Class 12 Political Science - Chapter 1: Challenges of Nation Building
Important Questions & Answers (CBSE Board)
1 Mark Questions
Q1. Name the leader of the freedom movement of India who was popularly known as Frontier Gandhi. (Delhi 2014)
👉 Answer: Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan
Q2. Name the leader who played a historic role in negotiating with the rulers of princely states to join the Indian Union. (Delhi 2014)
👉 Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Q3. Mention the main recommendation of the State Reorganisation Commission of 1953. (All India 2014)
👉 Answer: The basis of the report was that the boundaries of the states should reflect the boundaries of different languages.
Q4. What is the ‘Two-Nation Theory’ advanced by the Muslim League? (Delhi 2013)
👉 Answer: According to the ‘Two-Nation Theory’, India consisted of two distinct communities—Hindus and Muslims—thus demanding a separate nation, Pakistan, for Muslims.
Q5. Which four princely states initially resisted joining the Indian Union? (Delhi 2013)
👉 Answer: Junagadh, Hyderabad, Kashmir, and Manipur.
Q6. What was the biggest obstacle in nation-building at the time of India’s independence? (Delhi 2011)
👉 Answer: Shaping a united nation while accommodating the diversity of Indian society.
Q7. Why were the states reorganized on a linguistic basis in India in 1956? (Delhi 2011)
👉 Answer: Due to popular demand, state reorganization preserved India's diverse culture.
Q8. Which two princely states refused to join either Pakistan or India at the time of Independence? (Delhi 2011)
👉 Answer: Hyderabad and Junagadh.
Q9. What do you understand by the ‘Instrument of Accession’? (Delhi 2010)
👉 Answer: A legal document that allowed princely states to join India in 1947.
Q10. When and by whom was the ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech delivered? (Delhi 2010)
👉 Answer: Delivered by Jawaharlal Nehru at midnight on 14-15th August 1947.
Q11. Which theory was behind the partition of India in 1947? (Delhi 2009)
👉 Answer: The Two-Nation Theory by the Muslim League.
Q12. How many princely states were in India at the time of its independence? (Delhi 2008)
👉 Answer: 565 princely states.
Q13. Where was the ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech delivered by Pt. Nehru? (All India 2008)
👉 Answer: From Red Fort, Delhi on 15th August 1947.
Q14. Name two provinces divided during the partition of India. (All India 2008)
👉 Answer: Punjab and Bengal.
Q15. Why did the leaders of the National Movement cherish the ideal of a secular nation? (All India 2008)
👉 Answer: India had multiple religions and faiths, and secularism was essential for unity.
2 Mark Questions
Q1. Analyse two political developments in the 1940s that led to the creation of Pakistan. (Delhi 2016)
👉 Answer:
Congress vs. Muslim League – The League promoted the Two-Nation Theory.
British Divide & Rule Policy – The British supported the partition based on religious lines.
Q2. Why was Punjab reorganized on linguistic lines only in 1966, while other states were reorganized in the 1950s? (Delhi 2016)
👉 Answer:
Punjab had two linguistic groups – Hindi-speaking and Punjabi-speaking.
In 1966, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh were separated from Punjab.
Q3. Identify any two consequences of the partition of India in 1947. (All India 2014)
👉 Answer:
Mass killings & communal violence on both sides.
Administrative failure due to political division.
Q4. What is meant by the ‘Two-Nation Theory’? (Delhi 2014)
👉 Answer:
It suggested that Hindus and Muslims were separate nations, leading to the demand for Pakistan.
Q5. Name the original states from which the following were carved out: (All India 2012)
👉 Answer:
Q6. Mention two major challenges India faced immediately after independence. (Delhi 2012, 2008, 2010)
👉 Answer:
Uniting a diverse nation while maintaining stability.
Establishing democracy and ensuring socio-economic development.
Q7. What were princely states? How many princely states were there at the time of independence? (All India 2011)
👉 Answer:
Q8. Explain Sardar Patel’s role in unifying India. (Delhi 2011, 2009)
👉 Answer:
Diplomacy & persuasion – Patel convinced rulers to sign the Instrument of Accession.
Military action – Force was used in Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Kashmir to ensure integration.
Conclusion
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🔹 More Resources:
👉 Class 12 Political Science MCQs
👉 Class 12 Previous Year Question Papers
