With reference to the newspaper article answer the questions that follow:

(a) Which Plan is referred to in the given newspaper article? State any two features of this Plan.

(b) How was the Plan supposed to solve the communal problem existing in India?

(c) Why did the Congress accept the Plan? State three reasons to justify its acceptance.

Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow:

“Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny and now the time comes, when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom… It is fitting that at this solemn moment we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still large cause of humanity.”
—Tryst with Destiny Speech by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru

(a) What happened at the stroke of midnight hour? Which unending quest is Jawaharlal Nehru talking about in the excerpt? Who all strived to end this quest?

(b) Where and when did Jawaharlal Nehru made this historic speech? Name any two famous dignitaries present there?

(c) Name the British Act that led to Jawaharlal Nehru’s speech. State three features of this Act.

A number of Acts were passed by the British to pacify the demands of the Indians relating to the Government of India. But the Independence Act, 1947 is considered as a unique piece of legislation. Why is it so? Give reasons to support your answer.

Do you think that the All-India Congress Party had no alternative but to accept the Mountbatten Plan? Support your answer with examples.