UPSC Prelims 2002 Q54: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
- (a) exercise more and direct political and administrative control over the princely states
- (b) involve the princes actively in the administration of the colony
- (c) finally effect the complete political and administrative take - over of all the princely states by the British
- (d) use the princes to counter - balance the anti - imperialist doctrines of the nationalist leaders
Answer: (d) use the princes to counter - balance the anti - imperialist doctrines of the nationalist leaders
Explanation
British intention in proposing a Federation with princely states under the 1935 Act
| Possible intention | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Use the princes to counter-balance the nationalists | Yes — a conservative bloc of princes would offset the Congress in the federal legislature |
| More direct political control over the states | No — paramountcy already gave control |
| Involve the princes in running the colony | A mild description, not the real motive |
| Complete take-over of the states | No — the British protected the princely order |
The Government of India Act of 1935 provided for an All-India Federation of provinces and princely states. The states were given a heavy share of seats, nominated by the rulers, so the British could use the princes as a counter-weight to the anti-imperialist nationalists. The federation never came into being because the princes did not join.
Answer: (d) use the princes to counter-balance the anti-imperialist doctrines of the nationalist leaders.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Direct control was already secured through paramountcy.
- (b) Incorrect. This is a bland description and not the real political intention.
- (c) Incorrect. The British aimed to preserve, not annex, the states.
- (d) CORRECT. Princes were to balance the nationalists.
Key point
1935 Act: federation (never operational), provincial autonomy, dyarchy at the Centre, separate electorates continued.
Remember
The 1935 federation was meant to offset the nationalists with the princes.
Common mistakes
- Choosing direct control as the 'imperial' answer.
- Thinking the British wanted to annex the states.
- Overlooking the counter-weight idea behind the nominated seats.
Exam tip
Ask who benefited: loyal princes balancing the Congress.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- Government of India Act, 1935