rehman” swept through East Pakistan.
(b) The Bengali population of East Pakistan had voted to protest against discriminatory
attitude of West Pakistan, which was not acceptable to West Pakistan rulers.
(c) In 1971, Pakistani army arrested Sheikh Mujib and unleashed a region of terror on
East Pakistan. This started people’s struggle to liberate Bangladesh from Pakistan.
(d) India had to bear 80 lakh refugees who fled from East Pakistan to take shelter.
Hence, India had to extend moral and : material support to the freedom
struggle in Bangladesh.
(e) A full scale war between India and Pakistan in December 1971 broke out, when
Pakistan attacked on Punjab and Rajasthan to be retaliated an attack from India.
(f) Within ten days the Indian army surrounded Dhaka and Pakistan had to surrender
with Bangladesh as a free country, India declared a unilateral ceasefire and Shimla
Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan in 1972.
(g) Most people in India saw this moment as a glory of India and a clear sign of India’s
growing military powers.
8. Does India’s foreign policy reflect her desire to be an important regional
power? Argue your case with the Bangladesh war of 1971 as an example.
Answer: Bangladesh War 1971:
(a) In 1970, Pakistan faced its biggest crisis in the way for a split verdict i. e. Zulficar Ali
Bhutto’s Party emerged as winner in West Pakistan while Awami League led by ‘Sheikh
Mujibur-Rehman’ swept through East Pakistan.
(b) The Bengali population of East Pakistan had voted to protest against discriminatory
attitude of west Pakistan which was not acceptable to west Pakistan rulers.
(c) In 1971, Pakistani army arrested Sheikh Mujib and unleashed a reign of terror on
East Pakistan. This started people’s struggle to liberate Bangladesh from Pakistan.
(d) India had to bear 80 lakh refugees who fled from East Pakistan to take shelter.
Hence, India had to extend moral and material support to the freedom struggle in
Bangladesh.
(e) A full scale war between India and Pakistan in December 1971 broke out, when
Pakistan attacked on Punjab and Rajasthan to be retaliated an attack from India. if)
Within ten days the Indian army surrounded Dhakan and Pakistan had to surrender with
Bangladesh as a free country, India declared a unilateral ceasefire and Shimla
Agreement was signed between India and Pakistan in 1972.
(g) Most people in India saw this moment as a glory of India and a dear sign of India’s
growing military powers.
On the above mentioned reference, we may conclude “Yes’. India’s foreign Policy
reflects her desire to be an important regional power which was revealed during the
Bangladesh war of 1971. Yes, India’s foreign policy reflects her desire to be an
important regional power which was revealed during the Bangladesh war of 1971.
9. How does political leadership of a nation affect its foreign policy? Explain this
with the help of examples from India’s foreign policy.
Answer: Foreign policy of any country is the mirror of national interests as in India:
1. During non-congress government in 1977, Janata Party announced to follow non-
alignment genuinely. This implied that the pro-Soviet tilt in foreign policy will be
corrected. Since then, all governments took initiatives to restore better relations with
China and entered into close ties with the US.
2. In Post 1990 period the ruling parties were criticised for their pro-US foreign policy.
During this period Russia had lost its global pre¬eminence despite it has been India’s
good friend. Hence, India’s foreign policy shifted to a more pro-US strategy.
3. Besides, the contemporary international situation is also more influenced by
economic interests than military interests so made an impact on India’s foreign policy
i. e. Indo-Pakistan relations have witnessed new developments.
10. Read the Passage:
“Broadly, non-alignment means not tying yourself off with military blocs…
It means trying to view things, as far as possible, not from the military point of
view, though that has to come in sometimes, but independently, and trying to
maintain friendly relations with all countries”.
—-Jawaharlal Nehru
(a) Why does Nehru want to keep off military blocs?
(b) Do you think that the Indo-Soviet friendship treaty violated the principle of
non-alignment? Give reasons for your answer,
(c) If there were no military blocs, do you think non-alignment would have been
unnecessary?
Answer: (a) Nehru wanted to keep off military blocs to maintain friendly and peaceful
relation with all nations of world as well as to maintain India’s uniqueness at
international stage.
(b) No, the Indo-Soviet friendship treaty did not violate non-alignment because it was
not to maintain military relations but to maintain diplomatic friendly relations. .
(c) NAM emphasises on disarmament, decolonisation and terrorism except staying
away from military blocs.
MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED
Very Short Answer Type Questions [ 1 Mark]
1. What is foreign policy?
Answer: Foreign policy of a nation reflects ^systematic statements of national interests
alongwith the interplay of domestic and external factors.
2. I n which context India started participating in the world affairs as an
independent nation state?
Answer: Due to:
1. British government left the legacy of many international disputes.
2. Priority to the poverty alleviation.
3. Pressures created by the partition.
3. Why did India not sign Nuclear Non-proliferation treaty?
Answer: Because India considered the NPT as discriminatory policy to argue it to be
used for peaceful purposes only.
4. What was Bandung conference?
Answer: Bandung conference was held in 1955 in Indonesia as an Afro-Asian
conference to lead an establishment of NAM and to mark the engagement of India with
African and Asian nations.
5. Mention the Article of Indian constitution to promote international peace and
security.
Answer: Article 51 to lay down some Directive Principles of State Policy.
6. Which step was the beginning of Indo¬china’s strong relationship?
Answer: Panchsheel, the five principles of peaceful co-existance signed in 1954.
Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks]
1. How did the Sino-Indian conflict affect the opposition also?
Answer: The Sino-Indian conflicts affected the opposition as well. This and the growing
rift between China and the Soviet Union created irreconcilable differences within the
Communist Party of India (CPI). The pro-USSR faction remained within the CPI and
moved towards closer ties with the Congress. The other faction was for sometime closer
to China and was against any ties with the Congress. The party split in 1964 and the
leaders of the later faction formed the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M). In
the wake of the China War, many leaders of CPI(M) were arrested for being pro¬China.
2. Which two differences between India and China led to an army conflict in 1962?
Answer: (i) Serious conflict arose when China annexed Tibet in 1950 and removed a
historical buffer between two nation and India did not oppose this openly. (ii) Another
border dispute arose when China claimed Aksai Chin Area and NEFA (much of the
state in Arunachal Pradesh) within the . Indian territory.
3. Highlight the contribution made by Pt. J.L. Nehru to the foreign policy of India.
Answer: (i) India’s initiatives for non-alignment for maintenance of mutual
understanding and security.
(ii) India always maintained her dignity and image of peace loving country by taking
initiatives to bring about equality and understanding among nations i.e. to end Korean
war in 1953, French rule in China etc.
4. Mention any two/four Directive Principles of State Policy for the promotion of
international peace and security.
Answer: The Article 51 of Indian Constitution deals with the “Directive Principles of
State Policy” on “Promotion of International Peace and Security”:
(i) Promote international peace and security.
(ii) Maintain just and honourable relations between nations.
(iii) Foster respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings of
organised people with one another.
(iv) Encourage settlement of international dispute by arbitration.
5. Highlight any two/four major objectives of Prime Minister Nehru’s Foreign
Policy.
Answer:1. The first objective was to follow NAM, not to join either the military blocs
formed by USA and Soviet Union.
2. To promote rapid economic development and maintain cordial relations with other
nations.
3. To prefect the territorial integrity.
4. To preserve sovereignty of India and also respecting others sovereignty.
6. What was Afra-Asian Unity?
Answer: Bandung conference was held in 1955 in Indonesia as an Afro-Asian
conference to lead an establishment of NAM to mark the engagement of India with
African and Asian nations known as Afro-Asian Unity.
7. Why did India oppose the international treaties on Nuclear non-proliferation?
Answer: Because of discriminatory nature:
1. India felt that these treaties prove the monopoly of five nuclear weapon- powers only
and applicable to only the non-nuclear powers.
2. India opposed the indefinite extension of the NPT in 1995 and refused to sign even
CTBT (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty).
8. In the Post Cold War Era what is the nature of India’s foreign policy in terms of
shifting alliances in world politics?
Answer: In the Post Cold War Era India’s foreign policy had shifted to more pro-US
stance with the disintegration of USSR:
1. At present India’s foreign policy rather more emphasizes on economic interests in
place of military.
2. Every Indo-Pak relations have also witnessed many new developments.
3. Efforts are being made to restore normal relations with other countries through
cultural exchange.
9. Arrange the following events in the correct chronological sequence from the
earlier to the latest:
(a) First nuclear test conducted by India.
(b) Twenty year treaty of peace and relationship between India and Soviet Union.
(c) The Tashkent Agreement.
(d) The Panchsheel declaration.
Answer: (a) Panchsheel-1954
(b) Tashkent Agreement-1966
(c) Twenty year treaty-1971
(d) First nuclear test-1974
Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]
1. Explain India’s Nuclear Policy.
Or
Explain any four important features of India’s Nuclear Policy.
Answer: India’s Nuclear Policy:
1. India advocates no first use and reiterates India’s commitment to global verifiable on
non-discriminatoiy nuclear disarmament loading to a nuclear weapon free world.
2. Pt. Nehru always promoted science and technology so build a modern India i.e.
initiated nuclear programme in the late 1940s under the guidance of Homi J. Bhaba.
3. India was against nuclear weapons, hence pleaded many nuclear disarmament with
superpowers.
4. India always considered NPT as discriminatory and refused to sign on it.
5. Even India’s first Nuclear Test in May 1974 was termed as a peaceful explosion and
India argued to use nuclear power for peaceful purposes only.
2. Describe any four issues of conflict between India and China .
Answer: Issues of Conflict between India and China:
(a) Serious conflict arose when China annexed Tibet in 1950 and removed a historical
buffer between two nation and India did not oppose this openly.
(b) India grew uneasy, when China began to suppress Tibetan culture.
(c) Another border dispute arose when China claimed Aksai Chin Area and NEFA
(much of the state in Arunachal Pradesh) within the Indian territory.
(d) Despite long term correspondence and discussions, these issues have not been
resolved even by top leaders of country.
(e) Hence, India had to indulge in the conflict.
3. Describe any two major issues of conflict between India and Pakistan leading
to war of 1971.
Answer: Issues of conflict between India and Pakistan leading to War in 1971:
1. A serious armed struggle arose between India and Pakistan in December 1971 when
Pakistan attacked on Punjab and Rajasthan. In turn India had to retaliated a war against
Pakistan.
2. India had to bear 80 lakh refugees who fled from East Pakistan to take shelter in
India. Hence, India had to extend moral and material support to freedom struggle in
Bangladesh against Pakistan.
4. What was Tibet issue? How did it cause tension between India and China?
Explain.
Answer: 1. From the very beginning of independence time to time, China has claimed
its administrative control over Tibet.
2. In 1950, China took over control of Tibet. Large sections of Tibetan population
opposed this takeover.
3. In 1958, there was an armed uprising in Tibet against China’s occupation. India
supported the cause of Tibetan which was bitterly objected by China. Even India has
granted asylum to Dalai Lama and a large number of Tibetans.
5. Access any four principles of India’s foreign policy.
Answer: India’s foreign policy is based on principles of Panchsheel, which is derived
from two words ‘Panch’ means five and ‘Sheel’ means a ‘Code of Conduct’ for peaceful
co-existence.
1. Panchsheel
2. Non-alignment (NAM)
3. Mutual benefits and equality
4. Mutual non-aggression
5. Non-intervention in each others international affairs
6. To maintain international peace and understanding
Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
What does independence consist of? It consists fundamentally and basically of
foreign relations. That is the test of independence. All else is local autonomy.
Once foreign relations go out of your hands into the charge of somebody else,
to that extent and in that measure you are not independent.
—Jawaharlal Nehru
Questions
1. What does the extract signify?
2. What is not an independence as per Pt. J.L. Nehru?
3. What did India do to maintain its Sovereignty?
Answer:
1. The above extract signifies the non-alignment policy of India.
2. When foreign relations go out of the hands of a country into the charge of somebody
else, to that extent, one is not independent.
3. When India achieved its freedom and started forming its foreign policy, it followed
non-alignment policy to pursue its national interests within international context.
Picture/Map Based Questions [5 Marks]
A. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:
Question.
1. What message does this cartoon convey?
2. Which year is being shown here?
Answer:
1. This cartoon conveys message on Indo-China tensions to be resolved.
2. 1962, Chinese invasion.
Question 1.
“The foreign policy of a country is the outcome of her economic policy” these
remarks were made by:
(a) Indira Gandhi
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Morarji Desai
(d) Charan Singh
Answer: (b) Jawaharlal Nehru
Question 2.
Bandung Conference was held in the year:
(a) 1954
(b) 1955
(c) 1956
(d) 1957
Answer: (b) 1955
Question 3.
Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation in:
(a) January 1972
(b) December 1971
(c) March 1971
(d) December 1971
Answer: (b) December 1971
Question 4.
China made a sudden attack on India in:
(a) August 1962
(b) September 1962
(c) December 1962
(d) September 1965
Answer: December 1962
Question 5.
The Architect of Non-alignment is:
(a) Pt. Nehru
(b) Indira Gandhi
(c) Y. B. Chavan
(d) Atal Behari Vajpayee
Answer: (a) Pt. Nehru
Question 6.
Match the following:
(a) The goal of India’s foreign policy in the
(I) Tibetan spiritual leader who crossed over to India
period 1950-1964

(II) Preservation of territorial integrity, sovereignty, and

(b) Panchsheel
economic development

(c) Bandung Conference (III) Five principles of peaceful coexistence

(d) Dalai Lama (IV) Led to the establishment of NAM

Answer:
(a) The goal of India’s foreign policy in the (II) Preservation of territorial integrity, sovereignty, and
period 1950-1964 economic development

(b) Panchsheel (III) Five principles of peaceful coexistence

(c) Bandung Conference (IV) Led to the establishment of NAM

(d) Dalai Lama (I) Tibetan spiritual leader who crossed over to India

Q7. In the Nehru cabinet who was apprehensive of the future attack from china?
(i) Vallabhbhai Patel
(ii) C. Rajagopalachari
(iii) Jawaharlal Nehru
(iv) Jagjivan Ram
(i) Vallabhbhai Patel
Q8. Bandung Conference was held in the year:
(i) 1954
(ii) 1955
(iii) 1956
(iv) 1957
(ii) 1955
Q9. Expand NEFA.
(i) North-Eastern Far Agency
(ii) North Eastern Frontier Agency
(iii) North-Eastern Fullest Agency
(iv) North Eastern Farther Agency
(ii) North Eastern Frontier Agency
Q10. Bandung Conference was held in the year:
(i) 1954
(ii) 1955
(iii) 1956
(iv) 1957
(ii) 1955
Q11. India convened the Asian Relations Conference in March 1947 under the
leadership of
(i) Dr B.R. Ambedkar
(ii) Dr. Radha Krishnan.
(iii) Jawaharlal Nehru.
(iv) Rajendra Prasad.
(iii) Jawaharlal Nehru.
Q12. When China annexed Tibet?
(i) 1930
(ii) 1940
(iii) 1950
(iv) 1960
(iii) 1950
Q13. The foreign policy of a country is the outcome of her economic policy” these
remarks were made by:
(i) Indira Gandhi
(ii) Jawaharlal Nehru
(iii) Morarji Desai
(iv) Charan Singh
(ii) Jawaharlal Nehru
Q14. Apartheid is the practice of
(i) religious discrimination.
(ii) racial discrimination.
(iii) linguistic differences.
(iv) human behaviour.
(ii) racial discrimination.
Q15.The basis of India’s foreign policy is
(i) non-alignment
(ii) promoting US bloc
(iii) promoting USSR bloc
(iv) aligning with China
(i) non-alignment
Challenges to and Restoration of Congress
System
TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED
1. Which of these statements about the 1967 elections is/are correct?
(a) Congress won the Lok Sabha elections but lost the Assembly elections in
many states.

(b) Congress lost both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

(c) Congress lost majority in the Lok Sabha but formed a coalition government with the s
upport of some other parties.
(d) Congress retained power at the Centre with an increased majority. Ans. (a) Congress
won the Lok Sabha elections but lost the Assembly elections in many states.
Answer: (a) Congress won the Lok Sabha elections but lost the Assembly elections in many
states.
(c) Congress lost majority in the Lok Sabha but formed a coalition government with the support
of some other parties.
2. Match the following:

Answer: (a)-(ii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iv), (d)-(iii).

3. Whom would you identify with the following slogans/phrases?
(a) Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan
(b) Indira Hatao!
(c) Garibi Hatao!
Answer: (a) Lai Bahadur Shastri: Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan
(b) Syndicate: Indira Hatao!
(c) Indira Gandhi: Garibi Hatao!
4. Which of the following statement about the Grand Alliance of 1971 is correct?
The Grand Alliance …
(а) was formed by non-Communist, non-Congress parties.
(b) had a clear political and ideological programme.
(c) was formed by all non-Congress parties.
Answer: (a) was formed by non-Communist, non-Congress parties.
5. How should a political party resolve its internal differences? Here are some
suggestions. Think of each and list out their advantages and shortcomings?
(a) Follow the footsteps of the party president
(b) Listen to the majority group
(c) Secret ballot voting on every issue
(d) Consult the senior and experienced leaders of the party
Answer: (a) Advantage: If the party follows the footsteps of the party president, there
will be discipline and unity within the party.
Shortcoming: The party president can take its decision without taking into consideration
the views of its party members. So, the inner democracy may get weakened.
(b) Advantage: If the party listens to the majority group, there will be more confidence
among the party members and inner democracy will be strengthened.
Shortcoming: If the party listens to the majority group, factionalism may increase in the
party. One faction may try to back another faction to gather support.
(c) Advantage: Secret ballot voting is an appropriate system. It is more democratic.
Through it, any member can express his views.
Shortcoming: Sometimes, the party members may vote through secret ballot by ignoring
the whip of the party issued by the party president. It may prove fatal to the party.
(d) Advantage: The novice and less experienced candidates will be benefited if they
consult the senior and experienced leaders of the party and also follow their guidelines.
Shortcoming: If the party members only consult the senior and experienced leaders and
follow their guidelines, their hold will get strengthened in the party.
6. State which of these were reasons for the defeat of the Congress in 1967. Give
reasons for your answer?
(a) The absence of a charismatic leader in the Congress party.
(b) Split within the Congress party.
(c) Increased mobilisation of regional, ethnic and communal groups.
(d) Increasing unity among non¬Congress parties.
(e) Internal differences within the Congress party.
Answer: (a) It may not be the reason of the defeat of Congress party. Because there
were so many experienced and charismatic leaders in the party.
(b) It was one of the main reasons of the defeat of Congress party. Now party was split
into two groups. Syndicate had strong hold over the Congress party while Indira
supporters were more inclined to their leader. One group was in support of capitalism
and liberalisation while others opposed it.
(c) Due to the emergence of the Akali Dal in Punjab, D.M.K. in Tamil Nadu got and
other regional parties, Congress setback. The party could not get majority at the centre
and had to be deprived of power in various states.
(d) There was no unity among non¬Congress parties. So the non¬Congress parties got
benefit in other provinces.
(e) Internal differences within the party were one of the major causes of its defeat.
7. What were the factors which led to the popularity of Indira Gandhi’s
Government in the early 1970s?
Answer: Because:
1. Socialist credentials became main projects during this period.
2. Indira Gandhi campaigned to implement land reform legislations and land ceiling
legislations.
3. She ended her dependence on other
political parties by strengthening her party’s position and recommended the dissolution
of Lok Sabha in December’ 1970.
4. The crisis in East Pakistan and Indo- Pak war to establish Bangladesh as an
independent one, also enhanced the popularity of Indira Gandhi.
5. Indira Gandhi’s government was not accepted only as a protector of the poor and
underprivileged but as a strong government also.
6. Congress became popular among different social sections and restored dominance
again.
8. What does the term ‘syndicate’ mean in the context of the Congress party of
the . sixties? What role did the Syndicate play in the Congress party?
Answer: Syndicate was a group of powerful and influential leaders from within the
Congress:
1. Syndicate was led by K. Kamraj, former chief minister of Tamilnadu and the then
president of Congress party. It also includes some powerful leaders like S.K. Patil, S.
Nijalingappa, N. Sanjeeva Reddy and Atulya Ghosh.
2. In the sixties, Syndicate played a decisive role by installing both Lai Bahadur Shastri
and Indira Gandhi as a Prime Minister.
3. Syndicate played decisive say in Indira Gandhi’s first council of Ministers and
formation and implementation of policies.
4. After a split, two groups in Congress were created i.e. Congress (O), led by
Syndicate and Congress (R), led by Indira Gandhi.
5. Congress (R), won popularity after 1971 and Syndicate lost power and prestige.
9. Discuss the major issue which led to the formal split of the Congress Party in
1969.
Answer: The formal split in Congress took place in 1969 on the issue of nomination of
the candidate during presidential elections:
1. Despite, Indira Gandhi’s reservations, the Syndicate nominated Neelam Sanjeeva
Reddy, as the official Congress candidate for ensuing Presidential elections.
2. Indira Gandhi retaliated the situation by encouraging Mr. V.V. Giri, the then Vice-
President, to be nominated as an independent candidate.
3. During election, the then Congress President S. Nijalingappa issued a whip asking all
Congress MPs. MLAs to vote for N. Sanjeeva Reddy.
4. On the other hand, after silently supporting V.V. Giri, the Prime Minister Mrs Indira
Gandhi openly called for a conscience vote to vote the way they want.
5. Elections went in favour of V.V. Giri due to this diplomatic effort and N. Sanjeeva
Reddy was defeated.
6. The defeat of N. Sanjeeva Reddy, the formal Congress candidate, formalised the split
of party into two:
(a) Congress (O), i.e. organisation
led by syndicate, known as Old Congress.
(b) Congress (R) i.e. requisitionists led by Indira Gandhi, known as New Congress.
10. Read the passage and answer the questions below:
“… Indira Gandhi changed the Congress into highly centralised and
undemocratic party organisation, from the earlier federal, democratic and
ideological formation that Nehru had led. … But this … could not have happened
had not Indira Gandhi changed the entire nature of politics. This new, populist
politics turned political ideology … into a mere electoral discourse, use of various
slogans not meant to be translated into government policies…. During its great
electoral victories in early 1970s, amidst the celebration, the Congress party as a
political organisation died
—Sudipta Kaviraj
(a) What according to the author is the difference between the strategies of Nehru
and Indira Gandhi?
(b) Why does the author say that the Congress party ‘died’ in the seventies?
(c) In what way, did the change in the Congress party affect other political parties
also?
Answer: (a) According to author, main difference between the strategies of Nehru and
Indira Gandhi is that Jawahar Lai Nehru led the Congress into federal, democratic and
ideological nature whereas Indira Gandhi converted it into highly centralised and
undemocratic party.
(b) Congress party died in the seventies due to changed nature of Congress, the new
populist politics turned political ideology into a mere electoral discourage and the use of
various slogans never meant to be translated into government policies
i. e. electoral victories of 1970s.
(c) The change in the Congress party affected other political parties also as they formed
SVD (Samyukt Vidhayak Dal) in the form of coalitions and grand alliance.
MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED
Very Short Answer Type Questions[1 Mark]
1. Which major factor was responsible for the dramatic victory of Indira Gandhi in
1971 elections?
Answer: Although the Congress’s position was very weak in the electroal contest of
1971, it had something that its big opponents lacked—it had an issue, an agenda and a
positive slogan: Garibi Hatao in contrast to opposition’s Indira Hatao. This proved to be
a major factor responsible for the dramatic victory of Indira Gandhi.
2. Who represented Congress (O) and Congress (R) after the split of Congress
Party?
Answer: Congress (O) was represented by K. Kamraj, former Chief Minister of
Tamilnadu and the then President of Congress Party whereas Congress (R) was led by
Indira Gandhi.
3. What is meant by term ‘Congress Syndicate?
Answer: ‘Congress Syndicate’, implied a group of powerful and influential leaders
within Congress to be known as Old Congress.
4. In 1966, who contested against Indira Gandhi for the post of Prime Minister
from among Congress MPs?
Answer: Morarji Desai, earlier Chief Minister of Bombay State.
5. What was the Slogan of Indira Gandhi during the elections of 1971?
Answer: ‘Garibi Hatao’.
6. After the death of Lai Bahadur Shastri which two leaders of Congress Party
contested against each other to become leader of Congress parliamentary party?
Answer: Morarji Desai and Indira Gandhi.
7. Name the leaders who gave the following slogans.
1. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan
2. Garibi Hatao
Answer: 1. Lai Bahadur Shastri
2. Indira Gandhi
8. Which theoretical argument did Ram j Manohar Lohia give in defence on non-
Congressism?
Answer: “Congress rule was undemocratic and opposed to the interest of ordinary poor
people, therefore, the coming together of the non-Congress parties was necessary for
reclaiming democracy for the people”.
9. The results of which, elections were called j “Political Earthquake”?
Answer. February 1967, Fourth General Elections to the Lok Sabha and State
Assemblies.
10. When and where was the first non- j Congress state government formed after
India’s independence?
Answer: Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh in 1967.
ll. Why are the results of 1967 elections in India called Political Earthquake?
Answer: Because it jolted the Congress at both the central and state levels as
Congress did not get majority in Congress ruled states.
12. What challenges were faced by India between 1964 to 1966 during Prime-
ministership of Lai Bahadur Shastri?
Answer: 1. Economic crisis due to Indo-China War 1962 and Indo-Pak War 1965.
2. Failed Monsoons, drought, serious food crisis presented a grave challenge.
13. What do you mean by SVD?
Answer: SVD stands for Samyukt Vidhayak Dal
i. e. Joint Legislative Parties formed by various non-Congress parties called as
coalitions after fourth general elections.
14. Why were 1960s, called as the dangerous decade?
Answer: Due to some unresolved problems like poverty, inequality, communal and
regional divisions led a failure of democratic projects or disintegration of country.
Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks]
1. What does ‘Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram’ stand for in Indian politics?
Answer: 1. The phrase ‘Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram’ implied frequent floor crossing by
legislators in the party which was developed by Haryana MLA Gaya Lai in 1967.
2. He changed his party thrice in fortnight from Congress to United Front back to
Congress and then within nine hours to United Front again.
3. This incident later became a political joke and develop the culture of defection in
Indian politics to create instability among the political parties.
4. Now, the Constitution has been amended to prevent this practice under ‘Anti
Defection Law’.
2. Why did senior Congress leader support Indira Gandhi as Prime Minister after
the death of Lai Bahadur Shastri?
Answer: Because:
1. Indira Gandhi was the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru and she had been Congress
president in the past and had also been Union Minister for Information in Shastri
Cabinet.
2. The senior leaders presumed that her administrative and political inexperience would
compel her to dependent on them for support and guidance.
3. What is meant by Grand Alliance?
Answer: Grand Alliance was an electoral alliance of all the major Non-communist,
non¬Congress opposition parties. The SSP, PSP, Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Swatantra
Party and the Bharatiya Kranti Dal came together under this Umbrella.
4. Why did Indira Gandhi government devalue the Indian Rupee in 1967?
Answer: Indira Gandhi government devalued Indian rupee to check economic crisis of
1967. Consequently, one US dollar could be purchased for less than ? 5 after
devaluation, it cost more than ? 7.
1. The economic situation triggered a price rise.
2. People started protest against increase in prices of essential commodities and
unemployment etc.
3. The Communist and Socialist parties launched struggle to avail greater equality.
5. How did Congress face challenge of political succession second time?
Answer: The Congress party faced the challenge of succession for second time in 1966
after the death of Lai Bahadur Shastri:
1. This challenge started with an intense competition between Morarji Desai and Indira
Gandhi to be resolved through a secret ballot.
2. Indira Gandhi defeated Morarji Desai by securing support of more than two-third of
the party’s MPs.
3. Thus, a peaceful transition of power despite intense competition for leadership was
seen as a sign of maturity of India’s democracy.
6. What was the status of SVD in the new era of coalition?
Answer: The elections of 1967 brought the coalitions when no single party got the
majority and joint legislator parties called ‘Samyukt Vidhayak Dal’ came together to form
government to support non-Congress government:
1. The SVD government in Bihar included two socialist parties—SSP and PSP along-
with CPS on left and Jana Sangh on right.
2. In Punjab, it was called the popular United Front and comprised the two rival Akali
Parties at that time.
7. ‘1960s were labelled as the dangerous decade’. Explain.
Answer: Due to some unresolved problems like poverty, inequality, communal and
regional divisions and the was speculations that all these could lead to a failure of the
democratic project or even disintegration of country.
Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]
l. Explain any two reasons for the popularity of Indira Gandhi during 1971
elections.
Or
Analyse any three factors which enhanced popularity of Indira Gandhi in the early
1970s.
Answer: Because:
1. Indira Gandhi campaigned to implement land reforms legislations and land ceiling
legislation during elections.
2. She ended her dependence on other political parties by strengthening her party’s
position and recommended the dissolution of Lok Sabha in December 1970.
3. The crisis in East Pakistan and Indo- Pak war to establish Bangladesh as an
independent one, also enhanced the popularity of Indira Gandhi.
2. What does ‘defection’ stand for in Indian politics? Highlight any two demerits
of this practice?
Answer: Defection refers to an elected representative leaves the party on whose
symbol he/she is elected and joins another party. This culture developed in Indian
Politics after 1967 elections.
Its two demerits were as follows:
1. It played an important role in making and unmaking of government frequently.
2. The constant realignments and shifting political loyalties in this period gave rise to the
expression “Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram”.
3. Why was the year 1967 considered a landmark year in India’s political and
electoral history? Explain.
Answer: The fourth general election was held in 1967 for the first time without Nehru:
1. The election verdict was not in favour of Congress and results jolted the Congress
both at the national and state levels.
2. Half the ministers in Indira Gandhi’s cabinet were defeated including K. Kamraj in
Tamilnadu, S.K. Patil in Maharashtra, Atulya Ghosh in West Bengal, K.B. Sahay in
Bihar.
3. Congress did not lose majority in seven states only but two other states also
prevented it to form government due to defections.
4. For the first time any non-Congress party secured majority in any state and in other
eight states different non-Congress parties formed the coalitions.
4. These election results were called as a ‘Political Earthquake’.4. How can we see
re-emergence of Indira Gandhi to power in 1971?
Answer: Congress (R) under Indira Gandhi had an issue, an agenda and a positive
slogan which was lacked by its opponents. The ‘Grand Alliance’ had only one common i
programme ‘Indira Hatao’:
1. In contrast to this, Indira Gandhi put forward a positive slogan ‘Garibi Hatao’.
2. By this, she generated a support base among poor, minorities, landless labourers,
dalit, women and unemployed youth.
3. Except it, she focused on the growth of public sector, imposition of ceiling on rural
land holdings and urban property, removal of disparity etc.
4. Thus, the slogan of Garibi Hatao and programmes became the part of Indira Gandhi’s
political strategy of building an independent nationwide political support base during the
electoral contest of 1971.
5. What is meant by ‘Privy Purses’? Why did Indira Gandhi insist on abolishing
them in 1970?
Answer:‘Privy Purses’ was the form of grant in heredity given to the rulers and their
families:
1. The grant or ‘Privy Purse’ was measured on the basis of extent revenue and potential
of the merging state in the assurance given at the time of integration of princely states.
2. Privy purses were criticised, the privileges given to princely states at the time of
accession, integration and consolidation were protested.
3. Hence, some leaders like Indira Gandhi insisted on abolishing the privy purses
because hereditary privileges were not constant with the principle of equality, social and
economic justice laid down in the constitution.
4. Hence in the elections of 1971, Indira Gandhi made this a major election issue and
got a lot of public support
and alongwith massive victory in 1971 election, the constitution was amended to
remove legal obstacles for abolition of privy purses.
6. How did the outcome of 1971 elections help in restoration of Congress?
Answer: Congress (R) under Indira Gandhi had an issue an agenda and a positive
slogan which was lacked by its opponents. The ‘Grand Alliance’ had only one common
programme ‘Indira Hatao’:
1. In contrast to this, Indira Gandhi put forward a positive slogan ‘Garibi Hatoa’.
2. By this, she generated a support base among poors, minorities, landlors labourers,
dalits, women and unemployed bye youth.
3. Except it, she focused on the growth of public sector, imposition of ceiling on rural
land holdings and urban property, removal of disparity etc.
4. Thus, the slogan of Garibi Hatao and programmes became the part of Indira Gandhi’s
political strategy of building an independent nationwide political support base during the
electoral contest of 1971.
7. Write a short note on:
(a) Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan
(b) Garibi Hatao
(c) Indira Hatao
(d) Grand Alliance
Answer: (a) Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan
(i) A slogan given by Lai Bahadur Shastri in 1965.
(ii) To symbolise to resolve country’s challenge of food crisis and external threat.
(b) Garibi Hatao
(i) A slogan given by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1970 to symbolise
removal of poverty.
(ii) Through this slogan, Indira Gandhi generated a support base among women,
unemployed youth, minorities, landless labourers, dalits, etc.
(c) Indira Hatao
A slogan given by Grand Alliance alongwith one programme of‘Indira Hatao’ only i.e.
remove Indira Gandhi from Political arena.
(d) Grand Alliance
(i) An alliance formed by non-communist and non-Congress parties to be formed
against Congress (R).
(ii) It did not focus on multiple strategies of development rather included only ‘Indira
Hatao’.
Passage Based Questions |5 Marks]
1. Read carefully the passage given below and answer the following questions:
The New Congress had something that its big opponents lacked—it had an issue,
an agenda and a positive slogan. The Grand Alliance did not have a coherent
political programme. Indira Gandhi said that the opposition alliance had only one
common programme ‘Indira Hatao’. In contrast to this, she put forward a positive
programme captured in the famous slogan ‘Garibi Hatao’.
Questions
1. Which Congress is being referred to as ‘the New Congress’?
2. Highlight any two steps taken by Indira Gandhi to remove poverty.
3. How far is it justified to call the ‘opposition alliance’ as the ‘Grand Alliance’?
Answer:
1. Congress (O) is being referred to as the ‘New Congress’.
2. • She focused on the growth of the public sector.
• She focused on the removal of dis-parities in income and opportunity.
3. It is justified to call the ‘opposition alliance’ as the ‘Grand Alliance’ because it came
into existence to make matters worse for Indira Gandhi.
2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
The defeat of the official Congress candidate formalised the split in the party. The
Congress President expelled the Prime Minister from the party; she claimed that
her group was the real Congress. By November 1969, the Congress group led by
the ‘syndicate’ came to be referred to as the Congress (Organisation) and the
group led by Indira Gandhi came to be called the Congress (Requisitionists).
These two parties were also described as Old Congress and New Congress.
Indira Gandhi projected the split as an ideological divide between socialists and
conservatives, between the pro-poor and the pro-rich.
Questions
1. What formalised the split of Congress?
2. Mention two groups created after the split.
3. How did Indira Gandhi project the split?
Answer:
1. The defeat of official candidate during presidential elections in 1969.
2. Congress (O) i.e. Organisation led by syndicate known as old Congress, Congress
(R) i.e. requisitionists led by Indira Gandhi known as new Congress.
3. Indira Gandhi projected the split as an ideological divide between socialists and
conservatives, between pro-rich and pro-poor.
3. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
But does it mean that the Congress system was restored? What Indira Gandhi
had done was not a revival of the old Congress party. In many ways she had re-
invented the party. The party occupied a similar position in terms of its popularity
as in the past. But it was a different kind of a party. It relied entirely on the
popularity of the supreme leader. It had a somewhat weak organisational
structure. This
Congress party now did not have many fanctions ,Thus it could not
accommodate all kind of options and interests .While it won elections,it depends
more on some social groups: the poor, the women,Dalits, Adivasis and the
minorities.It was a new congress system by changing the nature of the congress
system itself.
Questions
1. Had Indira Gandhi revived Congress?
2. How did Indira Gandhi restore the Congress system?
3. Why did Congress not have all kinds of opinions and interests?
Answer:
1. No, whatever had been done by Indira Gandhi, was not a revival of old Congress
system but it was a re¬invention of party.
2. Indira Gandhi restored the Congress system changing the nature of Congress system
itself, to be dependent more on poor, women, dalits, adivasis and minorities.
3. It had a somewhat weak organisational structure and it did not have many factions
also to accommodate all kinds of opinions and interests.
Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]
l. Analyse any three major factors which led the popularity of Indira Gandhi’s
Government in the early 1970s.
Answer: (i) The fifth general elections to Lok Sabha were held in February 1971. The
electoral contest appeared to be loaded against Congress (R). After all, the new
Congress was just one faction of an already weak party. Everyone believed that the real
organizational strength of the Congress Party was under the command of Congress (O).
To make i matters worse for Indira Gandhi, all the major non-Communist, non Congress
opposition parties formed an electoral alliance known as the Grand Alliance. Yet the
new Congress had something that its big opponents lacked — it had an issue, an
agenda and a positive slogan. The Grand Alliance did not have a coherent political
programme. Indira Gandhi said that the opposition alliance had only one common
programme Indira Hatao (Remove Indira). In contrast to this, she put forward a positive
programme captured in the famous slogan: Garibi Hatao (Remove poverty).
(ii) Indira Gandhi focussed on the growth of the public sector, imposition of ceiling on
rural land holdings and urban poverty, removal of disparities in income and opportunity,
and abolition of princely privileges. Thus, the slogan Garibi Hatao and the programmes
that followed it were part of Indira Gandhi’s political strategy of building an Independent
nationwide political support base. As a result, she won 352 seats with about 44 per cent
of the popular votes on its own in the Lok Sabha elections of 1971.
(iii) Soon after the 1971 Lok Sabha election, a major political and military crises broke
out in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The 1971 elections were followed by the crisis
in East Pakistan and the Indo- Pak war leading to the establishment of Bangladesh.
These events added to the popularity of Indira Gandhi. Even the opposition leaders
admired her statesmanship.
2. Examine the three main reasons responsible for the split in Congress during
1969.
Or
Describe the various aspects of presidential election of 1969.
Answer: The formal split in Congress took place in 1969 on the issue of nomination of
the candidate during presidential elections:
1. Despite, Indira Gandhi’s representatives, the syndicate nominated Neelam Sanjeeva
Reddy, as the official Congress candidate for ensuring presidential elections.
2. Indira Gandhi retaliated the situation by encouraging Mr. V.V. Giri, the then Vice
President, to be nominated as an independent candidate.
3. During election, the then Congress president S. Nijalingappa issue a ‘Whip’ asking all
Congress MPs, MLAs to vote for N. Sanjeeva Reddy.
4. On the other hand, after silently supporting V.V. Giri, the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
openly called for a conscience vote to vote the way they want.
5. Elections went in favour of V.V. Giri due to this diplomatic effort and N. Sanjeeva
Reddy was defeated.
6. The defeat of N. Sanjeeva Reddy, the formal Congress candidate, formalised the split
of party into two:
(a) Congress (0) i.e organisation led by Syndicate, known as Old Congress.
(b) Congress (R) i.e. requisitionists led by Indira Gandhi, known as New Congress.
3. Which six factors contributed to the popularity of Indira Gandhi’s government
in the decade of 1970s?
Answer: Because:
1. Socialist credentials became main projects during this period.
2. Indira Gandhi campaigned to implement land reform legislation and land ceiling
legislations.
3. She ended her dependence on other political parties by strengthening her party’s
position and recommended the dissolution of Lok Sabha in December 1970.
4. The crisis in East Pakistan and Indo- Pak war to establish Bangladesh as an
independent one, also enhanced the popularity of Indira Gandhi.
5. Indira Gandhi and her government was not accepted only as a protector of the poor
and under privileged but as a strong government also.
6. Congress became popular among different social sections and restored dominance
again.
4. Examine the grave economic crisis prior to fourth general election of 1967.
Assess the electoral verdict also.
Answer: Indira Gandhi government devalued Indian rupee to check economic crisis of
1967. Consequently, one US dollar could be purchased for less than ? 5 after
devaluation, it cost more than ? 7.
1. The economic situation triggered a price rise.
2. People started protest against increase in prices of essential commodities and
unemployment etc.
3. The Communist and Socialist parties launched struggle to avail greater equality.
The fourth general election was held in 1967 for the first time without Nehru:
1. The election verdict was not in favour of Congress and results jolted the Congress
both at the national and state levels.
2. Half the ministers in Indira Gandhi’s cabinet were defeated including K. Kamraj in
Tamilnadu, S.K. Patil in Maharashtra, Atulya Ghosh in West Bengal, K.B. Sahay in
Bihar.
3. Congress did not lose only majority in seven states but two other states also
prevented it to form government due to defections.
4. For the first time any non-Congress party secured majority in any state and in other
eight states different non-Congress parties formed the coalitions.
5. These election results were called as a ‘Political Earthquake’.
Picture/Map Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. What is meant by ‘Keep Right, No Left Turn”?
2. In the picture what does the following stand for:
(а) LD (b) BKS
(c) SSP (d) BKD
3. What is a hung assembly?
Answer:
1. United Front Party was formed on the basis of non-Communist ideology and
supposed to follow the ‘rightist’ only.
2. (a) Lok Dal
(b) Bihar Kranti Sabha
(c) Samyukt Socialist Party (d) Bharatiya Kranti Dal
3. It is dominated by coalition government where no single party gets majority and this is
very uncertain also.
2. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. Which year is being referred by cartoon?
2. Who is being commented by the phrase ‘Aya Ram Gaya Ram’?
Answer:
1. 1967
2. Haryana’s MLA ‘Gaya LaP who changed the party thrice in a fortnight from Congress
to United Front, back to Congress and then within nine hours to United Front again.
3. Study the picture given below and answer the questions

Questions
1. What does the cartoon represent?
2. Identify the lady in the cartoon and give reason for her pleasure.
3. Identify the person wearing garland in winning position.
4. Who is lying on the ground?
Answer:
1. Presidential elections of 1969.
2. Indira Gandhi on winning of her candidate V.V. Giri in presidential elections.
3. V.V. Giri.
4. N. Sanjeeva Reddy.
Question 1.
“The foreign policy of a country is the outcome of her economic policy” these
remarks were made by:
(a) Indira Gandhi
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Morarji Desai
(d) Charan Singh
Answer: (b) Jawaharlal Nehru
Question 2.
Bandung Conference was held in the year:
(a) 1954
(b) 1955
(c) 1956
(d) 1957
Answer: (b) 1955
Question 3.
Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation in:
(a) January 1972
(b) December 1971
(c) March 1971
(d) December 1971
Answer: (b) December 1971
Question 4.
China made a sudden attack on India in:
(a) August 1962
(b) September 1962
(c) December 1962
(d) September 1965
Answer: December 1962
Question 5.
The Architect of Non-alignment is:
(a) Pt. Nehru
(b) Indira Gandhi
(c) Y. B. Chavan
(d) Atal Behari Vajpayee
Answer: (a) Pt. Nehru
Question 6.
Match the following:
(a) The goal of India’s foreign policy in the
(I) Tibetan spiritual leader who crossed over to India
period 1950-1964

(II) Preservation of territorial integrity, sovereignty, and

(b) Panchsheel
economic development

(c) Bandung Conference (III) Five principles of peaceful coexistence

(d) Dalai Lama (IV) Led to the establishment of NAM

Answer:
(a) The goal of India’s foreign policy in the (II) Preservation of territorial integrity, sovereignty, and
period 1950-1964 economic development

(b) Panchsheel (III) Five principles of peaceful coexistence

(c) Bandung Conference (IV) Led to the establishment of NAM

(d) Dalai Lama (I) Tibetan spiritual leader who crossed over to India

Q7. In the Nehru cabinet who was apprehensive of the future attack from china?
(i) Vallabhbhai Patel
(ii) C. Rajagopalachari
(iii) Jawaharlal Nehru
(iv) Jagjivan Ram
(i) Vallabhbhai Patel
Q8. Bandung Conference was held in the year:
(i) 1954
(ii) 1955
(iii) 1956
(iv) 1957
(ii) 1955
Q9. Expand NEFA.
(i) North-Eastern Far Agency
(ii) North Eastern Frontier Agency
(iii) North-Eastern Fullest Agency
(iv) North Eastern Farther Agency
(ii) North Eastern Frontier Agency
Q10. Bandung Conference was held in the year:
(i) 1954
(ii) 1955
(iii) 1956
(iv) 1957
(ii) 1955
Q11. India convened the Asian Relations Conference in March 1947 under the
leadership of
(i) Dr B.R. Ambedkar
(ii) Dr. Radha Krishnan.
(iii) Jawaharlal Nehru.
(iv) Rajendra Prasad.
(iii) Jawaharlal Nehru.
Q12. When China annexed Tibet?
(i) 1930
(ii) 1940
(iii) 1950
(iv) 1960
(iii) 1950
Q13. The foreign policy of a country is the outcome of her economic policy” these
remarks were made by:
(i) Indira Gandhi
(ii) Jawaharlal Nehru
(iii) Morarji Desai
(iv) Charan Singh
(ii) Jawaharlal Nehru
Q14. Apartheid is the practice of
(i) religious discrimination.
(ii) racial discrimination.
(iii) linguistic differences.
(iv) human behaviour.
(ii) racial discrimination.
Q15.The basis of India’s foreign policy is
(i) non-alignment
(ii) promoting US bloc
(iii) promoting USSR bloc
(iv) aligning with China
(i) non-alignment

2. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. About which state the clipping is talking about?
2. What is food-crisis?
3. What were the main reasons for food- crisis?
4. Is India now sufficient in food production?
Answer:
1. Bihar
2. Food crisis is unavailability of sufficient food or food shortage.
3. (i) High prices of food items.
(ii) Zoning policy of government.
4. Yes, due to Green Revolution foodgrain production has been increased upto
maximum extent.
B. On a political outline map of India locate and label the following and symbolise
them as indicated:

Questions
1. The state prone to food crisis during independence days!
2. The state adopted decentralisation.
3. The state where people protested against POSCO plants.
4. The state where White Revolution took place.
Answer:
1. Bihar 2. Kerala
3. Orissa 4. Gujarat
Q1. The policy initiatives of Mrs.Indira Gandhi’s government did not include
(i) abolition of the privy purse
(ii) nationalisation of banks
(iii) nuclear tests
(iv) ban on nuclear tests
(iv) ban on nuclear tests
Q2. Who was the founder of the Congress Socialist Party?
(i) C. Natarajan Amadurai
(ii) K. Kamraj
(iii) Ram Manohar Lohia
(iv) S. Nijalingappa
(iii) Ram Manohar Lohia
Q3. The era of coalition government began in India in
(i) 1971.
(ii) 2004.
(iii) 1989.
(iv) 1967.
(iii) 1989.
Q4. Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru passed away in:
(i) January 1964
(ii) May 1965
(iii) March 1964
(iv) May 1964
(iv) May 1964
Q5. The socialist leader who gave the strategy ‘non-congress’ was
(i) Giani Zail Singh
(ii) V.V. Giri
(iii) Ram Manohar Lohia
(iv) V.P. Singh
(iii) Ram Manohar Lohia
Q6. When Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru passed away, at that time Congress President
was?
(i) K. Kamraj
(ii) Lai Bahadur Shastri
(iii) S.K. Patil
(iv) Morarji Desai
(i) K. Kamaraj
Q7. The chairman of drafting committee of the Constituent Assembly was
(i) Lal Bahadur shastri.
(ii) Indira Gandhi.
(iii) Jawaharlal Nehru.
(iv) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
(iv) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Q8. Which of the following statements about the Grand Alliance of 1971 is
correct? The Grand Alliance _
(i) was formed by non-Communist non-Congress parties.
(ii) had a clean political and ideological programme.
(iii) was formed by all non-Congress parties
(i) was formed by non-Communist, non-Congress parties.
Q9. The factional rivalry between the Syndicate and Indira Gandhi came in the
open
(i) Presidential Election, 1969
(ii) Parliamentary Election, 1969
(iii) State Election, 1969
(iv) None of the above
(i) Presidential Election, 1969
Q10. Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru passed away in:
(i) January 1964
(ii) May 1965
(iii) March 1964
(iv) May 1964
(iv) May 1964
Q11. The Indian leader who gave the slogan “Garibi hatao” was
(i) Lal Bahadur shastri.
(ii) Indira Gandhi.
(iii) Jawaharlal Nehru.
(iv) B.R. Ambedkar.
(ii) Indira Gandhi.
Q12. Whom would you identify with the following slogans/phrases?
(i) Jai Jawan, Jal Kisan.
(ii) Indira Hatao.
(iii) Garibi Hatao.
(iv) B.R. Ambedkar.
(i) Lai Bahadur Shastri.
Q13. The fifth general election to Lok Sabha was held in
(i) December 1970
(ii) December 1970
(iii) January 1971
(iv) February 1971
(iv) February 1971
Q14. Which of these statements about the 1967 elections is/are correct?
(i) Congress won the Lok Sabha elections but lost the Assembly election in many
states.
(ii) Congress lost both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
(iii) Congress lost the majority in the Lok Sabha but formed a coalition
government with the support of some other parties.
(iv) Congress retained power at the Centre with an increased majority.
(i) Correct (ii) Incorrect (iii) Correct (iv) Incorrect
Q15. The policy initiatives of Mrs.Indira Gandhi’s government did not include
(i) abolition of privy purse.
(ii) nationalisation of banks.
(iii) nuclear tests.
(iv) ban on nuclear tests.
(iv) ban on nuclear tests.
Q16. When Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru passed away, at that time Congress President
was?
(i) K. Kamraj
(ii) Lai Bahadur Shastri
(iii) S.K. Patil
d) Morarji Desai.
(i) K. Kamaraj
Q17. After the death of Shastri, there was an intense competition between Indira
Gandhi and
(i) Ram Manohar Lohia
(ii) K. Kamaraj
(iii) Morarji Desai
(iv) Karpoori Thakur
(iii) Morarji Desai
The Crisis of Democratic Order
TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED
l. State whether the following statements regarding the Emergency are correct or
incorrect.
(a) It was declared in 1975 by Indira Gandhi.
(b) It led to the suspension of all fundamental rights.
(c) It was proclaimed due to the deteriorating economic conditions.

(d) Many Opposition leaders were arrested during the emergency.

(e) CPI supported the proclamation of the Emergency.

Answer: (a) Correct, (b) Correct, (c) Wrong,
(d) Correct, (e) Correct.
2. Find the odd one out in the context of proclamation of Emergency.
(a) The call for ‘Total Revolution’.
(b) The Railway Strike of 1974
(c) The Naxalite Movement
(d) The Allahabad High Court verdict
(e) The findings of the Shah Commission Report
Answer: (c) The Naxalite Movement
3. Match the following:

Answer: (a)-(iii), (b)-(i), (c)-(ii), (d)-(iv).

4. What were the reasons which led to the mid-term elections in 1980?
Answer: 1. Janata party lacked direction, leadership and a common programme.
2. Janata party government could not bring a fundamental change in policies pursued
by Congress.
3. There was a split in Janata Party and the government led by Morarji Desai which lost
its majority in less than 18 months.
4. Charan Singh government was formed due to support of Congress party which later
decided to withdraw its support resulting resignation of Charan Singh government within
four months.
5. All the above mentioned reasons led midterm elections of 1980, which defeated
Janata Party and again Congress led by Indira Gandhi came back to power by winning
353 seats.
5. The Shah Commission was appointed in 1977 by the Janata Party Government.
Why was it appointed and what were its findings?
Answer: The Shah commission was appointed in May 1977 by Janata Party
government which was headed by J.C. Shah, retired chief justice of Supreme Court of
India to look into the matters of:
1. Allegations of abuse of authority, excesses and malpractices as well as actions taken
in the name of emergency proclaimed on 25 June 1975.
2. The Commission performed to examine various evidences to give testimonies even
including Indira Gandhi to appear before Commission, but she refused to answer any
questions.
Findings of Shah Commission:
(a) It found many ‘excesses’ committed during Emergency.
(b) Under preventive detention laws nearly one lakh eleven thousand people were
arrested.
(c) Press censorship took place without any proper legal sanctions.
(d) Even general manager of Delhi Power Supply Corporation received verbal orders
from the officers of the Lt. Governor of Delhi to cut electricity to all newspapers press at
2 a.m. on 26 June 1975.
6. What reasons did the Government give for declaring a National Emergency in
1975?
Answer: Emergency was proclaimed in response to petition filed by Raj Narain to
declare Indira Gandhi’s election invalid.
(i) On June 25, 1975, the government declared the threat of internal disturbances to
invoke Article 352 of constitution.
(ii) Article 352 can declare emergency on ground of either internal or external
disturbances.
(iii) The government decided a grave crisis to be arisen to proclaim emergency to bring
law and order, restore efficiency and implement pro-poor welfare programmes.
(iv) The President Fakhruddin Adi Ahmad proclaimed emergency which became the
most controversial episode in Indian Politics.
7. The 1977 elections for the first time saw the Opposition coming into power at
the Centre. What would you consider as the reasons for this development?
Answer: The 1977 elections were evolved as a shock to everyone as Congress party
was defeated for the very first time and opposition party came into power:
1. The opposition adopted the slogan ‘Save democracy’ against imposition of
emergency earlier.
2. The opposition campaigned non- democratic character of rule which provided various
excesses.
3. The opposition party highlighted the preventive detention and press censorship to
favour public opinion.
4. Janata Party also ensured not to divide non-Congress votes.
5. Middle section of north India was moving away from Congress for whom Janata Party
became a platform.
6. Hence, elections of 1977 emerged many other factors instead about emergency only.
8. Discuss the effects of Emergency on the following aspects of our polity.
(a) Effects on civil liberties for citizens.
(b) Impact on relationship between the Executive and Judiciary.
(c) Functioning of Mass Media.
(d) Working of Police and Bureaucracy.
Answer: (a) Effects on Civil Liberties for Citizens:
1. The government made large scale arrests under preventive detention.
2. Arrested political persons could not challenge arrest even under Habeas Corpus
petition.
3. Despite of filing many petitions government claimed it not to be necessary to be
informed on grounds to arrested persons.
4. In April 1976, finally it was proved that the government could take away citizen’s right
to life and liberty by overruling of high courts under supreme court and accept
government’s plea.
(b) Impact on Relationship between the Executive and Judiciary:
1. The Parliament brought in many new changes in Constitution which made an
amendment declaring that elections of Prime Minister, President and Vice¬President
could not be challenged in the court.
2. The forty-second amendment (42nd) was also passed to bring a series of changes in
constitution like duration of legislatures, elections can be postponed by one
year during an emergency.
(c) Functioning of Mass Media:
1. Press censorship took place which banned freedom of press and newspapers w7ere
supposed to prior approval before they
publish any material i.e. RSS and Janata Island were banned.
2. Protests, strikes and public agitations were also banned.
3. Various fundamental rights were also suspended including even Right to move to
court for restoration of Fundamental Rights.
4. Kannada writer Shivarama Karanth awarded with Padma Bhushan and Hindi writer
Fanishwarnath Tlenu with Padmashri returned their awards in protest against
suspension of democracy.
5. Newspapers mainly Indian Express, and the statesman protested against censorship
by leaving blank spaces where news items were censored.
(d) Working of Police and Bureaucracy:
Refer Part (a) + (b) of the same question.
9. In what way did the imposition of Emergency affect the party system in India?
Elaborate your answer with examples.
Answer: 1. Due to absolute majority to party in power, leadership even dared to
suspend democratic process.
2. The constitution makers presumed to be abide by laws and democratic orders,
hence, wide and open ended powers were given to the government during emergency.
3. A tension and differences arose between institution based democracy and
democracy based on spontaneous popular participation.
4. It was attributed to incapability of party system to incorporate aspirations of the
people.
5. For the first time, opposition parties came together to form a new party ‘Janata Party’
not to divide the non-Congress votes.
6. 1977 elections brought an end to one party dominance and created coalition
government.
10. Read the passage and answer the questions below:
“Indian democracy was never so close to a two-party system as it was during the
1977 elections. However, the next few years saw a complete change. Soon after
its defeat, the Indian National
Congress split into two groups
The Janata Party also went
through major convulsions David
Butler, Ashok Lahiri and Prannoy Roy.
—Partha Chatterjee
(a) What made the party system in India look like a two-party system in 1977?
(b) Many more than two parties existed in 1977. Why then are the authors
describing this period as close to a two-party system?
(c) What caused splits in Congress and the Janata Party?
Answer: (a) The imposition of emergency in 1977 and political crisis made the party
system in India look like a two-party system.
(b) Two parties existed in 1977 were Congress and non-Congress parties to be
described as close to two party system because it ended the one party dominance and
emerged Janata Party, umbrella of non¬Congress parties.
(c) Split in Congress: Congress splitted on the issues of presidential elections in 1969.
Split in Janata Party: On tensions among three leaders Morarji Desai, Charan Singh
and Jagjivan Ram for leadership in 1979.
MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED
Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 Mark]
1. Mention the main reason for the defeat of Congress party in the elections 1977.
Answer: The opposition party adopted the slogan ‘Save democracy’ against the
imposition of emergency.
2. In which year fifth general elections to Lok Sabha held?
Answer: 1971.
3. Name the political party which came to power at centre in 1977.
Answer: Janata Party
4. In January 1974, Students of Gujarat started an agitation against which two
major problems?
Answer: 1. Rising prices of food grains, cooking oil and other essential commodities.
2. Corruption in high places.
5. Who was Charu Majumdar?
Answer: Charu Majumdar was a communist revolutionary and the leader of Naxalbari
uprising. He founded the Communist Party of India (Marxist Leninist).
6. Name the president who proclaimed emergency in 1975 in India.
Answer. President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad at midnight on 25 June 1975.
7. Who introduced Twenty Point Programme and Why?
Answer: Congress government led by Indira Gandhi introduced ‘Twenty Point
Programme’ to maintain law and order and to restored efficiency including land reforms,
eradication of bonded labour, land redistribution, workers participation in management
etc.
8. Who became the symbol of restoration of democracy?
Answer: Jayaprakash Narayan, leader of Janata Party.
9. Mention the Historic decision given by the court in famous Kesavananda
Bharati Case.
Answer: That there are some basic features of constitution not to be amended by
parliament at all. It led to a crisis between the government and judiciary.
10. What was the controversy regarding the appointment of the chief justice A.N.
Ray in 1973?
Answer: It became political controversial because in this appointment the government
set aside the seniority of three judges who had given ruling against the stand of
government.
11. Why did Congress win in Southern states?
Answer: 1. The impact of emergency was not felt equally in all the states.
2. The forced relocation and dis¬placements, the forced sterilisations were mostly
concentrated in the northern states.
12. What do you mean by Preventive Detention?
Answer: In Preventive Detention Act, people are arrested and detained on the
apprehension to commit any offence in future and government made large scale arrests
under this during emergency.
Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks]
1. What factors led to crisis of democratic order in Indian Politics?
Answer: 1. Emergence of Indira Gandhi with a lot of popularity.
2. Party competitions had been created.
3. Relation between the government and judiciary had become tense.
2. Mention the factors which led Naxalite movement in backward states.
Answer: 1. Forced labour
2. Exploitation by moneylenders
3. Exploitation of resources by outsiders.
3. What was Shah Commission of inquiry?
How did government react to it? “
Answer: The Shah commission was appointed in May 1977 by Janata Party
government headed by S.C. Shah, retired chief justice of Supreme Court of India to look
into the matter of:
1. Allegations of abuse of authority.
2. Excesses and malpractices.
3. Actions taken in the name of emergency proclaimed on 25 June 1975.
The government appeared before commission against various evidences but she
refused to answer any question.
4. Describe any two outcomes of Naxalite Movement.
Answer: The ‘Naxalites’ were the Marxist and Leninist Agricultural workers of Andhra
Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and adjoining areas who organised massive agitations
against economic injustice and inequality and demanded redistribution of land to
cultivators.
5. Mention circumstances to be characterised for imposition of emergency?
Answer: 1. Emergence of Indira Gandhi.
2. Power Politics became personalised and governmental authority was converted into
personalization.
3. Bitter party competition.
4. Tense relations between the government and judiciary.
6. Who organised the first nationwide Satyagraha and Why?
Answer: It was organised by Jayaprakash Narayan for Indira Gandhi’s resignation, he
appealed to people not to obey illegal and immoral orders by a massive demonstration
on 25 June 1975. All these changed the political mood of the country against Congress.
Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]
1. Explain the reasons for students movement of 1974 in Bihar and the role
played by Jayaprakash Narayan in this movement.
Answer: Reasons for Student’s Movement of 1974:
Students organised movement against:
1. Rising prices of food grains, cooking oil and other essential commodities.
2. Corruption in high places.
Assess Role played by Jai Prakash Narayan:
Satyagraha was organised by Jayaprakash Narayan for Indira Gandhi’s resignation, he
appealed to people not to obey illegal and immoral orders by a massive demonstration
on 25 June 1975. All these changed the political mood of the country against Congress.
2. Evaluate the consequences of declaration of emergency in 1975?
Answer: 1. It effected civil liberties of peoples i.e.
in April11976 it was proved that the
government could take away citizens’ right to life and liberty by overruling of high courts
under supreme courts and accepted government’s plea.
2. The forth-second Amendment was also passed to bring a series of changes in
constitution.
3. It affected the functioning of mass media also as press censorship took place which
banned freedom of press and newspapers, which were supposed to prior approval
before they publish any material.
4. Despite of filing many petitions government claimed it not to be necessary to be
informed the grounds to arrested persons.
3. Explain any two lessons learnt from emergency imposed in 1975.
Answer: The emergency brought out weaknesses and strengths both to India’s
democracy:
1. First lesson was felt that it was extremely difficult to do away with democracy in India.
2. Secondly, it amended that internal emergency could be proclaimed only on the
grounds of armed rebellion, on the advice to the president to proclaim emergency must
be given in writing by council of ministers.
3. Thirdly, emergency made everyone more aware of civil liberties as well as courts also
took an active role in protecting civil liberties of individuals.
4. Examine the legacy of emergency of 1975 in India.
Answer: The legacy of emergency was felt in every
sphere of people’s life and politics:
1. Between the elections of 1977 and 1980, Congress identified itself with particular
ideology, claiming to be only socialist and pro-poor party.
2. The concept of non-Congression was created among oppositions parties.
3. The issues of welfare of backward classes began to dominate politics i. e. northern
states elected non¬Congress leaders of backward class since 1977.
4. This period of emergency saw the period of constitutional crisis to loose its origin in
constitutional battle over jurisdiction of parliament and judiciary.
5. This period created political crisis also as the party in power enjoyed absolute
majority, still decided to suspend the democratic process.
6. The emergency tensed between institution based democracy and democracy based
on spontaneous popular participation for which party system was to be blamed.
5. Why is emergency and period around it known as the period of constitutional
crisis? Explain.
Answer: 1. The Parliament brought in many new changes in constitution which made
an amendment declaring that elections of Prime Minister, President and Vice President
could not be challenged in the court.
2. The forty second amendment was also passed to bring a series of changes in
constitution like duration of legislatures, elections can be postponed by one year during
emergency.
6. How far do you agree that the government had misused its emergency powers
during 1975-77? Explain.
Answer: No, the government hence misused its ‘Emergency Powers’. But it said that it
wanted to use the emergency:
1. To bring law and order into society.
2. To restore efficiency into administra¬tion and system.
3. To implement the pro-poor welfare programmes.
7. How did emergency of 1975 benefit the Indian democratic set up?
Answer: 1. Between the elections of 1977 and 1980, Congress identified itself with
particulars ideology, claiming to be only socialist and pro-poor party.
2. The concept of non-Congressism was created among opposition parties.
3. The issues of welfare of backward class began to dominate politics
i. e. Northern states elected non-
Congress leaders of backward class since 1977.
4. The emergency tensed between institution based democracy and democracy based
on spontaneous popular participation for which party system was to be blamed.
8. Describe any four circumstances for proclamation of emergency in 1975.
Answer:1. Emergence of Indira Gandhi.
2. Power politics became personalised and governmental authority was converted into
personalization.
3. Bitter party competition.
4. Tensed relations between the government and judiciary.
9. Discuss the role of Jayaprakash Narayan in Bihar movement and national
politics.
Answer: 1. Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan from Janata Party was a Marxist of youth,
who became a Gandhian and involved himself in a Bhoodan movement.
2. He led Bihar movement and opposed the emergency.
3. Bihar students invited him and he accepted on the condition of movement to be non-
violent and not to limit only to Bihar territory. Hence, Bihar movement assumed a
political character and national appeal.
4. This movement demanded dismissal of Congress government in Bihar and called for
total revolution in social, economic and political aspects to establish a total democracy.
5. Bandhs, gheraos, strikes were organised in protest. Even employees of railways
organised a strike which threatened to paralyse the country.
6. In 1975, Janata Party led people’s march to parliament to be one of the largest
political rallies ever held in capital.
7. Janata was supported by non¬Congress parties like BJS, socialist
parties etc., which projected JP as an alternative to Indira Gandhi.
10. ‘Emergency was a Blackmark in Indian History’. Comment.
Answer: 1. Emergency was declared on the ground of internal disturbances on 25
June 1975 to invoke Article 352 of constitution.
2. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi recommended to impose emergency to president
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad.
3. Emergency was one of the most controversial episode which possessed different
virus regarding to impose emergency.
4. Emergency practically suspended the democratic functioning.
5. ‘Shah Commission’ exposed many excesses committed during emergency.
6. Emergency highlighted some hidden matters over constitutional battle between the
parliament and judiciary.
7. Tensions or conflicts had been arisen between institution based democracy and
popular participation of people.
Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
Once an emergency is proclaimed, the federal distribution of powers remains
practically suspended and al 1 t be powc itc
the hands of the union government. Secondly, the government also gets the
power to curtail or restrict all or any of the Fundamental Rights during the
emergency. From the wording of the provisions of the Constitution, it is clear that
an Emergency is seen as an extra-iordinary condition in which normal democratic
politics cannot function. Therefore, special powers are granted to the
government.
Questions
1. When was emergency imposed?
2. Who recommended emergency to be imposed and to whom?
3. Mention the implications of emergency.
Answer:
1. 25 June 1975.
2. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi recommended to impose emergency to the president
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad.
3. (i) The federal distribution of powers remains practically suspended.
(ii) All the powers are concentrated in the hands of Union government.
(iii) The government also gets power to restrict all or any of Fundamental Rights during
emergency.
2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
There were many acts of dissent and resistance to the Emergency. Many political
workers who were not arrested in the first wave, went ‘underground’ and
organised protests against the government. Newspapers like the Indian Express
and the Statesman protested against censorship by leaving blank spaces where
news items had been censored. Magazines like the Seminar and the Mainstream
chose to close down rather than submit to censorship. Many journalists were
arrested for writing against the Emergency. Many underground newsletters and
leaflets were published to bypass censorship. Kannada writer Shivarama
Karanth, awarded with Padma Bhushan, and Hindi writer Fanishwarnath Renu,
awarded with Padma Shri, returned their awards in protest against the
suspension of democracy. By and large, though, such open acts of defiance and
resistance were rare.
Questions
1. Why did people began to protest against government?
2. How did newspapers protest against censorship?
3. How did writers protest against the emergency?
4. Which magazines protested against censorship?
Answer:
1. Against imposition of emergency.
2. Newspaper like Indian Express and the Statesman protested against censorship by
leaving blank spaces where news items had been censored.
3. Kannada writer Shivarama Karanth awarded with Padma Bhushan and Hindi writer
Fanishwarnath Renu awarded with Padma Shri returned their awards in protest against
suspension of democracy.
4. Magazines like ‘Seminar’ and ‘Mainstream’ chose to close down rather than submit to
censorship.
Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]
1. Analyse any three lessons learnt from the emergency of 1975.
Answer: (i) The emergency of 1975 at once brought out both the weaknesses’ and the
strengths of India’s democracy. Though there are many observers who think that India
ceased to be democratic during the emergency, it is noteworthy that normal democratic
functioning resumed within a short span of time. Thus, one lesson of Emergency is that
it is extremely difficult to do away with democracy in India.
(ii) It brought out some ambiguities regarding the emergency provision in the
constitution that have been rectified since. Now ‘internal’ emergency can be proclaimed
only on the grounds of ‘armed rebellion’ and it is necessary that the advice to the
President to proclaim emergency must be given in writing by the Council of Ministers.
(iii) The Emergency made everyone aware of the value of civil liberties. The courts, too,
have taken an active role after the emergency in protecting the civil liberties of the
individuals. This is in response to the inability of the judiciary to protect civil liberties
effectively during the emergency. Many civil liberties organizations came up after this
experience.
2. Examine the three consequences of emergency imposed in 1975.
Answer: (a) Effects on Civil Liberties of Citizens:
1. The government made large scale arrests under preventive detention.
2. Arrested political persons could not challenge arrest even under Habeas Corpus
petition.
3. Despite filing many petitions government claimed it not to be necessary to be
informed of grounds to arrested persons.
4. In April 1976, finally it was proved that the government could taken away citizen’s
right to life and liberty by over ruling of high courts under supreme court and accepted
government’s plea.
(b) Impact on Relationship between Parliament and Judiciary:
1. The parliament brought in many new changes in constitution which made an
amendment declaring that election of Prime Minister, President and Vice¬president
could not be challenged in the court.
2. The forty-second amendment (42nd) was also passed to bring a series of changes in
constitution like duration of legislatures, elections can be postponed by one year during
an emergency.
(c) Functioning of Mass Media:
1. Press censorship took place
which banned freedom of press is newspapers were supposed to seek prior approval
before they publish any material.
2. Protests, strikes and public agitations were also banned.
3. Various fundamental rights were also suspended including even Right to move to
Court for Restoration of Fundamental Rights.
4. Kannada writer Shivarama Karnata awarded with Padma Bhushan and Hindi writer
Fanishwarnath Renu with Padmashri returned their awards on protest against
suspension of democracy.
5. Newspapers mainly Indian Express, and the Statesman protested against censorship
by leaving blank editorial column.
3. Examine any six reasons for the imposition of emergency in India in 1975.
Or
Analyse any three reasons for imposing emergency on 25 June 1975. Did the
government misuse its emergency powers? Give any three arguments in support
of answers.
Answer: (i) Emergency was proclaimed in response to petition filed by Raj Narayan to
declare Indira Gandhi’s election invalid.
(ii) On June 25, 1975, the government declared the threat of internal disturbances to
invoke Article 352 of constitution.
(iii) Article 352 can declare emergency on ground of either internal or external
disturbances.
(iv) The government decided a grave crisis to be arisen to proclaim emergency to bring
law and order, restore efficiency and implement pro-poor Welfare Programmes.
(v) The President FakhruddinAli Ahmad proclaimed emergency which became the most
controversial episode in Indian politics.
(vi) Power politics became personalised and governmental authority was converted into
personalization
4. Assess any three happenings which were responsible for the downfall of
Congress Party in the 1977 elections.
Or
‘The 1977 elections for the first time saw the opposition coming to power at the
centre’. Examine any six reasons for this change.
Answer: The 1977 elections were evolved as a shock to everyone as Congress Party
was defeated for the very first time and opposition party came into power:
1. The opposition adopted the slogan ‘save democracy’ against imposition of
emergency earlier.
2. The opposition campaigned non- democratic character of rule which provided various
excesses.
3. The opposition party highlighted the preventive detention and press censorship to
favour public opinion.
4. Janata Party also ensured not to divide non-Congress votes.
5. Middle section of North India was moving away from Congress for whom Janata
Party became a platform.
6. Hence, elections of 1977 emerged many other factors instead about emergency only.
5. Explain any three outcomes of Lok Sabha elections of 1977.
Answer: 1. In March 1977 elections, for the first time, Congress lost elections with
winning 154 seats only.
2. Janata Party and its allies won 330 seats out of 542 seats.
3. Congress lost from the states of Bihar, U.P., Haryana, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh.
4. Janata Party was formed of coalitions under the leadership of Jayaprakash
Narayana.
5. Janata Party called this election as a referendum on emergency.
6. Opposition party realised not to divide the votes to enjoy the power under one
umbrella.
7. All these indicated a tough time for Congress ahead.
6. What is Naxalite movement? Evaluate its role in Indian politics.
Answer: The Naxalites were the Marxist and Leninist agricultural workers of Andhra
Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar and adjoining areas which organised massive agilations
against economic injustice and inequality and demanded redistribution of land to
cultivators.
Role in Indian Politics:
1. Naxalite, did not participate in the elections formally but these were actively
associated with parties.
2. Naxalites ensured a better representation of demands of deprived social sections in
party politics.
3. These movements retained associations or relations alongwith the political parties
either as an individual or as an organisations.
Picture/Map Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. What was the slogan of Janata Party to campaign in elections?
2. Identify the person who is sitting on ground holding the slogan.
3. Against which practices Jayaprakash Narayana agitated?
Answer:
1. Save Democracy.
2. Jayaprakash Narayan.
3. Corruption, lawlessness, violence, and most important against imposition of
emergency.
2. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Question.
1. When did cartoon appear in the newspaper and why?
2. Identify the person behind Indira Gandhi.
3. Identify what does the ‘Political Crisis’ stand for. Explain.
Answer:
1. This cartoon appeared few days before the declaration of emergency to capture the
sense of impending political crisis.
2. The then Congress president D.K. Barooah.
3. Political crisis in 1977 made the party system in India look like a two party system i.e.
Congress and non¬Congress to end one party dominance and emergence of non-
Congress party Janata Party as an umbrella for others.
3. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. What situation does the picture refer to?
2. Which Commission is represented into the cartoon?
3. Mention some points of this Commission’s report.
Answer:
1. Appearance of Indira Gandhi before Commission but refused to answer any question.
2. Shah Commission’s report about emergency.
3. (i) There were many excesses committed
during emergency.
(ii) Several restrictions were put on the press sometimes without legal sanction.
(iii) Many people were arrested under preventive detention law.
(iv) Even general manager of Delhi Power Supply Corporation received verbal orders
from the officers of Lt. Governor of Delhi to cut electricity to all newspaper presses at 2
a.m. on 26 June 1975.
Question 1.
Find the odd one put in the context of the proclamation of emergency.
(a) The call for Total Revolution.
(b) The Railway strike of 1974.
(e) The Naxalite Movement.
(d) The Allahabad High Court Verdict.
(e) The findings of the Shah Commission Report.
Answer: (a), (b) and (c).
Question 2.
In which year internal emergency was declared by Smt. Indira Gandhi?
(a) 1965
(b) 1971
(c) 1975
(d) 1980
Answer: (c) 1975
Question 3.
In which state Nay Nirman Movement was started?
(a) Gujarat
(b) Punjab
(c) Bihar
(d) Haryana
Answer: (a) Gujarat
Question 4.
State whether the following statements regarding the Emergency are correct or
incorrect.
(a) It was declared in 1975 by Indira Gandhi.
(b) It led to the suspension of all fundamental rights.
(c) It was proclaimed due to the deteriorating economic conditions.
(d) Many opposition leaders were arrested during the emergency.
(e) CPI supported the proclamation of the emergency.
Answer: (a) Correct
(b) Correct
(c) Incorrect
(d) Correct
(e) Correct
Question 5.
Match the following:
(a) Total Revolution (I) Indira Gandhi

(b) Garibi Hatao (II) Jayaprakash Narayan

(c) Students’ Protest (III) Bihar Movement

(d) Railway Strike (IV) George Fernandes

Answer:
(a) Total Revolution (II) Jayaprakash Narayan

(b) Garibi Hatao (I) Indira Gandhi

(c) Students’ Protest (III) Bihar Movement

(d) Railway Strike (IV) George Fernandes

Question 6.
Match the following:
(a) J.P. Narayan (i) first prime minister belonged to non-congress

(b) Morarji Desai (ii) Call for ‘Total Revolution’

(c) Ch. Charan Singh (iii) Remained Prime Minister for four months only

(d) Jagjiwan Ram (iv) Leader of ‘Congress for Democracy’

Answer:
(a) J.P. Narayan (ii) Call for ‘Total Revolution’

(b) Morarji Desai (i) first prime minister belonged to non-congress

(c) Ch. Charan Singh (iii) Remained Prime Minister for four months only

(d) Jagjiwan Ram (iv) Leader of ‘Congress for Democracy’

Question 7.
After the 1977 general elections, which government came into power?
(a) Bharatiya Jana Sangh
(b) Congress
(c) Janata Party
(d) Socialist Party
Answer: (c) Janata Party
Question 8.
The railway strike of 1974 was called by ________ led by George Fernandes.
(a) National Coordination Committee
(b) National Coordination Corporation
(c) National Coordination Call
(d) National Coordination Association
Answer: (a) National Coordination Committee
Question 9.
Congress was defeated in the Lok Sabha elections of
(a) January 1975
(b) February 1976
(c) March 1977
(d) April 1977
Answer: (c) March 1977
Question 10.
When JP led a people’s march to the Parliament?
(a) 1975
(b) 1976
(c) 1977
(d) 1978
Answer: (a) 1975
Question 11.
Who left the Congress party and founded Bharatiya Kranti Dal in 1967?
(a) Sanjay Gandhi
(b) Jagjivan Ram
(c) Chaudhary Charan Singh
(d) Morarji Desai
Answer: (c) Chaudhary Charan Singh
Question 12.
The Bihar Movement in 1974 was led by
(a) Charu Majumdar
(b) Jayaprakash Narayan
(c) Morarji Desai
(d) C. Natarajan
Answer: (b) Jayaprakash Narayan
Regional Aspirations
TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED
1. Match the following:

Answer: (a)-(iii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(ii), (d)-(i).

2. Regional aspirations of the people of North-East get expressed in different
ways. These include movements against outsiders, movement for greater
autonomy and movement for separate . national existence. On the map of the
North-East, using different shades for these three, show the States where these
expressions are prominently found.
Answer: Tripura, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh (See the Map at the end of the
Chapter).
3. What were the main provisions of the Punjab accord? In what way can they be
the basis for further tensions between the Punjab and its neighbouring States?
Answer: Punjab Accord was an agreement signed between the then Prime Minister
Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal, the then President of Akali Dal in 1985 to
be known as ‘Rajiv Gandhi Longowal Accord’ also to create normalcy in Punjab:
1. Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab.
2. To appoint a separate commission to resolve border dispute between Punjab and
Haryana.
3. To set up a tribunal to settle down the sharing of Ravi-Beas river water among
Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
4. To provide agreement for compen-sation to better treatment to those affected by
militancy in Punjab.
5. To withdraw the Armed forces special power Act ip Punjab.
But, peace could not be established easily in Punjab and resulted as follows:
(a) It led to many excesses by police and violation of human rights.
(b) It fragmented the Akali Dal.
(c) President’s rule was imposed and normal political process was suspended.
(id) Hence, Political process could not be restored in this atmosphere. Even during
elections in 1992, only 24% electors turned out to vote. Consequently above mentioned
added to tension between Punjab and its neighbouring states.
4. Why did the Anandpur Sahib Resolution become controversial?
Answer: Anandpur Sahib Resolution was passed at the conference of Akali Dal at
Anandpur Sahib in 1973:
(а) To ascertain regional autonomy and to redefine centre-state relations.
(b) Sikhs aspirations aimed at ‘bolbala’ (dominance) of Sikhs.
(c) It could also be interpreted as a plea for separate sikh nation despite of federal spirit.
But, it became controversial due to following reasons:
1. Due to lack of popularity of Akali Dal resolution had a United appeal.
2. Akali government was dismissed in 1980s it lost its importance.
3. Akali Dal launched a movement on the distribution of water between Punjab and its
neighbouring states.
4. Movement went into the hands of extremist elements from moderate Akalis and
converted into armed insurgency for which Anandpur Sahib Resolution considered
responsible.
5. Explain the internal divisions of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and describe
how these lead to multiple regional aspirations in that State.
Answer: Jammu and Kashmir comprised of three regions:
1. Kashmir region is Kashmir valley consisting Kashmiri speaking and mostly Muslim
with a Kashmiri speaking Hindu minority.
2. Jammu region consists of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and speakers of various
languages, in the areas of foothills and plains.
3. Ladakh region is equally divided between Buddhists and Muslims and maintains an
little population area.
These internal divisions led to multiple regional aspirations:
1. One strand of separatist to demand a separate Kashmiri nation independent of India
and Pakistan.
2. Some other groups want Kashmir to be merged with Pakistan.
3. Third strand wants a greater autonomy for people of state within Indian Union.
4. The demand for intra-state autonomy
is as strong as the demand for the state autonomy.
In present scenario, most of the separatist in dialogue are trying to re-negotiate a
relationship of state with India.
6. What are the various positions on the issue of regional autonomy for Kashmir?
Which of these do you think are justifiable? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: On the issue of regional autonomy for Kashmir, the following positions are
states as:
1. Kashmiris were promised to make accession on reference of people after situation
created by tribal invasion, becomes normal. But it has not been fulfilled, hence, it
generated the demand for “Plebiscite”.
2. Sometimes, it was felt that special federal status guaranteed by Article 370 has been
eroded practically which led the demand for restoration of autonomy or “Greater State
Autonomy”.
3. It is felt that democracy, which is practised in rest of India has not been similarly
institutionalised in Jammu and Kashmir.
We prefer the first position because ‘Plebiscite’ provides better opportunity to people of
J & K to protect and sustain their regional autonomy in a very democratic manner.
7. The Assam movement was a combination of cultural pride and economic
backwardness. Explain.
Answer: Because:
1. It was against outsiders to maintain cultural integration of Assam.
2. There was widespread poverty and unemployment in Assam, despite existence of
natural resources like tea, coal and oil.
3. It was felt that these were drained out of state without any commensurate benefit to
the people.
8. All regional movements need not lead to separatist demands. Explain by giving
examples from this chapter.
Answer: Because:
1. Regional aspirations are part of democratic politics.
2. Expression of regional issues is not an abnormal phenomenon.
3. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland have regional aspirations in United Kingdom.
4. Regional movements are responded
through democratic negotiations rather than suppression. –
5. Its examples are in eighties, military erupted in Punjab, problems persisted in the
North-East, students agitated in Assam and Kashmir valley was on the boil.
6. The government of India settled down some negotiations with these regional
aspirations to reduce tensions in many regions.
7. Mizoram is an example of political settlement to resolve the problem of separation
effectively.
9. Regional demands from different parts of India exemplify the principle of unity
with diversity. Do you agree? Give reasons.
Answer: Yes, we agree with the statement because India adopted a democratic
approach on these regional aspirations in place of considering them as anti-national:
1. India’s democratic politics allows people and groups to address the people on the
basis of their regional identity, aspiration, and specific regional problems.
2. India’s democratic politics focus on regional issues and problems to receive adequate
attention and accommodation in the policy making process, i.e. regional aspirations of
Assam, Punjab and North-East, Kashmir etc.
3. Its examples are in eighties, military erupted in Punjab, problems persisted in the
North-East, students agitated in Assam and Kashmir valley was on the boil.
4. The government of India settled down some negotiations with these regional
aspirations to reduce tensions in many regions.
5. Mizoram is an example of political settlement to resolve the problem of separation
effectively.
It can be concluded that regional aspirations do not encourage separation but these
respect diversity to retain unity in the nation.
10. Read the passage and answer the questions below:
One of Hazarika’s songs dwells
on the unity theme; the seven states of north-eastern India become seven sisters
born of the same
mother ‘Meghalaya went own
way …., Arunachal too separated and Mizoram appeared in Assam’s gateway as a
groom to marry another
daughter.’ The song ends with
a determination to keep the unity of the Assamese with other smaller nationalities
that are left in the present-day Assam- ‘the Karbis and the Mising brothers and
sisters are our dear ones.’
—Sanjib Baruah
(a) Which unity is the poet talking about?
(b) Why were some States of North¬East created separately out of the erstwhile
State of Assam?
(c) Do you think that the same theme of unity could apply to all the regions of
India? Why?
Answer: (a) The poet is talking about the Unity of Assamese.
(b) Because these states face that Assamese government was imposing Assamese
language on them. Hence, regional aspirations began.
(c) Yes, same theme of unity could apply to all regions of India because Indian
government deals with all these regional aspirations with respect to accommodate
regional diversities.
MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED
Very Short Answer Type Questions [ 1 Mark]
1. Name the three social and political regions of the Northern most state of India.
Answer: Names of the three social and political regions of the Northern most state of
India—
(i) Jammu (ii) Kashmir (iii) Ladakh
2. Why were the seven small states created in North-East India?
Answer: Seven small states were created in North-East India because of demands for
(i) autonomy (ii) movements for secession and
(iii) opposition to outsiders.
3. Which students group led the anti foreigner movement in Assam?
Answer: All Assam Students’ Union in 1979 (AASU).
4. Who were the signatories of Punjab Accord of 1985?
Answer: The then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal, the then
President of Akali Dal.
5. Jammu and Kashmir state comprised of which three social and political
regions?
Answer: Kashmir, Jammu and Laddakh regions.
6. How did India meet with the challenge of diversity?
Answer: By redrawing the internal boundaries of the country, i.e. created Chhattisgarh
Jharkhand and Uttarakhand etc.
7. What is the significance of Article 370? Ans. Article 370 signifies special status
of Kashmir:
Answer: 1. To give greater autonomy to J & K.
2. To specify that state has its own constitution.
3. All provisions of constitution are not applicable to state.
8. Which Prime Minister expressed regret over violence against Sikhs after Indira
Gandhi’s death?
Answer: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2005 after twenty years in Parliament to
regret over the killings of Sikhs.
9. When was first normal election held in Punjab after violence?
Answer: In 1997 in the post militancy era and alliance of Akali Dal and BJP scored
victory.
10. What do you mean by Seven Sisters?
Answer. The ‘North-East region’ consisting of seven states is referred to as seven
sisters.
Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Mar ks]
1. What does the special status given to J & K under Article 370 mean?
Answer: Article 370 signifies special status of Kashmir:
1. To give greater autonomy to J & K.
2. To specify that state has its own constitution.
3. All provisions of constitution are not applicable to state.
2. Highlight any two characteristics of Dravidian movement.
Answer: Dravidian movement was one of the first regional movements in Indian Politics
with the ambition to create a Dravid nation:
1. This movement used democratic means like public debates and the electoral platform
to achieve its ends.
2. Due to this strategy, movements acquired political power in the state and became
influential at national level.
3. Dravidian movement led to formation of‘Dravid Kazhagam’ (DK) under the leadership
of Tamil Social reformer ‘E.V. Ramaswami Periyar’.
3. Mention the outcomes of Assam Accord of 1985.
Answer: ‘Assam Accord’ was signed between Rajiv Gandhi-led government and AASU
leaders over the issue of ‘outsiders’ in 1985:
1. The foreigners who migrated into Assam during and after Bangladesh war and since
were to be identified and deported.
2. The Asom G. ;,a Parishad came to power in 1985 with the promise of resolving the
foreign national problems as well as to build a ‘Golden Assam’.
4. Which accord proved to be a turning point in the history of Mizoram?
Answer: The accord between Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenga of 1986 granted full fledged
statehood with special powers to Mizoram. Even MNF (Mizo National Front) agreed to
give up secessionists struggle.
5. What was the role of Congress in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir?
Answer: Congress dominated the politics of J & K between 1953 to 1974 in the
following manner:
1. National Conference remained iconic power with the active support of Congress for
sometime but later merged with the Congress.
2. The Congress gained direct control over the government in state.
3. The Congress party also made attempts to have an agreement between Sheikh
Abdullah and Government of India.
4. In 1974, Indira Gandhi reached an agreement with Sheikh Abdullah and he became
the Chief Minister of State.
6. Which communities wanted separate states in the North East region?
Answer: Despite reorganisation of North-East in 1972, autonomy demand arose:
1. Assam communities like Bodos, Karbis and Dimosas demanded separate states.
2. They mobilised public opinion and popular movement and same area was claimed by
more than one community.
3. Federal set up satisfied their autonomy i.e. Karbis and Dimosas were granted
autonomy under district councils while Bodos were granted autonomous council.
7. In what ways the issue of outsiders continues to be a live issue in Assam?
Answer: Assam Accord could not solve the problem of immigration:
1. The issue of‘outsiders’ continues to be alive issue.
2. In Tripura, the original inhabitants have been reduced to being a minority in North-
East.
3. The same feelings formed the hostility of local population to Chakma refugees in
Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]
1. What was the main outcome of Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal accord in July 1985?
Answer: 1. Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab.
2. A separate commission to be appointed to resolve border dispute between Punjab
and Haryana.
3. A tribunal to be set up to settle down the sharing of Ravi-Beas river water among
Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
4. To withdraw the Armed forces special power Act in Punjab.
2. What was Goa problem? How was Goa liberated and how did it become part of
Indian Union?
Answer. 1. Goa was under Portuguese alongwith Daman and Diu since 16th century.
2. We expected freedom in 1947 but Portugal refused to withdraw but the people of Goa
wanted to merge with motherland.
3. People of Goa^suppressed from religious conversions and civil rights known as ‘Goa
Problem’.
4. In 1961, with in two days Goa, Daman and Diu were liberated from Portugal rule
under ‘Operation Vijay’ by Government of India.
5. Goa became part of India and in 1987, it attained the status of ‘State Position’.
3. Describe the outcome of Anandpur Sahib Resolution of 1973.
Answer: Anandpur Sahib Resolution was passed at the conference of Akali Dal at
Anandpur Sahib in 1973:
(a) To ascertain regional autonomy and to redefine centre-state relations.
(b) Sikhs aspirations aimed at ‘bolbala’ of Sikhs.
(c) It could also be interpreted as a plea for separate sikh nation despite federal spirit.
But, it became controversial due to following reasons:
1. Due to lack of popularity of Akali Dal resolution had a United appeal.
2. Akali government was dismissed in 1980 and it lost its importance.
3. Akali Dal launched a movement on the distribution of water between Punjab, and its
neighbouring states.
4. Movement went into the hands of extremist elements from moderate
Akalis and converted into armed insurgency for which Anandpur Sahib Resolution
considered responsible.
4. State one similarity and one difference between the crisis in Punjab and Assam
during 1980s.
Answer: Similarity- It was regional aspirations given to prior importance and solving the
crisis through democratic negotiations. Differences- In Punjab, Akali Dal started the
movement for formation of ‘Punjabi Sabha’ wdiereas in Assam, the crisis was against
the people who were seen as outsiders or migrants who were considered to be
competitors to employment opportunities.
5. How was DMK entered in Indian Politics?
Answer: DMK i.e. Dravid Munetra Kazhagam entered in Indian politics with three
demands in 1953-54:
1. To restore original name of Kallkudi railway station.
2. The addition of Tamil Cultural History in &hool curriculum.
3. To eliminate craft education scheme.
6. When did Independent India first use referendum procedure?
Answer: In 1967 in the case of Goa’s liberation:
1. In January 1967, the central government held a special ‘Opinion Poll’ in Goa asking
people to decide it they wanted to be a part of Maharashtra or remain separate.
2. The majority was in favour of remaining outside of Maharashtra, thus Goa became a
Union-territory.
3. Goa was granted statehood in 1987.
Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer thequestions:
The Assam Movement from 1979 to 1985 is the best example of such movements
against ‘outsiders’. The Assamese suspected that there were huge number of
illegal Bengali Muslim settlers from Bangladesh. They felt that unless these
foreign nationals are detected and deported they would reduce the indigenous
Assamese into a minority. There were other economic issues too. There was
widespread poverty and unemployment in Assam despite the existence of natural
resources like oil, tea and coal. It was felt that these were drained out of the State
without any commensurate benefit to the people.
Questions
1. Name the group that led movement against outsiders in 1979.
2. Why did Assamese seek the detection and deportation of outsiders?
3. What were the economic issues taken up as a part of movement?
Answer:
1. All Assam Students’ Union (AASU).
2. Because they feared that they would reduce the indigenous Assamese into a
minority.
3. (i) There was widespread poverty and
unemployment in Assam despite existence of natural resources like oil, tea and coal.
(ii) It was also felt these were drained out of state without any commensurate benefit to
people.
2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer thequestions:
The best way to respond to regional aspirations is through democratic
negotiations rather than through suppression. Look at the situation in the
eighties-militancy had erupted in Punjab: problems were persisting in the North-
East: students in Assam were agitating; Kashmir valley was on the boil. Instead
of treating these as simple law and order problems, the Government of India
reached negotiated settlement with regional movements. This produced a
reconciliation which reduced the tensions existing in many regions. The example
of Mizoram shows how political settlement can resolve the problem of separatism
effectively.
Questions
1. How are regional aspirations dangerous for the unity of country?
2. What is meant by democratic negotiations?
3. Who was leading agitation in Assam?
4. What steps were taken by government of India to respond regional
aspirations?
Answer:
1. It creates the problem of separatism in the country.
2. Democratic negotiations respect the demand of regional aspirations in place of
suppression.
3. The students.
4. (i) Reached negotiated settlement with
regional movements.
(ii) Produced a reconciliation to reduce the tensions existing in many regions.
Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]
1. Describe the secessionist movement of Mizos. How as per the provisions of
constitution, was it resolved on accommodation of diversities?
Answer: 1. After independence, the Mizo hills was made an autonomous district within
Assam.
2. Some Mizos believed that they were never a part of British India and not to belong to
Indian Union.
3. The movement of secession gained popular support after Assam government failed
to respond
adequately to great famine of 1959 in Mizo hills.
4. It led to formation of Mizo National Front (MNF) under leadership of Laldenga.
5. In 1966, the MNF started an armed campaign for independence.
6. The MNF fought gurilla war, got support from Pakistan government and secured
shelter in then East Pakistan.
7. At the end oftwo decades ofinsurgency, Mizoram under leadership of Laldenga
started negotiations with Indian government.
8. 1986, a peace-agreement was signed between Rajiv Gandhi and Laldenga which
granted statehood to Mizoram with special powers and MNF agreed to give up
secessionist struggle.
9. Today, Mizoram is one of the most peaceful places in the region alongwith big strides
in literacy and development.
2. “Regional aspirations, regional inbalances and regionalism are a hindrance in
the way of national unity of India”. Do you agree with the statement?
Answer: Because:
1. Regional aspirations are part of democratic politics.
2. Expression of regional issues is not an abnormal phenomenon.
3. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland have regional aspirations in United Kingdom.
4. Regional movements are responded through democratic negotiations rather than
suppression.
5. Its examples are in eighties, militancy erupted in Punjab, problems persisted in the
North-East, students agitated in Assam and Kashmir Valley was on the boil.
6. The government of India settled down some negotiations with these
regional aspirations to reduce tensions in many regions.
7. Mizoram is an example of political settlement to resolve the problem of separation
effectively.
3. What were the main provisions of Punjab Accord of 1985? How has peace been
restored on seewar lines in Punjab?
Answer: Punjab Accord was an agreement signed between the then Prime Minister
Rajiv Gandhi and Harchand Singh Longowal, the then President of Akali Dal in 1985 to
be known as ‘Rajiv Gandhi Longowal Accord’ also to create normalcy in Punjab:
1. Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab.
2. To appoint a separate commission to resolve border dispute between Punjab and
Haryana.
3. A tribunal to be set up to settle down sharing of Ravi-Beas river water among Punjab,
Haryana and Rajasthan.
4. To withdraw the Armed forces special power Act in Punjab.
5. To provide agreement for compensation to better treatment to those affected by
militancy in Punjab.
But, peace could not be established easily in Punjab and resulted:
(a) It led to many excesses by police and violation of human rights.
(b) If fragmented the Akali Dal.
(c) President’s rule was imposed and normal Political process was suspended.
(d) Hence, Political process could not be restored in this atmosphere. Even during
elections in 1992, only 24% electors turned out to vote.
Consequently above mentioned added to tension between Punjab and its neighbouring
states.
Picture/Map Based Questions [5 Marks]
1.On a political outline map of India locate and label the following and symbolise
them as indicated:
Questions
1. The 22nd State of India due to its merger.
2. The state out of which the states of Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh
were created.
3. Article 370 has a special significance for this state of India.
4. The state whose leader signed an agreement with Rajiv Gandhi.
5. An important state whose leader was Lai Denga.
6. Two states which were not part of state of Assam at the time of India’s
Independence.
7. The state associated with Golden Temple and ‘Operation Blue Star’.
Answer:
1. Sikkim 2. Assam
3. Jammu and Kashmir
4. Punjab
5. Mizoram
6. (a) Manipur (b) Tripura
7. Punjab
Question 1.
In which year agreement took place between Sheikh Abdullah and Prime Minister
Indira Gandhi?
(a) 1970
(b) 1974
(c) 1976
(d) 1980
Answer: (b) 1974
Question 2.
When Anandpur Sahib Resolution was passed?
(a) 1962
(b) 1965
(c) 1967
(d) 1973
Answer: (d) 1973
Question 3.
Who was the leader of the Naga National Council?
(a) V.P. Singh
(b) Lai Denga
(c) Karunanidhi
(d) Angame Zapu Phizo
Answer: (d) Angame Zapu Phizo
Question 4.
Match the following:
Nature of Regional aspirations States
A B

(a) Socio-religious identity leading to statehood (i) Nagaland/Mizoram

(b) Linguistic identity and tensions with centre (ii) Jharkhand/Chhattisgarh

(c) Regional imbalance leading to demand statehood (iii) Punjab

(d) Secessionist demands on account of tribal identity (iv) Tamil Nadu

Answer:
A B

(a) Socio-religious identity leading to statehood (iii) Punjab

(b) Linguistic identity and tensions with centre (iv) Tamil Nadu

(c) Regional imbalance leading to demand statehood (ii) Jharkhand/Chhattisgarh

(d) Secessionist demands on account of tribal identity (i) Nagaland/Mizoram

Q5. The ”communal zones” exclude

(i) Lahore
(ii) Amritsar
(iii) Kolkata
(iv) Jammu & Kashmir
(iv) Jammu & Kashmir
Q6. When Anandpur Sahib Resolution was passed?
(i) 1962
(ii) 1965
(iii) 1967
(iv) 1973
(iv) 1973
Q7. Rajiv Gandhi joined active politics after
(i) 1950.
(ii) 1960.
(iii) 1970.
(iv) 1980.
(iv) 1980.
Q8. In which year agreement took place between Sheikh Abdullah and Prime
Minister Indira Gandhi?
(i) 1970
(ii) 1974
(iii) 1976
(iv) 1980
(ii) 1974
Q9. The interim government formed under the cabinet mission plan was headed
by
(i) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(ii) Jawaharlal Nehru
(iii) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(iv) Rajagopalachari
(ii) Jawaharlal Nehru
Q10. On the question of diversity which approach is adopted by India?
(i) Totalitarian approach
(ii) Dictatorial approach
(iii) Fascist approach
(iv) Democratic approach
(iv) Democratic approach
Q11. When Gujarat was carved out of Bombay?
(i) 1950
(ii) 1960
(iii) 1970
(iv) 1980
(ii) 1960
Q12. Nagaland state was created in the year
(i) 1980.
(ii) 1963.
(iii) 1950.
(iv) 1970.
(ii) 1963.
Q13. When Meghalaya was carved out of Assam?
(i) 1970
(ii) 1971
(iii) 1972
(iv) 1973
(iii) 1972
Q14. Master Tara Singh was a leader of
(i) SGPC.
(ii) AIADMK.
(iii) MDMK.
(iv) PDP.
(i) SGPC.
Q15. The Cities that were divided into ‘communal zones’ during the partition
violence were
(i) Lahore, Amritsar, and Calcutta
(ii) Kashmir, Lucknow, and Allahabad
(iii) Madras, Hyderabad, and Mysore
(iv) Delhi, Mumbai, and Gwalior
(i) Lahore, Amritsar, and Calcutta

Q16. Bodo’ is a community in

(i) Manipur.
(ii) Assam.
(iii) Mizoram.
(iv) Arunachal Pradesh.
(ii) Assam.
Recent Developments in Indian Politics
TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED
1. Unscramble a bunch of disarranged press clipping file of Unni-Munni… and
arrange the file chronologically.
(a) Mandal Recommendations and Anti Reservation Stir.
(b) Formation of Janata Dal.
(c) The demolition of Babri Masjid.
(d) Assassination of India Gandhi.
(e) The formation of NDA government.
(f) Godhra incident and its fallout.
(g) Formation of UPA government.
Answer: (a) Assassination of India Gandhi(1984).
(b) Formation of Janata Dal (1989)
(c) Mandal Recommendations and Anti Reservation Stir (1990)
(d) The demolition of Babri Masjid (1992)
(e) The formation of NDA government (1997)
(g) Formation of UPA government (2004)
2. Match the following:

Answer: (a)-(iv), (b)-(ii), (c)-(i), (d)-(iii).

3. State the main issues in Indian politics in the period after 1989. What different
configurations of political parties these differences lead to?
Answer: In the decade of eighties, the country witnessed five main developments which
had a long lasting impact on politics:
1. End of Congress system.
2. Mandal issues
3. New Economic Reforms
4. Babri Masjid Issues
5. Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi 1989 elections led to defeat of Congress and emerged
the era of ‘Multi Party- System’ when no single party secured majority in Lok Sabha
elections since 1989. It led the era of coalition government also when regional parties
played an crucial role in forming a ruling alliance.
Since 1989, there have been nine governments at the centre either coalition
government or minority government supported by other parties. In this phase,
government could be formed only with the participation of many regional parties.
The nineties also saw the emergence of powerful parties to represent Dalits and
backward classes and regional assertions as well.
4. “In the new era of coalition politics, political parties are not aligning or
realigning on the basis of ideology.” What arguments would you put forward to
support or oppose this statement?
Answer: The statement is justified because in the new era of coalition politics the
emphasis on pragmatic considerations rather than ideological positions and political
alliance without ideological agreement:
1. Coalition politics has shifted the focus from ideological differences to power sharing
arrangements.
2. Most parties of NDA did not agree with the ‘Hindutva’ ideology of B JP still they came
together to form government and remained in power also for full term.
5. Trace the emergence of BJP as a significant force in post-Emergency politics.
Answer: The major trends in the electoral performance of BJP since 1989 can be
traced as follows:
1. In the elections of 1989, the National front under V.P. Singh came to power
supported by left front and BJP from outside because they wanted to keep the
Congress out of power. Due to Mandal Commission Report and implementation of its
recommendations forced BJP to reconsider its support and finally withdrew it. Thus, in
November 1990, the rule of National Front came to an end.
2. In 1996 BJP minority government was formed for a short period. In June 1996 BJP
failed to get majority support in the vote of confidence and thus collapsed.
3. From March 1998 to October 1999, BJP and others formed alliances NDA (National
Democratic Alliance) under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The regional Parties
demanded more share in the government to extend their support.
4. The political competition during nineties and divided between the coalition led by BJP
and coalition led by Congress.
6. In spite of the decline of Congress dominance the Congress party continues to
influence politics in the country. Do you agree? Give reasons.
Answer: The defeat of Congress Party in 1989 marked an end of Congress dominance
over Indian Party System. But Congress continued to influence politics in country:
1. Congress improved performance and came back to power after mid term elections in
1991.
2. It also supported United Front government.
3. In 1996, the left continued to support the non-Congress government but this time
Congress supported it as both Congress and Left wanted to keep BJP out of power.
4. Thus, Congress remained an important party and ruled country more than any other
party even during the period since 1989. But it lost the kind of centrality it earlier
enjoyed in the party system.
7. Many people think that a two-party system is required for successful
democracy. Drawing from India’s experience of last twenty years, write an essay
on what advantages the present party system in India has.
Answer: In the first decade of electoral politics India did not have a recognised
opposition party. But some of vibrant and diverse opposition parties had come into
being even before the first General Election of 1952 as the non-Congress parties.
Hence, the roots of almost all the non-Congress parties of today can be traced to one or
the other of the opposition parties of 1950s.
All these opposition parties gained only a representation, still their presence played a
crucial role in maintaining democratic character of system. Hence due to following
reasons two party system is required for successful democracy:
1. Within two party systems, the opposition party offers a sustained and principled
criticism of policies and practices of ruling party keeping it under a strict check.
2. By keeping democratic political alternative alive, these parties prevented the
resentment with the system from turning anti-democratic.
On the basis of above mentioned features it is justifiable to have a two party system
which have following advantages:
1. India has arrived at more competitive politics.
2. Political parties act within the spheres of consensus.
3. -New forms, vision, pathways of development have been identified.
4. Issues like poverty, displacement, minimum wages, livelihood and social security are
being put on political agenda.
5. Issues of justice and democracy are being voiced by various classes, castes and
regions to remind states its responsibility.
8. Read the passage and answer the
questions below:
Party politics in India has confronted numerous challenges. Not only has the
Congress system destroyed itself, but the fragmentation of the Congress
coalition has triggered a new emphasis on self-representation which raises
questions about the party system and its capacity to accommodate diverse
interest,…. An important test facing the polity is to evolve a party system or
political parties that can effectively articulate and aggregate a variety of interests.
—Zoya Hasan
(a) Write a short note on what the author calls challenges of the party system in
the light of what you have read in this chapter.
(b) Given an example from this chapter of the lack of accommodation and
aggregation mentioned in this passage.
(c) Why is it necessary for parties to accommodate and aggregate variety of
interests?
Answer: (a) The author calls challenges to coalition government as well as coalition in
Congress party itself to trigger a new emphasis on self-representation.
(b) To unsolve a party system to accommodate diverse interests but the political parties
formed under the leadership of Kanshi Ram for Dalits only.
(c) It is necessary for parties to accommodate and aggregate variety of interests to
maintain the culture of India ‘Unity in Diversity’ so that there should be no space for
separatist movements in India.
MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED
Very Short Answer Type Questions [ 1 Mark]
1. Name two alliances/fronts that formed the government at the centre in 1989 and
1996 respectively.
Answer: National front-1989,United front-1996.
2. Mention any two incidents of violence against minority community which are a
threat to democracy.
Answer: 1. Violent anti-Mandal protest
2. Godhra incident
3. What is the difference between a coalition party and coalition in Congress
system?
Answer: Coalition party government refers government of more than two regional and
political parties whereas coalition in Congress system refers to encouragement of
various factions inside the party with different ideologies.
4. Which organisation took up the cause of Bahujans?
Answer: The Backward and Minority Classes Employees Federation (BAMCEF) took
various steps and strong position in favour of political power to Bahujans including SCs,
STs, OBCs and minorities.
5. What was the status of BSP?
Answer: The Bahujan Samaj Party emerged under the leadership of Kanshi Ram
supported by Dalit voters in Punjab, Haryana and U.P. But in 1989 and 1991 elections,
it achieved a breakthrough success in U.P.
6. When did the phase of coalition politics begin?
Answer: With elections of 1989, coalition politics began in India i.e. National front in
1989, United Front in 1996 and 1997 and UPA in 2004.
7. When were new economic reforms announced?
Answer: In 1991.
Very Short Answer Type Questions [2 Marks]
1. AWho was the chairperson of Mandal Commission? State any one
recommen¬dation made by him/her.
Answer: Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal was the chairperson of Mandal Commission set
up in 1978 to investigate the extent of educational and social backwardness among
various sections of society and recommend ways to identify these classes.
The Mandal Commission gave its recommendations in 1980:
1. The commission advised that backward classes should be understood to mean
backward castes since many castes other than the SCs were also treated as low in
caste hierarchy
2. Reservation 27% seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these
groups.
3. It recommended land reforms to improve the condition of OBCs.
4. Hence, Mandal commission made recommendations in economic and occupational
structures.
2. State any two major political happenings of 1984 in India.
Answer: 1. Assassination of Indira Gandhi
2. Lok Sabha elections were held.
3. What was change in electoral performance of Congress party and BJP from
1984¬2004?
Answer: 1. In the elections of 1989, Congress secured 197 seats but did not get
majority. Therefore, it decided to sit in opposition.
2. The National Front under V.P. Singh came to power supported by left front and BJP
from outside.
3. The assassination of Rajiv Gandhi in May 1991 led to emergence of Congress as the
single largest party and formed the government supported by AIADMK.
4. In 1996, BJP minority government was formed for short period. Later in June 1996
United Front with the support of Congress formed the
Government and H.D. Deve Gowda became Prime Minister and after 11 months I.K.
Gujral came to power to rule till March 1998.
5. From March 1998 to October 1999, BJP and other parties formed alliances NDA
(National Democratic Alliance) under the leadership of Atal Behari Vajpayee and
regional parties demanded more share in government to extend its support.
6. In the elections of May 2004, Congress and its allies formed UPA (United
Progressive Alliance) and came to power and Manmohan Singh became Prime
Minister.
4. When was India’s New Economic Policy launched? Who was its chief
architect?
Answer: It was launched in 1991 as the structure adjustment programme and it was
started by the then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao:
1. India’s New Economic Policy was launched by the then Finance Minister Dr.
Manmohan Singh.
2. The economic changes first became visible in 1991 and radically changed the
direction that Indian Economy had pursued since independence towards liberalised and
open economy.
5. What happened to the state government after demolition of Babri Masjid?
Answer: 1. The BJP state government was dismissed.
2. Alongwith that, other states where the BJP was in power, were also put under
President’s rule.
3. A case against Chief Minister of U.P. was registered in Supreme Court.
6. What led to the serious debate over secularism?
Answer: The demolition of disputed mosque at Ayodhya on December 6,1992, by
Karseva, led to a serious debate over secularism:
1. Most political parties condemned the demolition and declared it to be against
secularism.
2. A debate took place about using religious sentiments for electoral purposes.
7. List the four groups to be emerged in 1990s.
Answer: 1. Parties in coalition with Congress— UPA (United Progressive Alliance).
2. Parties in alliance with BJP—NDA (National Democratic Alliance).
3. Left front parties (Left Parties).
4. Other parties not to be part of the rest (Others).
Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]
1. Describe any four major developments in the Indian politics since 1989.
Answer: In the midst of severe competition and many conflicts, a consensus appears to
have emerged among most parties. This consensus consists of four elements:
(i) Agreement on new economic policies: While many groups are opposed to the new
economic policies, most political parties are in support of the new economic policies.
Most parties believe that these policies would lead the country to prosperity and a status
of economic power in the world.
(ii) Acceptance of political and social claims of the backward castes:
Political parties have recognised the social and political claims of the backward castes
need to be accepted. As a result, all political parties now support reservation of seats for
the ‘backward classes’ in education and employment. Political parties are also willing to
ensure that the OBCs get adequate share of power.
(iii) Acceptance of the role of state level parties in governance of the country: The
distinction between state level and national level parties is fast becoming less important.
State level parties are showing power at the national level and have played a central
role in the country’s politics of last twenty years or so.
(iv) Emphasis on pragmatic consid-erations rather than ideological positions and
political alliances without ideological agreement:
Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideo-logical differences to
power sharing arrangements. Thus, most parties of the NDA did not agree with the
‘Hindutva’ ideology of the BJP. Yet, they came together to form a govern¬ment and
remained in power for a full term.
2. When and why did a long phase of coalition politics begin in India?
Answer: The era of coalitions could be seen after 1989 elections onwards. The
Congress was the largest party but did not achieve a single majority, hence it decided to
act as opposition party. This led to National Front (Alliance of Janata Dal and other
regional parties). It received major support from BJP and left front. BJP and left front did
not join the government but gave support from outside. The coalition era had many PMs
and some of them held office for short duration.
3. “Coal ition government helps in consensus building”. Do you agree with the
statement? Give arguments in support of your answer.
Answer: In the midst of severe competition and conflicts, a consensus appears to have
emerged among most parties consisting of following four elements:
1. Most political parties were in support of new economic policies to lead the country to
prosperity and a status of economic power in the world.
2. All political parties supported , reservation of seats for backward
classes in education and employment and even to ensure the OBCs to get adequate
share of power.
3. Role of state level parties was accepted in the governance of country.
4. Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences
to power sharing arrangements. Hence most of the NDA did not agree the Hindutva
ideology of BJP, still they came together to form a government and remained in power
for full term.
4. Write a note on Hindu-Muslim Riots in Gujarat.
Answer: 1. The Anti-Muslim Riots took place at a station called Godhara in 2002.
2. A fire took place on a bogey full of leorsevakos returning from Ayodhya.
3. The hand of Muslims was suspected behind this fire.
4. Widespread violence took place against muslims in which nearly 1100, mostly
muslims were killed.
5. Human Right commission criticised Gujarat government’s role in failing to control
violence and provided relief to victims.
6. Gujarat riots show that the government machinery also becomes susceptible to
passion and alert us the danger involved in using religious sentiments for political
purposes.
Passage Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Read the passage given below carefully and answer thequestions:
Thus, with the elections of 1989, a long phase of coalition politics began in India.
Since then, there have been nine governments at the Centre, all of which have
either been coalition governments or minority governments supported by other
parties, which did not join the government. In this new phase, any government
could be formed only with the participation or support of many regional parties.
This applied to the National Front in 1989, the United Front in 1996 and 1997, the
NDA in 1997, BJP-led coalition in 1998, NDA in 1999 and the UPA in 2004.
Questions
1. What is meant by coalition politics?
2. Name any two regional political parties which were a part of coalition
government.
3. Write the full form of NDA.
4. What does a minority government mean?
Answer:
1. Coalition politics does not have maj ority even to a single party but parties may enter
into an alliance or get support of other parties to form government.
2. NDA and United front.
3. National Democratic Alliance.
4. Minority governments are supported by other parties which did not join the
government.
2. Read the passage given below carefully and answer the questions:
Infact the BSP, under Kanshi Ram’s leadership was envisaged as an organisation
based on pragmatic politics. It derived confidence from the fact that the Bahujans
(SC, ST, OBC and religious minorities) constituted the majority of the population,
and were a formidable political force on the strength of their numbers.
Questions
1. Which organisation was formed by Kanshi Ram?
2. Name any two religious minorities.
3. Why are Bahujans considered a formidable political forces?
Answer:
1. BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party)
2. Muslims and Christians
3. Because Bahujans constituted the majority of population, hence they
were formidable political force on strength of their numbers.
Long Answer Type Questions [6 Marks]
1. In 2014 elections, people have voted for a stable government at the Centre. Do
you think that the era of coalition has ended? Support your answer with suitable
arguments.
Answer: After Independence, Congress party came in power. It ruled over the country
as a democratic government till 1977. One after the other the government was
represented by the Congress Prime Ministers like Nehru, Shastri and then Mrs. Indira
Gandhi. It was due to some political upheaval; a state Emergency was declared in
1975. During Emergency all the opposition leaders were jailed and their constitutional
powers were seized. It made all the opposition leaders unite and form first united party
in the name of Janata Party which came in power in 1977. The general election held
soon after the Emergency. Though it couldn’t last long, but it started a new concept of
rule in India. One after the other, India saw many governments ruled by alliance group,
except a few single-party-led government. But with the elections of 1989, a long phase
of coalition politics began in India. Since then there have been nine governments at the
centre all of which have either been coalition government or minority government
supported by other parties which did not join the government. The National Front
government in 1989, the United Front government in 1996 and 1997, the NDA
government in 1997, 1998 and 1999 and then UPA government in 2004 and 2009 and
again BJP-led NDA government in 2014 have been the coalition governments in India.
In none
of these governments any one single party had the number enough to form the
government at its own. But in 2014, there was a change in the pattern. BJP could gain
284 seats in the Lok Sabha election which was sufficient to form the government at its
own -which required to only 272. But as the election was fought with a pre-poll alliance
by NDA led by BJP. So the present government was formed with Narendra Modi, the
leader of BJP.
This election shows that people are again turning to the single party government at the
centre which may be stable. People have experienced the lack of stability, lack of policy
decision and lack of proper development in the government ruled by the coalition group.
2. In the midst of severe competition and many conflicts in 1989, a consensus
appeared to have emerged among most parties. Explain any three points.(or)
Examine growing consensus over the crucial issues.
Answer: In the midst of severe competition and conflicts, a consensus appears to have
emerged among most parties consisting of following four elements:
1. Most political parties were in support of new economic policies to lead the country to
prosperity and a status of economic power in the world.
2. All political parties supported reservation of seats for backward classes in education
and employment and even to ensure the OBCS to get adequate share of power.
3. Role of state level parties was accepted in the governance of country.
4. Coalition politics has shifted the focus of political parties from ideological differences
to power sharing arrangements. Hence most of the NDA did not agree with the Hindutva
ideology of BJP, still they come together to form a government and remained in power
for full term.
3. What was Mandal Commission? Did it try to solve the problems of other
Backward classes? State any two arguments in support of your answer?
Answer: Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal was the chairperson of Mandal commission set
up in 1978 to investigate the extent of educational and social backwardness among
various sections of society and recommended way to identify these classes.
The Mandal commission gave its recommendations in 1980:
1. The commission advised that backward classes should be understood to mean
backward castes since many castes other than the SCs were also treated as low in
caste hierarchy.
2. Reservation 27% seats in educational institutions and government jobs for these
groups.
3. It recommended land reforms to improve the condition of OBCs.
4. Hence, Mandal commission made recommendations in economic and occupational
structures.
The government of India accepted recommendations in 1990:
1. 27% jobs reservation has been made in central and state government.
2. Many Welfare Schemes have also been launched as Swarnima National Backward
classes Finance and Development Corporation.
Picture/Map Based Questions [5 Marks]
1. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. What does the cartoon represent?
2. Describe the role of such government in Indian Democratic set up.
3. What does this statement “Support the government from outside” mean?
Answer:
1. A puppet government showing example of coalition government.
2. It plays negative and positive role both. In a negative way, it provides unstable form
of government.
In a positive way, it provides opportuni¬ties to regional parties also in forming ruling
alliances.
3. No direct participation and position in government but support in the formation of
government.
2. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. What does the picture indicate?
2. Which party is being referred to as one party dominance?
3. Identify female character in the cartoon.
Answer:
1. It depicts change from one party dominance to a multi-party alliance system.
2. Congress.
3. Mrs. Indira Gandhi.
Question 1.
In which year was Janata Dal formed?
(a) 1975
(b) 1982
(c) 1985
(d) 1988
Answer: (d) 1988
Question 2.
Who headed the coalition government of 1989?
(a) Chandra Shekhar
(b) V.P. Singh
(c) I.K. Gujral
(d) Rajiv Gandhi.
Answer: (b) V.P. Singh
Question 3.
Unscramble a bunch of disarranged press clipping file of Unni-Munni and arrange
the file chronologically.
(a) Mandai Recommendations and Anti-Reservation stir.
(b) Formation of the Janata Dal
(c) The demolition of Babri Masjid.
(d) Assassination of Smt. Indira Gandhi.
(e) The formation of the NDA government
(f) Godhra incident and its fall out.
(g) Formation of the UPA government.
Answer: (a) Assassination of Smt. Indira Gandhi.
(b) Formation of the Janata Dal.
(c) Mandai Recommendation and Anti-Reservation stir.
(d) The demolition of Babri Masjid.
(e) The formation of the NDA government.
(f) Godhra incident and its fall out.
(g) Formation of the UPA government.
Question 4.
Match the following:
(a) Politics of Consensus (i) Shah Bano Case

(b) Caste-based parties (ii) Rise of OBCs

(c) Personal law and Gender Justice (iii) Coalition government

(d) Growing strength of regional politics (iv) Agreement on Economic policies

Answer:
(a) Politics of Consensus (iv) Agreement on Economic policies

(b) Caste-based parties (ii) Rise of OBCs

(c) Personal law and Gender Justice (i) Shah Bano Case

(d) Growing strength of regional politics (iii) Coalition government

Q5. which year was Janata Dal formed?

(i) 1975
(ii) 1982
(iii) 1985
(iv) 1988
(iv) 1988
Q6. Who headed the central government in India after 1998 parliamentary
elections?
(i) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
(ii) P.V. Narsimha Rao.
(iii) H. D. Deve Gowda.
(iv) I. K. Gujral.
(i) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Q7. Which alliance formed the government at the center in 1989?
(i) National Front
(ii) United Front
(iii) Super Front
(iv) Real Front
(i) National Front
Q8. The reason for 2002 Gujarat riots is
(i) earthquake relief was not provided by the Centre.
(ii) A bogey of a train returning from Ayodhya carrying Karsevaks was set on fire.
(iii) demolition of babri masjid.
(iv) state emergency.
(ii) A bogey of a train returning from Ayodhya carrying Karsevaks was set on fire.
Q9. The General Elections of 2004 resulted in
(i) dominance of Congress
(ii) coalition government
(iii) convincing victory of BJP
(iv) the emergence of Akali Dal
(ii) coalition government
Q10. The General Elections of 2004 resulted in
(i) dominance of Congress.
(ii) coalition government.
(iii) convincing victory of BJP.
(iv) emergence of Akali Dal.
(ii) coalition government.
Q11. The single largest party in the 1996 parliamentary elections was
(i) Bhartiya Janta Party
(ii) Janta Dal
(iii) CPI
(iv) Congress
(i) Bhartiya Janta Party
Q12. Who was the chairperson of Mandal Commission?
(i) Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal.
(ii) Nandeshwari Prasad Mandal.
(iii) Chandeshwari Prasad Mandal.
(iv) None of the Above
(i) Bindeshwari Prasad Mandal.
Q13. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in the year
(i) 1989
(ii) 1990
(iii) 1991
(iv) 1992
(iii) 1991
Q14. Choose the correct term for coming together of two or more political parties
to form government.
(i) United Government
(ii) Coalition Government
(iii) National Government
(iv) None of the above
(ii) Coalition Government
Q15. Which party pursued the politics of ‘Hindutva’ and adopted the strategy of
mobilising the Hindus?
(i) Bhartiya Janata Party
(ii) Congress
(iii) Communist Party of India
(iv) Bahujan Samaj Party
(i) Bhartiya Janata Party
Q16. Elections in _____led an era of coalitions with the defeat of Congress Party
(i) 1988
(ii) 1989
(iii) 1990
(iv) 1991
(ii) 1989
Q17. In February and March 2002, large scale violence against Muslims took
place in
(i) Rajasthan
(ii) Gujarat
(iii) Punjab
(iv) Uttar Pradesh
(ii) Gujarat