Q1. Who was the Prime Minister of U.K. at the time of India’s Independence ?
(a) Lord Attlee
(b) Winston Churchill
(c) Lord Mountbatten
(d) Harold Wilson
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (a) Lord Attlee
Explanation: Clement Attlee, leader of the Labour Party, was the Prime Minister of the UK when India gained independence in 1947. His government initiated the process of decolonization, leading to the transfer of power.
Q2. Which party was in power in U.K. when India became independent
(a) Labour
(b) Conservative
(c) Liberal
(d) None of these
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (a) Labour
Explanation: The Labour Party, led by Clement Attlee, was in power in the United Kingdom when India gained independence in 1947. His government initiated the process of decolonization, granting freedom to India and other colonies.
Q3. Purna Swaraj Day was observed on
(a) 26th November, 1947
(b) 26th October, 1949
(c) 26th January, 1950
(d) 26th January, 1930
(UPSC Prelims 1981)
Answer: (d) 26th January, 1930
Explanation: Purna Swaraj Day was declared by the Indian National Congress on 26th January 1930, marking the formal demand for complete independence from British rule. This date was later chosen as the day to enforce the Constitution of India in 1950.
Q4. Which of the following was mainly responsible for the transfer of power by the British to India on August 15, 1947?
(a) Cabinet Mission Plan
(b) Attlee Declaration
(c) Simon Commission Plan
(d) Mountbatten Declaration
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (d) Mountbatten Declaration
Explanation: The Mountbatten Declaration, based on the June 3 Plan, outlined the partition of India and the transfer of power. It was implemented by Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, leading to independence on August 15, 1947.
Q5. Assertion: Great Britain gave India her independence on August 15, 1947.
Reason: Great Britain became weak after her involvement in World War II.
(a) If both A and R are true but R is not the reason for A
(b) If both A and R are true but R is the reason for A
(c) If neither A nor R is correct
(d) If A is correct but R is wrong
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (b) If both A and R are true but R is the reason for A
Explanation: Britain’s post-war economic and political decline accelerated the decolonization process, leading to India’s independence. The reason directly supports the assertion, making both true and connected.
Q114. Which of the following pairs are correct?
(1) The Indian Councils Act, 1909 – Provincial Autonomy
(2) The Government of India Act, 1919 – Introduction of Dyarchy
(3) The Government of India Act, 1935 – Proposal for a Federation of India
(4) The Indian Independence Act, 1947 – Provincial Legislature
(a) (1) and (4)
(b) (2) and (3)
(c) (1) and (3)
(d) (2) and (4)
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (b) (2) and (3)
Explanation:
- The 1919 Act introduced Dyarchy in provinces
- The 1935 Act proposed a Federation of India
- The 1909 Act dealt with limited representation, not autonomy
- The 1947 Act granted independence, not just provincial legislature
Hence, (2) and (3) are correct.