Q1. At the time of independence in 1947, how many princely states were there within the geographical boundaries of India?
- 550
- 552
- 560
- 555
Correct Option: 2. 552.
Explanation: At independence, India had 552 princely states. These were not directly ruled by the British but were under the paramountcy of the British Crown. Out of these, 549 acceded to India voluntarily, while Hyderabad, Junagarh, and Kashmir initially did not.
Q2. Which of the following princely states was integrated into India through a police action in 1948?
- Hyderabad
- Kashmir
- Travancore
- Junagarh
Correct Option: 1. Hyderabad.
Explanation: The Nizam of Hyderabad refused to join India, leading to “Operation Polo” (a police action) by the Indian government in 1948, after which Hyderabad was integrated into the Indian Union.
Q3. What was the main recommendation of the Dhar Commission (1948)?
- States should be reorganized based on language
- Princely states should remain independent
- Reorganisation should be based on administrative convenience
- Reorganisation should be on cultural similarity
Correct Option: 3. Reorganisation should be based on administrative convenience.
Explanation: The S.K. Dhar Commission rejected the linguistic basis and recommended that administrative efficiency and convenience should be the basis for reorganising states.
Q4. Which committee was formed in 1948 by the Congress Party to reconsider linguistic reorganisation after public dissatisfaction with the Dhar Commission?
- Nehru Committee
- Fazl Ali Commission
- States Reorganisation Commission
- JVP Committee
Correct Option: 4. JVP Committee.
Explanation: The JVP Committee, consisting of Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, and Pattabhi Sitaramayya, was formed in 1948. It also rejected language as the sole basis for state reorganisation.
Q5. Which was the first state in India to be formed on a linguistic basis?
- Kerala
- Gujarat
- Andhra Pradesh
- Maharashtra
Correct Option: 3. Andhra Pradesh.
Explanation: In 1953, Andhra State was created by separating Telugu-speaking areas from Madras State after a long agitation and the death of Potti Sriramulu due to a hunger strike.