Class 10 Independence and Partition of India Mock Test (ICSE)

Topics in Independence and Partition of India

• Cabinet Mission Plan
• Mountbatten Plan
• Indian Independence Act 1947

Independence and Partition of India practice questions with answers

1. Q1Multiple choice·1 mark
   Who was the Secretary of State for India and the head of the Cabinet Mission sent to India in 1946?

   1. (a)A.V. Alexander
   2. (b)Lord Pethick-Lawrence
   3. (c)Sir Stafford Cripps
   4. (d)Lord Mountbatten
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   1. Correct option: (b) Lord Pethick-Lawrence+1

   Answer: (b)
2. Q2Multiple choice·1 mark
   Which of the following was a key constitutional recommendation of the Cabinet Mission Plan regarding the structure of India?

   1. (a)Immediate division of India into two separate sovereign states
   2. (b)Total abolition of the princely states without compensation
   3. (c)Direct rule of all provinces by the British Crown through a Viceroy
   4. (d)A three-tier federation comprising provinces, provincial groups, and the Centre
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (d) A three-tier federation comprising provinces, provincial groups, and the Centre+1

   Answer: (d)
3. Q3Multiple choice·1 mark
   On which date was the Mountbatten Plan officially announced?

   1. (a)24 March 1947
   2. (b)16 August 1946
   3. (c)3 June 1947
   4. (d)18 July 1947
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   1. Correct option: (c) 3 June 1947+1

   Answer: (c)
4. Q4Short answer·2 marks
   State any two key proposals of the Mountbatten Plan of 1947.
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   1. First proposal, any one of: India would be partitioned into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan; the legislative assemblies of Punjab and Bengal would vote on whether to partition their provinces; a referendum would be held in the North-West Frontier Province (and in Sylhet district of Assam) to decide which dominion to join; a Boundary Commission would demarcate the boundaries of the partitioned provinces; the princely states would be free to join either dominion or remain independent; power would be transferred on 15 August 1947, earlier than the June 1948 deadline; or any other valid proposal of the plan.+1
   2. Second proposal, a different one from the same list.+1

   Answer: Any two of: partition of India into two dominions, India and Pakistan; the Punjab and Bengal assemblies to vote on partitioning their provinces; a referendum in the North-West Frontier Province (and Sylhet); a Boundary Commission to demarcate boundaries; princely states free to join either dominion; transfer of power on 15 August 1947.
5. Q5Long answer·4 marks
   With reference to the Indian Independence Act of 1947, answer the following questions: (a) State any two provisions of the Act regarding the creation of the two independent dominions. [2] (b) Mention two provisions of the Act regarding the Constituent Assemblies and the princely states. [2]
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   1. (a) First provision regarding the creation of the dominions, any one of: two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, were created with effect from 15 August 1947; each dominion was to have a Governor-General appointed by the British Crown, acting on the advice of the dominion's cabinet; the British Government's responsibility for and control over the territories of the two dominions ended from that date; the provinces of Bengal and Punjab were partitioned between the two dominions; the office of the Secretary of State for India was abolished; or any other valid provision regarding the creation of the dominions.+1
   2. (a) Second provision, a different one from the same list.+1
   3. (b) Constituent Assemblies: the Constituent Assembly of each dominion was empowered to frame its own constitution and to act as its central legislature until then.+1
   4. (b) Princely states: British paramountcy over the princely states lapsed, leaving them free to accede to India or Pakistan or remain independent.+1

   Answer: (a) Any two of: India and Pakistan became independent dominions from 15 August 1947; each dominion got a Governor-General acting on its cabinet's advice; British control over both dominions ended; Bengal and Punjab were partitioned; the office of Secretary of State for India was abolished. (b) Each Constituent Assembly could frame its constitution and act as the central legislature; British paramountcy over the princely states lapsed, leaving them free to join India or Pakistan or remain independent.
6. Q6Long answer·4 marks
   State any four important provisions of the Indian Independence Act of 1947.
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   1. First provision, any one of: two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, were created from 15 August 1947; British rule over India ended and the British Government ceased to be responsible for the governance of the two dominions; British paramountcy over the princely states lapsed, leaving them free to join either dominion or remain independent; the Constituent Assembly of each dominion was empowered to frame its constitution and act as its central legislature; each dominion was to have a Governor-General as its constitutional head, acting on the advice of its cabinet; the title 'Emperor of India' was dropped from the British monarch's royal style; the office of the Secretary of State for India was abolished; or any other valid provision of the Act.+1
   2. Second provision, a different one from the same list.+1
   3. Third provision, a different one from the same list.+1
   4. Fourth provision, a different one from the same list.+1

   Answer: Any four of: India and Pakistan became independent dominions from 15 August 1947; British rule and responsibility over India ended; paramountcy over the princely states lapsed; each Constituent Assembly could frame its constitution and act as the central legislature; each dominion had a Governor-General acting on its cabinet's advice; the title 'Emperor of India' was dropped; the office of Secretary of State for India was abolished.

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