Politics of Separatism; the Muslim League; the Hindu Mahasabha; Communalism and the politics of partition; Transfer of power; Independence.
PYQs: Politics of Separatism [1985-2024]
- Examine the main aspects of Muslim League politics from 1937 to 1947. Was the partition of the country un-avoidable? (1989)
- ‘Lord Mountbatten came with an order to organise retreat, in military parlance-an operation.’ Comment in about 200 words. (1990)
- ‘Mountbatten’s task was, therefore, merely to work out details and effect the partition, demanded by the League and accepted by both British Government and the Congress; and this the new Viceroy moved commandingly to perform.’ Comment. (1993)
- “To glorify the strength of the Congress and deny that of the League is to be blind.” (P.C.Joshi, 1945). Comment. (1994)
- The Pakistan movement converted a cultural and religious entity of a people into a separatist political force. Elucidate. (1996)
- “Both freedom and partition were the work of Indian middle classes.” Comment. (1998)
- Trace the origin and growth of the Indian Muslim League. (1999)
- ‘We are therefore unable to advise the British Government that the power which at present resides in British hands should be handed over to two entirely separate sovereign States.’ Comment. (2004)
- “I felt that if we did not accept partition, India would be split into many bits and would be completely ruined.” Comment. (2006)
- “There is no other instance in the history of mankind of a poet and philosopher working such a miracle in shaping the destiny of his people.” (A Tribute to M. Iqbal) Comment. (2007)
- Discuss as to why the Congress accepted the partition of India in 1947. (2009)
- “The developments during 1937 – 1939 greatly undermined the ability of the Indian National Congress to push through the agenda of national unity.” Comment. (2010)
- “Why did the British finally quit India on 15th August 1947? The Imperialist answer is that independence was simply the fulfilment of Britain’s self-appointed mission to assist the Indian people to self-government.” Examine. (2014)
- Critically examine the turns and twists in the politics of partition in 1930’s and 1940’s. (2018)
- Critically examine the following statement in about 150 words: “Based on his discussion with Indian leaders, as well as his own perception, Lord Mountbatten soon came to the conclusion that partition was the only practicable and feasible solution.” (2020)
- “If abdication of British responsibility at the time of transfer of power was callous, the speed with which it was done made it worse.” Critically examine. (2023)
- The strength of the Pakistan programme was its vagueness. It meant everything to everyone. (2024)