Independence and Partition of India (1944-1947)

Home / Board / ICSE / important Questions / Class 10 / History & Civics / Independence and Partition of India (1944-1947)

Class 10 History Chapter 10
Independence and Partition of India (1944-1947)
important Questions

Here are some important ICSE class 10 history important questions from Chapter 10 Independence and Partition of India (1944-1947).These questions aim to aid students in practising and achieving high scores in their ICSE Class 10 History & Civics Examination 2024-25. Diverse question types will assist in clarifying doubts and effective exam preparation, enhancing problem-solving skills, and building confidence. Class 10 Independence and Partition of India (1944-1947) important questions and answers will be helpful in preparing well for the exam.

Introduction

The period between 1944 and 1947 was crucial in the history of India, witnessing significant events that ultimately led to its independence and partition.By the 1940s, the Indian National Congress (INC) and the All-India Muslim League were the two major political parties representing the interests of the majority of Hindus and Muslims, respectively.The British had been ruling India for about 200 years, and the demand for independence was growing stronger.World War II had a significant impact on the Indian independence movement. The British Indian Army played a considerable role in the war, and this led to a stronger push for independence. The “Quit India” movement launched by the INC in 1942 was a mass protest against British rule, demanding an end to British authority. These concepts are crucial when studying Class 10 Independence and Partition of India (1944-1947) important questions and answers

What are Independence and Partition of India (1944-1947)?

The period between 1944 and 1947 in India marked a pivotal phase culminating in both independence from British rule and the subsequent partition. Efforts towards independence intensified with widespread civil disobedience, political negotiations, and mounting pressure on the British government. The Quit India Movement in 1942, coupled with global political shifts post-World War II, accelerated India’s path to freedom. However, the demand for separate Muslim and Hindu nations led to the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947. Amid communal tensions and disagreements over governance, India gained independence on August 15, 1947, while Pakistan emerged as a separate nation. The partition, accompanied by mass migrations and tragic communal violence, resulted in one of the largest and most harrowing population displacements in history.
ICSE Chapter 10 01 1

Class 10 Independence and Partition of India (1944-1947) Important Questions and Answers

Q1. Indian National Congress rejected the Cabinet Mission Plan because the Congress leaders thought that ........................ .
Options
(a) not in favour of poor people
(b) it is only favour of Britishers
(c) the proposed federal government was to have very little power, hence would fail
(d) None of the above

Ans. (c) the proposed federal government was to have very little power, hence would fail

Explanation:

The Congress declined the Viceroy's offer to establish an Interim Government due to its perceived limitations in terms of authority and because it did not accept the principle of parity with the Muslim League. Additionally, Congress objected to the League's assertion that it had exclusive rights to nominate all Muslim members to the Executive Council.

Q2. Who was responsible for the integration of Indian Princely States ?
Options
(a) Lord Mountbatten
(b) Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Rajagopalachari
(d) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Ans. (d) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Explanation:
Vallabhbhai Patel, serving as the Minister for Home and States Affairs, undertook the crucial task of uniting the British Indian provinces and the princely states into a cohesive and unified India.

Q3. What was the basis of Jinnah’s two nation theory?

Explanation:

Jinnah in his Presidential address at Lahore session declared that Hindus and Muslims belong to two different civilizations which are based mainly on conflicting ideas and conceptions. If these two communities live in one nation, it will be disastrous.

Q4. Prime Minister Attlee’s announcement on February 20th,1947,attempted to end the deadlock in India and marked the last few months of British Rule. In this context write short notes on Attlee’s announcement of 20th February, 1947.

Explanation:

The Congress and the Muslim League could not work together for long. The Muslim League went on harping on its demand for division of India. Jinnah said, ‘We shall resist anything that militates against the Pakistan demand’. The British Government, who watched the situation with utmost vigilance, was then compelled to change its policy of saving India from its division into two. The Prime Minister of England, Mr. Clement Attlee, announced on 20th February, 1947.
(i) Britain would withdraw from India and transfer power to responsible Indians by June 1948.
(ii) If no agreement was arrived at, Britain would still withdraw and hand over power to one or more than one Government.
(iii) Lord Mountbatten was to replace Lord Wavell as the new Viceroy of India.

Q5. Mention some important proposals of the Cabinet Mission Plan.

Explanation:

Clauses of the Cabinet Mission Plan :
(i) Federal Union : There was to be a federal union of the British Provinces and the Princely States. The Union Government (Central Government) should deal with the following subjects: Foreign Affairs, Defence and Communication.
(ii) A Constitution making Body : A Constituent Assembly would frame the Union Constitution. It was to consist of 389 members out of which the provinces were to elect 296 members, whereas Princely States were allocated 93 seats.
(iii) Provincial Autonomy : The Provinces would enjoy full autonomy for all subjects other than the Union Subjects.
(iv) Grouping of Provinces : The British Provinces would be divided into three groups namely ‘Group A’, ‘Group B‘, ‘Group C‘. Each group could determine the provincial subjects to be taken in common.

Want to Master this Chapter?
Our Practice Tests, Mind Maps, and Key Questions will help!

Download Mind Map of this chapter

Download Now

Want to Practice Mock Tests of this chapter

Practice Now

Download Important Questions of this chapter

Download Now
Want to Master this Chapter?
Our Practice Tests, Mind Maps, and Key Questions will help!
Download Mind Map of this chapter
Want to Practice Mock Tests of this chapter
Download Important Questions of this chapter

ICSE Class 10 History and Civics Chapter wise Important Questions

Conclusion

If you are looking to further practice and enhance your understanding of the concepts discussed in the chapter, oswal.io provides a comprehensive set of questions of ICSE Class 10 history important questions for understanding the concept in a better way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ans: India gained independence due to a prolonged freedom struggle against British colonial rule, economic constraints after WWII, international pressure, and the British government’s willingness to negotiate and transfer power.
Ans: The Indian National Army (INA) was a military force composed of Indian volunteers who fought alongside the Japanese forces during World War II to liberate India from British colonial rule. It was formed in 1942.
Ans: Key figures included Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel from the Indian National Congress, Muhammad Ali Jinnah from the Muslim League, and Lord Mountbatten, the last British Viceroy of India.
Ans: The British played a significant role as arbitrators and decision-makers. Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy, proposed the plan that led to the partition. British policies and the haste in their exit also contributed to the partition’s chaos.
Ans: The partition led to massive population exchanges, communal riots, and enormous human suffering. Borders, particularly in Punjab and Bengal, witnessed violent and tragic migrations.