QIM, INA, Partition, Constitutional acts

A collection of challenging flashcards covering key concepts from modern Indian history relating to the Quit India Movement, Indian National Army, and constitutional acts.

Why was the Quit India Movement considered the most radical phase of mass struggle?

It rejected any negotiations, launched a 'Do or Die' call, and inspired parallel governments.

Which legislative tool was used to declare INC and its committees unlawful in August 1942?

Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1908.

Who presided over the historic Quit India session on August 8, 1942?

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

What underground act of defiance became iconic during Quit India Movement despite its limited scale?

Usha Mehta's Congress Radio broadcast from Bombay.

Why was Gandhi’s fast in 1943 strategically significant?

It was meant to highlight repressive detention, evoke global sympathy, and trigger moral pressure.

Which parallel government issued food redistribution orders and cyclone relief in Bengal?

Jatiya Sarkar in Tamluk, Midnapore.

What governance method was employed by Prati Sarkar in Satara?

Organized guerrilla Vidyut Vahinis for relief and resistance.

Which princely state's tribal uprising under Laxman Nayak linked with Quit India Movement?

Talcher in Odisha.

Why did Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha not participate in Quit India Movement?

They prioritized constitutional solutions or communal interests over mass revolt.

What contradiction marked Communist Party’s official vs. local stand during Quit India Movement?

Officially supported Allies due to Soviet alignment but local cadres participated.

What clause in Rajaji Formula was rejected by Jinnah as undermining Muslim self-determination?

Voting by entire population, not just Muslims, in NW and NE provinces.

Why did Savarkar condemn Rajaji Formula?

He viewed it as appeasement that legitimized partition.

What strategic goal did Bose envision through the Azad Hind Government?

To create a parallel sovereignty and rally international legitimacy for independence.

Which slogan did Bose coin in Malaya to inspire expatriate Indians?

‘Give me blood, I will give you freedom.’

Why did Bose choose Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a symbolic platform?

They were the first Indian territory captured and renamed by INA (Shahid & Swaraj).

Who led INA flag hoisting in Moirang (Manipur), symbolizing penetration into Indian soil?

Colonel Malik of Bahadur Group.

What was the strategic role of Rani Jhansi Regiment?

To inspire female participation and showcase gender-inclusive nationalism.

Why did INA trials become a turning point in nationalist consolidation?

United ideologically diverse groups against colonial repression.

Why did Gandhi oppose the popular support for INA agitation?

He disapproved of glorifying militarism and non-Gandhian methods.

Which officer's scrawl triggered the 1946 Naval revolt?

'Quit India' written on HMIS Talwar.

Why did the 1946 Naval uprising alarm the British more than Quit India Movement?

It involved armed personnel and indicated rebellion within military ranks.

What structural element of Cabinet Mission contradicted provincial autonomy?

Compulsory grouping of provinces into Sections A, B, and C.

What constitutional principle did Congress emphasize in rejecting compulsory grouping?

Freedom of provinces to opt-out post-election.

Why did Muslim League interpret grouping as implicit Pakistan?

It guaranteed contiguous Muslim provinces decision-making autonomy.

What mechanism was proposed for joint constitutional framing under Cabinet Mission?

Three-tier structure: provinces, sections, and center.

What power did the Governor-General retain despite forming Indian interim government?

Veto over legislation and defence portfolio.

Why was Congress critical of Muslim League joining interim government post-Direct Action Day?

It appeared hypocritical and undermined negotiations.

Who was given the crucial Finance portfolio in the interim government and why controversial?

Liaqat Ali Khan; used budget to restrict Congress ministries.

What aspect of Mountbatten Plan bypassed provincial will in partition?

Gave assembly members right to decide partition, not public referendum.

Why did Congress reluctantly accept partition in 1947?

To avoid civil war and due to British withdrawal timeline.

What was Gandhi’s objection to Indian Independence Act’s provisions?

He opposed creation of two dominions and communal division.

What contradiction lay in the 1935 Act’s federal provisions?

Required princely states’ accession, which never materialized.

Why was the 1935 Act’s dyarchy at center widely criticized?

It gave British control over transferred subjects, making it a farce.

Which provision in 1919 Act led to dual power centers in provinces?

Division of Reserved and Transferred subjects under dyarchy.

What was the significance of the 1833 Charter Act regarding Indian employment?

Introduced legal basis for equal opportunity regardless of religion or race.

How did the 1853 Charter Act introduce meritocratic recruitment?

Opened civil services to competitive exams, ending patronage.

Why was the 1861 Act seen as the beginning of cabinet government in India?

Introduced the portfolio system and weak legislative representation.

What made the 1892 Act only a partial concession to Congress demands?

It allowed only questions, no supplementary or budget powers.

Which 1909 provision laid legal foundations for separate communal electorates?

Morley-Minto Reforms gave Muslims separate electorates with lower income bar.

What legal development post-1858 centralized lawmaking?

Indian Law Commission and the concept of ‘Acts’ to be ratified by British Parliament.

Why did the 1858 Act make India a direct British colony?

It abolished EIC, vested power in the Crown, and introduced Viceroy position.

Why did the Prati Sarkar in Satara operate through mobile courts and postal services?

To mimic a functioning alternative state and undermine British administrative legitimacy.

Which clause in the Indian Independence Act legally separated dominions without requiring constituent approval?

Clause 1(1) — gave immediate legal effect to partition without ratification.

Why was the Cripps Mission rejected despite offering dominion status?

It deferred final decision post-war, offered no real transfer of power, and excluded Congress from defense.

What was Bose’s ideological critique of Gandhi’s approach during Quit India Movement?

He believed non-violence had become a dogma and slowed revolutionary potential.

Why did the 1935 Act’s provincial autonomy fail in practice despite ending dyarchy?

Governor's reserve powers still overrode elected ministers.

Which clause in Morley-Minto Reforms institutionalized communal identity?

Legalization of separate electorates for Muslims.

Why did the 1858 Act not grant Indians any legislative rights despite ending Company rule?

It centralized executive control under the Crown with no representative structure.

What was the deeper strategic intent of grouping provinces under Cabinet Mission Plan?

To create a weak center and strong communal provinces — aligning with League's Pakistan goal.

How did the INA trials influence communal unity temporarily?

Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs were tried jointly — triggering pan-Indian nationalist sentiment.