Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Political Science

Chapter

Politics in India Since Independence: Challenges of nation Building

Question:

What was the stance of the Muslim League regarding the princely states at the time of the partition of India?

Options:

The Muslim League supported the Indian National Congress in negotiating with the rulers of princely states.

The Muslim League protested against the division of India into small principalities.

The Muslim League believed that the states should have the freedom to choose their own course of action.

The Muslim League opposed the integration of princely states into the Indian Union.

Correct Answer:

The Muslim League believed that the states should have the freedom to choose their own course of action.

Explanation:

Prior to Independence, the British announced that with the end of their rule, the paramountcy of the British crown over the Princely States would also end.
This meant that the Princely States, numbering 565, would become legally independent and could choose to join India, and Pakistan, or remain independent.
The decision of joining India or Pakistan was left to the princely rulers, rather than being determined by the people.
The interim government firmly opposed the division of India into small principalities.
The Muslim League differed from the Indian National Congress, advocating for the states' freedom to choose their own course.
Bringing the princely states together was complex and required skilful persuasion, considering many states and different administrative structures.