POLITICAL SCIENCE
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
(Based on NCERT Chapter 1: Challenges of Nation Building and selected questions
from provided CUET UG papers)
1. [CUET 2024 Set A, Q.39] The ‘two-nation theory’ was advanced by which of the
following party?
(1) Janata Dal
(2) Muslim League
(3) Socialist Party
(4) Swatantra Party
Correct Answer: (2) Muslim League
Explanation: The two-nation theory, which argued that Hindus and Muslims were distinct
nations and advocated for a separate hom for Muslims, was championed by the Mus
League. This theory formed the ideological basis for the creation of Pakistan.
2. [CUET 2024 Set A, Q.40] Who was known as ‘Frontier Gandhi’?
(1) Mahatma Gandhi
(2) Sardar Patel
(3) Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
(4) Potti Sriramulu
Correct Answer: (3) Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
Explanation: Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a Pashtun leader from the North-West Frontier
Province, was known as ‘Frontier Gandhi’ d to his close association with Mahatma Ga and
his leadership of the non-violent Khudai Khidmatgar movement.
3. [June 17 Shift 3, Q.524] In 1947, the rulers of most of the states signed a document,
which meant that their state agreed to become a part of the union of India. Identify
from the following.
(1) Akhand Bharat
(2) Instrument of Accession(3) Instrument of Authority
(4) Instrument of All together
Correct Answer: (2) Instrument of Accession
Explanation: The Instrument of Accession the legal document used in 1947 that allov the
rulers of princely states to accede their states to either the Dominion of India or Pakistan. By
signing it, a state agreed to become part of the Union.
4. [CUET 2024 Set A, Q.38] Which of the following Princely States were reluctant to
sign the Instrument of Accession with India?
(1) Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Punjab
(2) Kerala, Hyderabad, Bombay
(3) Assam, Goa, Tripura
(4) Hyderabad, Junagadh, Kashmir
Correct Answer: (4) Hyderabad, Junagadh, Kashmir
Explanation: While most princely states readily joined India, Hyderabad, Junagadh, and
Kashmir initially hesitated or resisted signing the Instrument of Accession, leading to specific
challenges in their integration.
5. [CUET 2024 Set A, Q.37] Who among the following entered into Standstill
Agreement with India in November 1947?
(1) Maharaja of Manipur
(2) Nizam of Hyderabad
(3) Nawab of Junagadh
(4) Maharaja of Kashmir
Correct Answer: (2) Nizam of Hyderabad
Explanation: The Nizam of Hyderabad initially chose independence and entered into a
Standstill Agreement with India in November 1947 to maintain the status quo while
negotiations continued. This agreement aimed to keep existing administrative arrangements
in place temporarily.6. [CUET 2022 PLS35, Q.29] Which princely state’s accession to India proved most
difficult, involving a popular movement against the ruler, the violence of the Razakars,
and fir police action by the Indian army?
(1) Junagadh
(2) Kashmir
(3) Manipur
(4) Hyderabad
Correct Answer: (4) Hyderabad
Explanation: The accession of Hyderabad was particularly complex. The Nizam desired
independence, supported by the violent paramilitary force, the Razakars, who suppressed
the popular movement favouring accession to India. This ultimately led to Indian military
intervention (“police action” or Operation Polo) in 1948.
7. [CUET 2022 PLS35, Q.27] Identify the correct statement about the Partition of India.
(a) It was based on the ‘two-nation theory’
(b) All Muslim-majority areas readily agreed to join Pakistan.
(c) Punjab and Bengal were divided based on religious majorities at the district level.
(d) The problem of minorities on both sides of the border was anticipated and well-managed.
Correct Answer: Statements (a) and (c) are generally considered correct in this
context.
Explanation:
(a) The Partition was fundamentally based on the ‘two-nation theory’ advanced by the
Muslim League.
(c) The provinces of Punjab and Bengal, which had large non-Muslim populations alongside
Muslim majorities, were divided, with boundaries drawn based on contiguous religious
majorities primarily at the district or tehsil level.
(b) is incorrect as areas like the North-West Frontier Province and Sylhet (in Assam) had
referendums, and not all Muslim-majority areas joined Pakistan without contestation.
(d) is incorrect; the massive violence and displacement indicate the problem of minorities
was not well-managed
.8. [June 19 Shift 3, Q.54] Name the Gandhian worker who went on a fast in 1946
demanding that temples in Madras province be opened to Dalits (and later fasted for a
separate Andhra state).
(1) Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel
(2) Potti Sriramulu
(3) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
(4) Rafi Ahmed Kidwai
Correct Answer: (2) Potti Sriramulu
Explanation: Potti Sriramulu, a dedicated Gandhian, undertook fasts for Dalit rights,
including temple entry in Nellore (part of Madras Presidency then) around 1946. He later
undertook a fast unto death in 1952 demanding the formation of a separate Andhra state for
Telugu speakers, which was granted after his death.
9. [June 17 Shift 3, Q.523] “If linguistic provinces are formed, it will also give a fil the
regional languages. It would be absur make Hindustani the medium of instruction in
all the regions and it is still more absurd to use English for this purpose”
. Who said the above lines (words)?
(1) Mahatma Gandhi
(2) Vallabh Bhai Patel
(3) Jawaharlal Nehru
(4) Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan
Correct Answer: (1) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi was a strong
advocate for reorganizing provinces on a linguistic basis to facilitate administration and
education in regional languages, believing it essential for Swaraj and empowering people.
He reorganized the Congress party itself along linguistic lines as early as 1920.
10. [CUET 2022 PLS35, Q.28 Consider the following statements regarding
linguistic states:
Assertion (A): The formation of linguistic states
helped strengthen the foundation of democracy and national unity in India.
Reason (R): Accepting the regional andlinguistic claims of different regions reduced the threat of separatism.
Correct Answer: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation: While there were initial fears that
linguistic states might weaken India, experience showed the opposite. Reorganizing states
based on language acknowledged regional identities, accommodated linguistic demands,
and ultimately strengthened national unity by reducing friction and separatist tendencies that
might have arisen from suppressing these aspirations.
11. [July 2 Shift 3, Q.1023] Match List I with List II:
| LIST I | LIST II |
| A. State reorganisation Act passed. | 1. 1972 |
| B. Meghalaya carved out of Assam | II. 2000 |
| C. Chattisgarh, Uttrakhand and Jharkhandcreated. | III. 1960 |
| D. Maharashtra and Gujrat were created | IV. 1956 |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(1) A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
(2) A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
(3) A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I
(4) A-III. B-I. C-II. D-IV
Correct Answer: (2) A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
Explanation:
| LIST I | LIST II |
| A. State reorganisation Act passed. | 1.1956 |
| B. Meghalaya carved out of Assam | 2. 1972 |
| C. Chattisgarh, Uttrakhand and Jharkhandcreated. | 3.2000 |
| D. Maharashtra and Gujrat were created | 4 . 1960 |
12. [June 17 Shift 3, Q.533] In which year was the state of Nagaland created?
(1) 1963
(2) 1972
(3) 1987
(4) 1989
Correct Answer: (1) 1963
Explanation: The State of Nagaland Act was passed in 1962, and Nagaland was formally
inaugurated as the 16th state of India on December 1, 1963.
13. [CUET 2024 Set A, Q.1] Which of the following political party led the movement for
the formation of Punjabi Suba?
(1) Congress
(2) Lok Dal
(3) Akali Dal
(4) CPI
Correct Answer: (3) Akali Dal
Explanation: The Shiromani Akali Dal led the political movement demanding the creation of
a Punjabi-speaking state, known as the Punjabi Suba movement, which eventually led to the
formation of the current state of Punjab in 1966.
15. [CUET 2024 Set A, Q.32] North-East region consists of seven States called:
(1) Seven Sisters
(2) Seven Stars
(3) Seven Seas
(4) Seven Brothers
Correct Answer: (1) Seven Sisters
Explanation: The seven contiguous states in North-East India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam,
Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura) are popularly known as the ‘Seven
Sisters’
. Sikkim is sometimes referred to as the ‘brother’ state.
16. [CUET 2024 Set A, Q.33] Which of the following countries does the North-East
region share its boundaries with?
(1) China, Nepal and Bangladesh
(2) China, Bhutan and Bangladesh
(3) China, Myanmar and Bangladesh
(4) China, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
Correct Answer: (3) China, Myanmar and Bangladesh
Explanation: India’s North-Eastern region
shares international borders with China to the north, Myanmar to the east, and Bangladesh
to the south-west. It also borders Bhutan and Nepal. Option (3) lists three of these key
neighbours.
17. [CUET 2024 Set A, Q.34] In which year wa the State of Nagaland created?
(1) 1961
(2) 1963
(3) 1965
(4) 1967
Correct Answer: (2) 1963
Explanation: As established in question 12, Nagaland became a state in 1963.
18. [CUET 2024 Set A, Q.35] Khasi tribes, an ethnic group, are the inhabitants of which
of the following States?
(1) Manipur
(2) Mizoram(3) Nagaland
(4) Meghalaya
Correct Answer: (4) Meghalaya
Explanation: The Khasi people are the major ethnic group inhabiting the eastern part of
Meghalaya, particularly the Khasi Hills.
19. [CUET 2024 Set A, Q.36] The North-East serves as gateway to which of the regions
mentioned below?
(1) South-East Asia
(2) South Asia
(3) West Asia
(4) Europe
Correct Answer: (1) South-East Asia
Explanation: Due to its geographical location sharing borders with Myanmar, India’s
North-East region is strategically considered the country’s land gateway to South-East Asia.
20. Who among the following entered into the Standstill Agreement with India in
November 1947?
A. Maharaja of Manipur
B. Maharaja of Kashmir
C. Nawab of Junagadh
D. Nizam of Hyderabad
Correct Answer: D. Nizam of Hyderabad
Explanation:
The Nizam of Hyderabad wanted to remain independent after independence. To maintain
temporary relations with India, Hyderabad signed the Standstill Agreement in November
1947. However, later Hyderabad was integrated into India through Operation Polo.
21.Who among the following was the Minister for Health in Independent India’s first
ministry?
A. Sardar Patel
lB. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
C. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
D. Jagjivan Ram
Correct Answer: B. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
Explanation:
Rajkumari Amrit Kaur became India’s first Health Minister. She worked greatly for women’s
health, child welfare, and the development of medical institutions like AIIMS.
22. In 1947, the ‘Two Nation Theory’ was based on:
A. Development of different communities
B. Principle of religious majorities
C. Division of manpower
D. Strengthening relations between communities
Correct Answer: B. Principle of religious majorities
Explanation:
The Two Nation Theory argued that Hindus and Muslims were two separate nations because
of religious differences. This idea eventually led to the partition of India and Pakistan in
1947.
23. Razakars were:
A. The Communists of Hyderabad
B. A para-military force in Hyderabad
C. Telugu-speaking people in Madras
D. A group of religious people of Hyderabad
Correct Answer: B. A para-military force in Hyderabad
Explanation:
The Razakars were an armed force supporting the Nizam of Hyderabad. They opposed
Hyderabad’s merger with India and created violence in the region before Hyderabad became
part of India.
24.Who resigned in 1951 due to differences over the Hindu Code Bill from Jawaharlal
Nehru’s first Cabinet?
A. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
B. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar
C. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
D. C. Rajagopalachari
Correct Answer: B. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar
Explanation:
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar resigned because he felt the government was not serious enough about
passing the Hindu Code Bill, which aimed to improve women’s rights in matters like marriage
and inheritance.
25. Who was known as the ‘Frontier Gandhi’?
A. Mahatma Gandhi
B. Sardar Patel
C. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
D. Potti Sriramulu
Correct Answer: C. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
Explanation:
Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan was called the “Frontier Gandhi” because he followed Mahatma
Gandhi’s ideas of non-violence and worked among the people of the North-West Frontier
Province.
26.Which princely state first announced its decision for independence after the lapse
of British paramountcy?
A. Bhopal
B. Hyderabad
C. Travancore
D. Manipur
Correct Answer: C. Travancore
Explanation:
Travancore was among the first princely states to announce that it wanted to remain
independent after British rule ended. Later, it joined the Indian Union peacefully.
27. The State Reorganisation Commission was formed in:
A. 1947
B. 1950
C. 1953
D. 1956
Correct Answer: C. 1953
Explanation:
The Government of India formed the State Reorganisation Commission in 1953 to examine
demands for states based on language. Its recommendations later changed the political map
of India.
28. Who fasted unto death demanding a separate Andhra state?
A. Pattabhi Sitaramayya
B. Potti Sriramulu
C. T. Prakasam
D. C. Rajagopalachari
Correct Answer: B. Potti Sriramulu
Explanation:
Potti Sriramulu demanded a separate state for Telugu-speaking people. His death after a
long fast forced the government to create Andhra Pradesh, encouraging other linguistic state
movements too.
29.Consider the following statements regarding linguistic states:
Assertion (A): The formation of linguistic states strengthened democracy and national unity
in India.
Reason (R): Accepting regional and linguistic demands reduced separatist feelings.
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.Correct Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
At first, leaders feared linguistic states might divide India. But later it became clear that
respecting people’s language and culture actually reduced tensions and strengthened
democracy and unity.
30. Who was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru
B. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
C. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
D. Sardar Patel
Correct Answer: C. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Explanation:
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar played the most important role in preparing the Constitution of India.
Because of his contribution, he is often called the “Father of the Indian Constitution.
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