History & Civics
Indian Independence Act was a unique Act, because never before had such a large country achieved Independence through legislation. In this context answer the following questions:
(a) What were the four main provisions of the Indian Independence Act?
(b) Name the two regions where Referendums were to be held as per the Mountbatten's Plan.
(c) Who was appointed the first Governor-General for each of the two Dominions?
Answer
(a) The four main provisions of the Indian Independence Act were-
- Two New Dominions — The Act provided for the creation of two independent Dominions from 15 August, 1947 to be known as India and Pakistan. Pakistan was to comprise East Bengal, West Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, North-West Frontier Province and the district of Sylhet in Assam. India was to comprise all the remaining territories included in British India.
- Each Dominion to have a Governor-General — There would be a Governor-General for each of the Dominions. The Governor-General was to function as a Constitutional Head. There was no sphere in which he could act against the wishes of the Ministers. Similarly, the Provincial Governors were to act on the advice of their Ministers.
- Constituent Assemblies would serve as Central Legislatures: Pakistan would have a separate Constituent Assembly — The Constituent Assemblies of the two Dominions were to serve as their Central Legislatures also. They were to act as sovereign bodies for the purpose of making the Constitution as well as other laws for the Dominions.
- Princely States would become Independent — All powers and authority exercisable by His Majesty in relation to the Princely States were terminated. The States thus became Independent. However, arrangements concerning customs, transit and communications were to continue until they were denounced by the States or the two Dominions.
(b) North West Frontier Province and the district of Sylhet were the two regions where Referendums were to be held as per the Mountbatten's Plan.
(c) Lord Mountbatten became the Governor-General of the Dominion of India and Mr. Muhammad Ali Jinnah became the Governor-General of Pakistan.
Related Questions
Lord Mountbatten had been sent with the definite object of transferring power to India. In this context:
(a) Mention the broad thrust of Clement Attlee's Announcement of 1947
(b) Explain any four features of the Mountbatten Plan
Mountbatten's Plan provided for the partition of India into two Dominions. Describe the reasons for the acceptance of India's partition by the Congress.
Jawarharlal Nehru was administered the Oath of Office of the first Prime Minister of Free India. In this context answer the following questions:
(a) Who administered the Oath to the Prime Minister?
(b) In what capacity did he administer the Oath?
(c) Who was sworn in as Governor-General of India on 20 June, 1948?
With reference to the picture given here answer the questions that follow:
(a) Identify the Viceroy in the picture.
(b) What was the definite object of sending him to India?
(c) Fill in the blanks:
After many consultations with important leaders, he announced his Plan on …….. June 1947. He was convinced that transfer of power to Indians could only be on the basis of …………. of the country.