Challenges of Nation Building

Important PYQs
Lecture by: Ayush Raj [Alumnus JNU, Jamia]

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2 Marks
Q1. What was the two-nation theory?
Ans.
• According to the ‘two-nation theory’ advanced by the Muslim League, India
consisted of not one but two ‘people’, Hindus and Muslims.
• That is why it demanded Pakistan, a separate country for the Muslims.
Q2. Explain the role of State Reorganization Commission.
Ans.
• The SRC was constituted by the central Govt in 1953 to recommend the
reorganization of state boundaries and accepted in 1956 with the act.
• It accepted that the boundaries of the state should reflect the boundaries of
different languages.
Q3. Name the leader who played the historic role in the unification of India. What was
his contribution?

Ans.
• The then Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
played an historic role.
• He reached out to all the princely states. He negotiated with them peacefully and
diplomatically and this effort on his part led to almost all the princely states
coming under the Indian Union.
Q4. Why were linguistic states formed in India? Explain any two reasons.
Ans:-
Two reasons for the formation of linguistic states were:

(a) It was felt that if the demands for separate states on linguistic basis are accepted,
the threat of division and separation would reduce and establish ‘unity in diversity’

(b) Accommodation of regional demands and the formation of Linguistic states were
seen as more democratic.
Q5. Analyse the two political developments of 1940s that led to the decision for the
creation of Pakistan. [2016]
Ans:-
The two political developments of the 1940s that led to the decision for the creation
of Pakistan were:
▪ The political competition between the congress and the Muslim league and the
role of the British.
▪ The demand for a separate country for Muslims based on the two-nation theory
4 Marks
Q6. Examine the three challenges that India faced at the time of Independence. [2012, 2010,
2008]
Ans.
India had to face many challenges immediately after the independence are following:
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: Independent India aimed at
comprehensive development for the entire society. The challenge was to formulate effective
policies for economic development, poverty eradication, realizing welfare goals outlined in
the Constitution.
 Q7. How did the state of Hyderabad became a part of the Indian Union after partition? [2021,
2009]
Ans.
• The ruler of Hyderabad who was called Nizam wanted an independent status for
Hyderabad.
• He entered into the standstill agreement with India in November 1947 for one year.
• In the meantime, a movement of the people of Hyderabad state against the Nizam's rule
started.
• The Communists and the Hyderabad Congress were in the forefront of the movement.
Peasantry, most affected, also actively participated.
• The Nizam responded by unleashing a para-military force known as the Razakars on the
people.
• In September 1948, Indian army moved in to control the Nizam's forces.
• After days of fighting, Nizam surrendered. This led to Hyderabad's accession to India.
Q8. The accommodation of regional demands and the formation of linguistic states were also
seen as more democratic. Justify the statement with suitable arguments. [2016]
Ans.
▪ Accommodating regional demands and forming linguistic states acknowledged India's
linguistic and cultural diversity.
▪ The creation of language-based states ensured representation for diverse linguistic
groups.
▪ Also, the recognition of regional identities aimed to diminish the threat of division and
separatism.
▪ It provided opportunities for people from diverse linguistic backgrounds to participate in
politics, breaking the dominance of English-speaking elites.
Q9. Describe how the princely states of Manipur and Junagadh acceded to India. [2008]
Ans.
▪ The princely state of Manipur acceded to India through the signing of a Merger
Agreement in September 1949.
▪ However, this decision was made without consulting the popularly elected Legislative
Assembly of Manipur, which caused anger and resentment among the people.
▪ On the other hand, the princely state of Junagadh faced a more complicated
situation.
▪ Initially, the ruler of Junagadh announced that the state had decided on
Independence.
▪ However, after a plebiscite confirmed the people's desire to join India, the issue of
Junagadh was resolved, and it became a part of the Indian Union.
6 Marks
Q10. Identify any six consequences of the partition of India in 1947. [2019, 2016]
Ans.
The partition of India in 1947 had profound consequences, shaping the nation's trajectory in
various ways:
• Violence and Displacement: Widespread violence and forced migration affected around 80
lakh people, reshaping the demographic landscape.

• Loss of Lives: The partition-related violence claimed the lives of between five to ten lakh
individuals, leaving scars on the collective memory.

• Community Division: Communities that had coexisted for generations faced a violent
separation, particularly between Hindus and Muslims, leading to lasting conflict.

• Property Division: The partition involved the intricate division of properties, assets, and
liabilities, extending to everyday items like furniture and even the possessions of the police
band.

P.T.O
• Challenges for Minorities: Minority communities encountered uncertainty and conflict in the
newly delineated regions.

• Identity Questions: The partition prompted introspection on India's identity as a secular

nation, challenging the ideals of leaders who rejected the two-nation theory but have to
accept religious-based partition.
Q11. Describe briefly any four problems faced in the process of partition of India. [2008]
Ans.
During the process of partitioning India, there were several problems that were faced. Some
of these problems included:
1. Violence and displacement: Hindus and Sikhs in areas that became part of Pakistan and
Muslims in areas that became part of India found themselves trapped and became targets
of attacks. This led to one of the largest and most tragic transfers of population in human
history.
2. Demarcation of boundaries: There were no single belts of Muslim-majority areas, and the
concentration of Muslim-majority areas was in the west and east. It was decided that
Pakistan would comprise two territories, West and East Pakistan, separated by Indian
territory.
3. Integration of princely states: The government had to negotiate and persuade the rulers of
these states to join the Indian union. While most states agreed to sign the "Instrument of
Accession," some states like Junagadh, Hyderabad, Kashmir, and Manipur posed more
difficulties.

P.T.O
4. Treatment of religious minorities: The leaders of the Indian national struggle did not
believe in the two-nation theory. The government had to address the concerns of its
Muslim citizens and other religious minorities and prevent further conflict between
communities.
Q12. What was the approach of the Government of India towards the princely states immediately
after the partition of India in 1947? [2009]
Or, Discuss the integration of princely states.
Or, How the princely states were merged with Independent India?
Or, ‘What were the main consideration for bringing princely states with Indian Union? Who played
the historic role in this task?
Ans.
The Government of India took a firm stance against the possible division of India into small
principalities of different sizes.
▪ Sardar Patel, India's Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, played a crucial role in
negotiating with the rulers of princely states and bringing most of them into the Indian
Union.

P.T.O
The government's approach was guided by three considerations:
→ The people of most princely states wanted to become part of the Indian union;
→ The government was prepared to be flexible in giving autonomy to some regions;
→ The integration and consolidation of the territorial boundaries of the nation were of utmost
importance.

▪ Peaceful negotiations and the signing of the "Instrument of Accession" brought most states
into the Indian Union, while the issues of Junagarh, Hyderabad, Kashmir, and Manipur were
resolved through various means, including plebiscites.
Q13. Why was the formation of linguistic states inevitable after independence?
Ans.
▪ National leaders during the independence movement rejected British-imposed state
boundaries, advocating for reorganization that mirrors linguistic and cultural
diversity while preserving national unity.
▪ Post-independence, leaders were concerned that linguistic state formation might lead
to disintegration of country
▪ Protests in the old Madras province, particularly the Vishalandhra movement,
demanded a separate state for Telugu speakers, culminating in the creation of
Andhra Pradesh.
▪ Faced with linguistic-based demands, the government established the States
Reorganisation Commission in 1953 to examine state boundary redrawing.
▪ Despite fears of separatism, leaders accepted the linguistic aspirations, forming
states on linguistic lines, acknowledging the importance of cultural and regional
identities.
Q14. What was the States Reorganisation Commission? What were its important
recommendations? [2008]
Ans.
It was appointed by the Central Government in 1953 in response to the demands for
linguistic states that emerged after the formation of Andhra Pradesh.
The Commission was tasked with examining the question of state boundaries and making
recommendations based on linguistic considerations.
The important recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission were:
1. The boundaries of states should reflect the boundaries of different languages.
2. The Commission recommended the reorganisation of states on the basis of language,
but also took into consideration factors like historical, cultural, and economic factors.
3. The Commission proposed the creation of 14 states and six union territories, based
on linguistic and regional considerations.
4. The Commission's recommendations formed the basis for the States Reorganisation
Act of 1956, which led to the creation of linguistic states in India.
 THANK YOU
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