Introduction
The Independence of India Act, 1947 was passed by the British Parliament on 18 July 1947 and came into effect on 15 August 1947. This Act marked the end of British rule in India and led to the partition of India into two independent nations: India and Pakistan.
Key Provisions of the Act
- End of British Rule: The Act declared that British India would be divided into two independent dominions—India and Pakistan, from 15 August 1947.
- Partition of India: Pakistan was created as a separate nation, including West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh).
- Governor-General’s Powers: Each dominion (India and Pakistan) was to have a Governor-General who would act on behalf of the British Crown.
- Legislative Powers: The legislatures of both dominions got full sovereignty, meaning they could make laws without British intervention.
- No British Control: The British monarch lost all authority over India and Pakistan.
- Princely States: The princely states were free to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent.
- Interim Constitutions: Until new constitutions were drafted, both dominions would follow the Government of India Act, 1935, with necessary modifications.
- End of Secretary of State’s Office: The Secretary of State for India was abolished.
- Division of Army & Assets: The Indian Army, Navy, Civil Services, and financial assets were divided between India and Pakistan in a 17:10 ratio.
Significance of the Act
- Officially ended British rule in India.
- Created two separate nations, leading to the biggest mass migration in history.
- Gave India and Pakistan the freedom to draft their own constitutions.
- Marked the beginning of constitutional democracy in both countries.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on the Independence of India Act, 1947
1. When was the Independence of India Act passed?
a) 15 August 1947
b) 18 July 1947
c) 26 January 1950
d) 22 June 1948
Answer: b) 18 July 1947
2. When did the Independence of India Act come into effect?
a) 26 January 1950
b) 15 August 1947
c) 14 August 1947
d) 2 October 1947
Answer: b) 15 August 1947
3. Which two nations were created by the Act of 1947?
a) India and Bangladesh
b) India and Sri Lanka
c) India and Pakistan
d) India and Nepal
Answer: c) India and Pakistan
4. Who was the last British Viceroy of India before independence?
a) Lord Mountbatten
b) Lord Curzon
c) Lord Linlithgow
d) Lord Wavell
Answer: a) Lord Mountbatten
5. According to the Act, who had the authority to govern India and Pakistan?
a) British Crown
b) Governor-General of each dominion
c) British Prime Minister
d) Secretary of State for India
Answer: b) Governor-General of each dominion
6. Which law served as the interim constitution of India and Pakistan after independence?
a) Government of India Act, 1919
b) Government of India Act, 1935
c) Indian Independence Act, 1947
d) Indian Constitution
Answer: b) Government of India Act, 1935
7. What happened to the princely states after the Indian Independence Act?
a) They were forced to join India
b) They were given the option to join India or Pakistan or remain independent
c) They were abolished
d) They were placed under British control
Answer: b) They were given the option to join India or Pakistan or remain independent
8. What was the ratio of division of financial assets between India and Pakistan?
a) 50:50
b) 80:20
c) 17:10
d) 75:25
Answer: c) 17:10
9. Which office was abolished by the Indian Independence Act, 1947?
a) Governor-General
b) Secretary of State for India
c) President of India
d) Chief Justice of India
Answer: b) Secretary of State for India
10. Who was the first Governor-General of independent India?
a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) Lord Mountbatten
c) C. Rajagopalachari
d) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Answer: b) Lord Mountbatten
11. Who was the first Governor-General of Pakistan?
a) Muhammad Ali Jinnah
b) Liaquat Ali Khan
c) Lord Mountbatten
d) Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
Answer: a) Muhammad Ali Jinnah
12. Under the Act of 1947, when was the British Crown’s control over India officially terminated?
a) 26 January 1950
b) 15 August 1947
c) 18 July 1947
d) 14 August 1947
Answer: b) 15 August 1947
13. How was the Indian Army divided between India and Pakistan?
a) 70:30
b) 60:40
c) 55:45
d) 67:33
Answer: d) 67:33
14. Which Indian leader played a major role in persuading princely states to join India?
a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) Jawaharlal Nehru
c) Vallabhbhai Patel
d) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: c) Vallabhbhai Patel
15. The Independence of India Act, 1947, was based on which plan?
a) Cabinet Mission Plan
b) Mountbatten Plan
c) Cripps Mission
d) August Offer
Answer: b) Mountbatten Plan
These MCQs cover all important aspects of the Independence of India Act, 1947, making them useful for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and other government exams. Let me know if you need more details! 🚀