UPSC Prelims 2002 · General Studies
Question 2: History and Culture
The last opportunity to avoid the partition of India was lost with the rejection of
AnswerThe answer is (c).
The Cabinet Mission (1946) proposed a united India with a weak Centre and provinces grouped into sections. The plan collapsed in mid-1946 when the League withdrew its acceptance amid a dispute over the grouping clause, and the League's Direct Action Day followed in August. After that no common plan was left and partition became the way out. The other three proposals all came earlier: Cripps 1942, C. R. Formula 1944, Wavell Plan 1945.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Cripps Mission (1942) offered dominion status after the war; it failed, but partition was still not unavoidable.
- (b) The Rajagopalachari Formula (1944) conceded the principle of Pakistan; Jinnah rejected it. It came before the Cabinet Mission.
- (c) Right: the 1946 plan for a united India was the last real chance; its collapse left partition.
- (d) The Wavell Plan (Simla, 1945) was about an executive council; it broke down over who could nominate Muslim members.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2002, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.