The "Indian Independence Act of 1947" outlined the terms for the transfer of power and the creation of independent India and Pakistan.
Which of the following was a key provision of this Act regarding the princely states?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Answer: (B) It granted the Princely States the freedom to choose whether to accede to India or Pakistan, or to remain independent.
Explanation:
One of the most controversial clauses of the Indian Independence Act, 1947, pertained to the Princely States. Under this Act, the 'Paramountcy' of the British Crown came to an end. In accordance with the provisions of the Act, approximately 562 Princely States were granted the right to either accede to the Dominion of India, accede to the Dominion of Pakistan, or declare themselves completely independent. This provision posed a major challenge to the integration of India—a challenge that was subsequently resolved by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel through his diplomatic acumen.
Additional Points:
End of Paramountcy: All treaties between the British Crown and the Princely States were terminated with the enactment of this Act.
Instrument of Accession: The legal document used to incorporate the Princely States into India.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
Question: On which plan was the Indian Independence Act, 1947, based?
Answer: The Mountbatten Plan (June 3, 1947).
Question: Which three Princely States initially refused to accede to India?
Answer: Junagadh, Hyderabad, and Jammu & Kashmir.