Q1. Who commented “the Cripps Mission was a post-dated cheque on a crashing bank”?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Subhash Chandra Bose
(d) Sardar Patel
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (a) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: Gandhi’s remark likened the Cripps Mission’s offer of dominion status after WWII to a worthless promise, given the uncertain future of British rule. His statement reflected deep skepticism and led to the launch of the Quit India Movement.
Q2. The aim of the Cripps Mission to India was to
(a) Appease the Indian public opinion
(b) Appease the American people
(c) Decentralise the power to States
(d) None of the above
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (b) Appease the American people
Explanation: The Cripps Mission (1942) was partly intended to reassure American allies that Britain was committed to Indian self-rule, as the U.S. supported decolonization. However, the limited proposals failed to satisfy Indian leaders, leading to its rejection.
Q3. Indian National Congress took the stand during Second World War that
(a) It would support axis powers
(b) It would support allied powers
(c) It would cooperate with the British if India is promised dominion status after the war
(d) It would cooperate with the British if India is granted complete Independence
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (d) It would cooperate with the British if India is granted complete Independence
Explanation: During World War II, the Congress demanded complete independence as a condition for support. The British refusal led to the launch of the Quit India Movement in 1942, emphasizing India’s non-negotiable demand for freedom.
Q4. Which of the following proposals were made by the Cripps Mission ?
(i) Participation of Indian States in the Constitution-making body
(ii) Forming separate State for the Muslims
(iii) Election of the Constitution-making body by the members of the lower house of the Provincial Legislature
(a) (i) and (ii)
(b) (i) and (iii)
(c) (ii) and (iii)
(d) (i), (ii) and (iii)
(UPSC Prelims 1986)
Answer: (b) (i) and (iii)
Explanation:
The Cripps Mission (1942) proposed:
- Indian States’ participation in Constitution-making
- Constitution-making body elected by Provincial Legislature
It did not propose a separate Muslim State.
Q5. The purpose of Cripps’ Mission was
(a) To give India dominion status.
(b) To introduce provincial autonomy in India.
(c) To discuss future setup for India on the basis of the Simon Commission report.
(d) To suppress ‘Quit India’ Movement.
(UPSC Prelims 1987)
Answer: (a) To give India dominion status.
Explanation: The Cripps Mission (1942) was sent by the British government to offer dominion status to India after World War II, in exchange for support during the war. It was not related to Simon Commission or Quit India Movement, which came later.
Q6. What is the correct chronological order of the following ?
(A) Cabinet Mission
(B) Montague – Chelmsford Reforms
(C) Minto – Morley Reforms
(D) Cripps’ Mission
(a) C, B, D, A
(b) A, B, C, D
(c) B, C, D, A
(d) D, A, B, C
Answer: (a) C, B, D, A
Explanation: Chronological order:
- Minto-Morley Reforms (1909)
- Montague-Chelmsford Reforms (1919)
- Cripps’ Mission (1942)
- Cabinet Mission (1946)