Freedom to Partition (1939-1947) MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Freedom to Partition (1939-1947) - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

Rajagopalachari’s formula:

• To break this deadlock between the two major political parties in India, C Rajagopalachari, an INC member who was close to Mahatma Gandhi, proposed a set of plans called the C R Formula or Rajaji Formula.
• This was the first acknowledgement by a Congressman about the inevitability of the partition of the country and a tacit acceptance of Pakistan.

Proposals:

• The Muslim League would join hands with the INC to demand independence from the British.
• Both parties would cooperate and form a provisional government at the centre.
• After the war, a commission would be entrusted with the task of demarcating those areas with an absolute majority of Muslims and a plebiscite to be held in those areas where all the inhabitants (Muslims and non-Muslims) would vote based on adult suffrage whether to form a separate sovereign nation or not.
• In case of partition, joint agreements are to be made for the safeguarding of defence, communications and commerce.
• The above terms are to come to fruition only if Britain transfers full powers to India.

Response:

• In 1944, Gandhi and M A Jinnah held talks on the basis of the Rajaji Formula.
• The talks were a failure as Jinnah had objections to the proposal.
• Jinnah’s objections
  • He wanted the INC to accept the Two-Nation Theory.
  • He did not want the entire population of the Muslim majority areas to vote on the plebiscite, but only the Muslim population in those areas.
  • He was also against the idea of a common centre. Also, Jinnah wanted separate dominions to be created before the English left India.

The correct answer is Quit India Movement.

Key Points

• Quit India Movement:
  • On 8th August 1942, Mahatma Gandhi gave a clarion call to end British rule and launched the Quit India Movement at the session of the All-India Congress Committee in Mumbai.
  • Gandhiji gave the call “Do or Die” in his speech delivered at the Gowalia Tank Maidan, now popularly known as August Kranti Maidan.
  • Aruna Asaf Ali popularly known as the 'Grand Old Lady' of the Independence Movement is known for hoisting the Indian flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Mumbai during the Quit India Movement.

Important Points

• Causes:
  • ​The immediate cause for the movement was the collapse of Cripps Mission.
  • The British assumption of unconditional support from India to the British in World War II was not taken well by the Indian National Congress.
  • The anti-British sentiments and demand for full independence had gained popularity among the Indian masses.
  • The two decades of mass movement which were being conducted on a much more radical tone under the leadership of the various associated and affiliated bodies of the Congress, like All India Kisan Sabha, Forward Bloc, etc. had already prepared the ground for the movement.
  • There were militant outbursts happening at several places in the country which got channelized with the Quit India Movement.
  • The economy was also in shatters as a result of World War II.

The correct answer is John Simon.

Key Points

Cabinet Mission Plan:

• The Cabinet Mission plan was announced in the year 1946 by Attlee, the Prime minister of England.
• Cabinet Mission is composed of three Cabinet Ministers of England.
  • Sir Pethick Lawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps, Alexander.
• The main objective of the Cabinet Mission Plan was to transfer the power from the British government to the Indian leadership
• The cabinet mission recommended an Undivided India and rejected the demand of the Muslim League for a separate Pakistan.

Additional Information

Key Proposals of the Cabinet Mission Plan:

• Rejected the demand for a sovereign Pakistan.
• Grouping of existing assemblies into 3 sections A, B and C.
• Provincial autonomy and residual powers.
• Three-tier executive and legislature at the province, princely states, and union level.
• Union government will be in-charge only of defence, foreign affairs, and communications.

The correct answer is Fakir and Sanyasi Rebellion.

Key Points

• Bhawani Pathak and Devi Choudhurani were prominent leaders of the Fakir and Sanyasi Rebellion, which took place in Bengal during the late 18th century.
• The rebellion was primarily a reaction against the oppressive policies of the British East India Company, including high land revenue demands and exploitation.
• The Fakir and Sanyasi Rebellion was led by ascetic groups, including Fakirs (Muslim ascetics) and Sanyasis (Hindu ascetics), who united to resist British colonial rule.
• The rebellion gained widespread support from the local population, particularly peasants who were suffering under British economic policies.
• The movement is remembered for its unique blend of religious unity and social justice, symbolized by leaders like Bhawani Pathak and Devi Choudhurani.

Additional Information

• Fakir and Sanyasi Rebellion
  • This rebellion occurred in Bengal between the late 18th and early 19th centuries and is considered one of the earliest signs of resistance against British colonialism.
  • The uprising was triggered by the devastating famine of 1770 and the exploitative revenue policies of the British East India Company.
  • The rebellion involved guerrilla warfare tactics, with ascetics and local peasants attacking British officials and establishments.
  • Although ultimately suppressed, the rebellion highlighted the growing discontent among Indians against colonial rule.
• Bhawani Pathak
  • Bhawani Pathak was a legendary leader and fighter associated with the Fakir and Sanyasi Rebellion.
  • He is often depicted as a Robin Hood-like figure who fought against British exploitation and assisted the oppressed peasants.
  • His leadership inspired many to join the resistance movement.
• Devi Choudhurani
  • Devi Choudhurani was another iconic leader of the rebellion, known for her bravery and strategic acumen.
  • She is celebrated as a female revolutionary in Indian history, often referenced in literature and folklore.
  • Her story was popularized by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in his novel "Devi Chaudhurani."
• Social and Economic Impact
  • The rebellion underscored the grievances of Indian peasants against British economic policies.
  • It paved the way for future uprisings and contributed to the early nationalist sentiment in India.
  • The movement also emphasized the role of religious unity in resisting colonial oppression.

The correct answer is Expressed dissent through art.

Key Points

• The Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) was established in 1943 with the aim of using art as a tool for social and political change.
• It was actively involved in portraying the struggles against British colonial rule through performances, plays, and music.
• IPTA brought together artists, writers, and performers to advocate for freedom and social justice using creative mediums such as theatre and folk art.
• Its productions often highlighted social issues, including poverty, oppression, and exploitation by colonial powers.
• The association played a crucial role in fostering cultural nationalism and expressing dissent against British policies during India's independence movement.

Additional Information

• Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA):
  • IPTA was closely associated with the Progressive Writers' Association, which also aimed to use literature for societal change.
  • The association played a key role in introducing realism in Indian theatre, focusing on the lives of marginalized communities.
  • IPTA's work was inspired by global movements such as the Russian Revolution and anti-fascist struggles, blending these influences into Indian art.
  • Prominent members included Balraj Sahni, Prithviraj Kapoor, and Salil Chowdhury, who contributed significantly to the cultural renaissance in India.
• Art as a form of protest:
  • Art has historically been a powerful medium to challenge authority and inspire social change.
  • During colonial rule, various forms of art—including paintings, music, and theatre—were used to promote nationalist sentiments.
  • Folk traditions such as Bhakti poetry and local storytelling were adapted to criticize British policies and evoke patriotism.
• Cultural Nationalism:
  • Cultural nationalism refers to the promotion of national identity through cultural expressions such as art, literature, and traditions.
  • In colonial India, cultural nationalism played a significant role in unifying diverse communities against British rule.
• Legacy of IPTA:
  • IPTA's influence extended into post-independence India, shaping progressive art and cinema.
  • Its emphasis on social realism continues to inspire modern theatre and film movements in India.

The correct answer is Bombay.

Important Points

All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting to ratify the Quit India resolution was held at the Bombay session.

• It was passed by Mahatma Gandhi on 8^th August 1942.
• Mahatma Gandhi issued the Quit India speech at the Gowalia tank maidan in Mumbai.
• The All India congress committee is the central decision-making assembly of the Indian National Congress.
• The All India congress committee launched a mass protest demanding the withdrawal of British rule from India in 1942. 
• The immediate cause of the Quit India movement was the failure of the Cripps mission.
• The draft of the Quit India resolution was prepared by Jawaharlal Nehru.
• Aruna Asaf Ali is known as the heroine of the Quit India movement.
• Do or Die is the famous slogan associated with the Quit India movement.

The correct answer is Singapore.

Key Points

• On 21 October 1943, Netaji Bose announced the formation of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind (Free India), with himself as the Head of State, Prime Minister and Minister of War.
• With the formation of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind, mobilisation of the Indian communities for armed struggle was stepped up.
• Many Indian civilians from Malaya, Thailand and Burma responded enthusiastically. 
• Many Indians contributed money and gold generously to the INA Fund. The gold came mostly from women who readily gave up their jewellery while wealthy Indian families donated large sums of money after attending Bose’s rallies and meetings. Other forms of contributions included clothing, foodstuffs and other supplies that the INA could use.
• By April 1944, the Azad Hind Bank was established in Rangoon to manage the overwhelming donations from the Indian communities.
• The motto of the Azad Hind was Unity, Faith and Sacrifice.

• The famous Quit India Movement is also known as the 'August Movement'. It was launched by Mahatma Gandhi on 8 August 1942 at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Bombay.
• Gandhi Jee raised the slogan ‘do or die’ in his Quit India speech.
• Most of the prominent Congress leaders were imprisoned in the initial days of Quit India Movement.

The correct answer is Yusuf Meher Ali.

Key Points

• The iconic 'Quit India' slogan was coined by socialist Congress leader and lesser-known hero of the Indian National movement Yusuf Meher Ali in 1942.
• He was the founder of National Militia, Bombay youth League, and the Congress Socialist Party.
• In 1928, he came up with the catchphrase "Simon Go Back" in protest against the all-British Simon Commission Appointed by the imperial government to recommend improvements to British governance in India,
• He was a participant of the underground movement and was in forefront of the Quit India Movement.
• Meherally was responsible for mobilizing his socialist colleagues- including Rammanohar Lohia, Aruna Asaf Ali, and Achyut Patwardhan, and ensuring they took the quit India Movement forward while hiding underground after the arrest of the Congress leaders.

Additional Information

• Famous Slogans By India Freedom fighters in India:-

The correct answer is Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

Key Points

• There were three main speakers at the Central Hall of Parliament.
• Jawaharlal Nehru, Chaudhary Khaliquzaman, and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
• Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the third notable speaker at the official event.

Additional Information

• Jawahar Lal Nehru delivered his famous 'Tryst With Destiny' speech in Parliament. 
• On August 15, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru was sworn in as PM of independent India.
• Vande Mataram was sung as the National Song.

The correct answer is Subhas Chandra Bose.

• Subhas Chandra Bose founded the Forward Bloc in 1939.

Key Points

• Subhash Chandra Bose
  • He founded the Independence for India League with Jawaharlal Nehru. 
  • He was elected as the President of INC at its Haripura Session (1938) and Tripuri Session (1939) but resigned from Tripuri due to differences with Gandhiji.
  • He founded the Forward Bloc (1939) at Calcutta.
  • He took the charge of Indian Army (Azad Hind Fauj) in 1943 in Singapore and set up an Indian Provisional government there.
  • He addressed Mahatma Gandhi as the Father of the Nation.
  • He gave the famous slogans–Dilli Chalo and Jai Hind.
  • The Indian Pilgrimage was his autobiography.

The correct answer is 1943.Key Points

• Bengal famine of 1943
  • The famine of Bengal that occurred in the year 1943 was the most devastating famine in India that killed thirty lakh people in the province of Bengal.
  • The main reason for the Bengal famine was the shortage of rice and the extreme hike in its price level, while some economists advocate that the famine was the result of the failure of the British government policies.
• Meaning of famine
  • A famine is characterized by widespread deaths due to starvation and epidemics caused as a result of forced use of contaminated water or decaying food and loss of body resistance due to weakening from starvation and malnutrition.
  • Due to the occurrence of a natural calamity, the total production of food grains decreases which creates a shortage of food and results in a hike in price levels.
  • At high prices, people fail to afford sufficient food, if this situation exists for longer time periods, it may cause a situation of starvation.
  • Widespread starvation takes the form of famine.

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. Singapore.

The Indian National Army was formed in Singapore by Mohan Singh in 1942.

• It was formed by Indian soldiers in the British Army who were captured by the Japanese Army during the Malayan campaign and at Singapore.
• It however was disbanded due to differences between Singh and the Japanese over the intended size and the specific role of the INA.
• In 1943, Subhashchandra Bose led the organization.
• It fought alongside the Japanese Army in Burma(Myanmmar), Imphal and Kohima.
• Many of them were captured by the British Army and were put on trial. This is called as the famous Red Fort Trials of 1945.
• The trial inspired the Royal Indian Navy mutiny of 1946.
• 'Ittehad, Itmad aur Qurbani'(Unity, Faith and Sacrifice in Urdu) was its motto.

The correct answer is 8 August 1942.

• Quit India Movement started on 8 August 1942 from Gowalia Tank Maidan, also known as August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai.
  • At the August Kranti Maidan, Mahatma Gandhi delivered his famous "do or die" speech, which marked the beginning of the Quit India Movement.

Important Points

• Aruna Asaf Ali, popularly known as the 'Grand Old Lady' of the independence movement, is known for hoisting the Indian flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Mumbai during the Quit India Movement.
• The slogan 'Quit India' was coined by Yusuf Meherli, a socialist and trade unionist who also served as the Mayor of Mumbai.
• Meherali also coined the slogan "Simon go back".

Additional Information

• List of some of the Indian National Movements:
  • Indian National Congress Founded - 28 December 1885 
  • Swadeshi and Boycott Resolution - 1905
  • Muslim League Founded - 1906
  • Gadhar Movement -1913
  • Home Rule Movement - April 1916
  • Champaran Satyagraha - 1917
  • Kheda Satyagraha - 1918
  • Ahmedabad Mill Strike - 1918
  • Rowlatt Act Satyagraha - February 1919
  • Non-Cooperation Movement - 1920
  • Civil Disobedience movement - 1930

The correct answer is Vinoba Bhave.

• The centerpiece of Individual Satyagraha was Non-violence.
• The first Satyagrahi selected for this Satyagraha was Vinoba Bhave who was sent to jail when he spoke against the war.
• He was followed nearly by 25,000 individual satyagrahis.
• The demand of the Satyagrahi was to use freedom of speech against the war through an anti-war declaration.
• In December 1940, Gandhi suspended the movement and the campaign started again in January 1941.

Key Points

• Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and Brahma Dutt were the second and third the selected Satyagarhi respectively
• The campaign started again and this time thousands of people joined and around 20,000 people were arrested in January 1941.
• Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and Brahma Dutt were also sent to jail for violating the Defence of India Act.

​Additional Information

Some important Life Facts of Vinoba Bhave -

• He started the Sarvodaya Movement which meant ‘Progress for all’.
• In 1951, Bhave started the Bhoodan Movement in Pochampally, Telangana.
• He was awarded the Roman Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1958.
• In 1983, he received the Bharat Ratna posthumously.