Question
To what extent was the partition of the South Asian subcontinent in 1947 mainly a consequence of British policy?
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the partition of the South Asian subcontinent in 1947 was mainly a consequence of British policy. While other relevant factors may be referred to, a significant amount of the response will remain focused on the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the British rule of divide and rule and the effects of the Communal Award of 1931 and the Government of India Act of 1935. British policy under Mountbatten was to hasten British withdrawal from India as this contributed to partition. Candidates may also consider other factors such as the actions of the Indian National Congress leaders and their reluctance to adopt a more federal system of government. Jinnah and the Muslim League may also be discussed along with the development of the Two-nation theory.
Question
Evaluate Jawaharlal Nehru’s domestic policies in India between 1947 and 1964.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will make an appraisal of Nehru’s domestic policies weighing up the strengths and limitations of them in India from 1947 to 1964. Both success and failures must be clearly indicated but there does not need to be an equal focus on each. Candidates may approach this response thematically by evaluating social, economic and political developments or they may discuss successes and failures separately. Social policies may include developments relating to the treatment of women, minorities and different religious groups. Educational developments, especially the attempt to introduce primary education may be referred to. Economic policies could include the successful development of agriculture, industry and trade although candidates may also refer to the failure to redistribute land. Political developments may include the setting up of democratic processes and the creation of a federation although candidates may also refer to the failure to respond to corrupt politicians.
Question
Evaluate the impact of the First World War on the demands for Home Rule in India.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will appraise the impact of the First World War on the demands for Home Rule in India by considering changes to the expectations of the Indian nationalist movements. Candidates may adopt a chronological approach that outlines the establishment of the Home Rule Leagues—one by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and one by Annie Besant—and their activism, the responses of Congress and the All India Muslim League and the political implications of the British reactions both during and after the war. Alternatively, candidates may choose a thematic approach and address whether the war led to a change in focus from power sharing to demanding home rule or even complete independence from the British.
Question
Discuss the role of Mountbatten in the partition of the South Asian subcontinent in 1947.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of Mountbatten’s role in the partition of the South Asian subcontinent that includes a range of arguments and factors. Candidates may adopt a chronological approach that contextualizes the issue of partition and outlines Mountbatten’s involvement. Alternatively, candidates may choose a thematic approach and balance Mountbatten’s role against other aspects such as the actions of Wavell, the British government’s expectations, the demands of the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League, the contributions of Indian nationalist leaders such as Nehru, Gandhi and Jinnah, the needs of the princely states and the various proposals.