UPSC Prelims 2002 Q79: Modern History – Early Nationalism & Indian National Congress (1885 - 1915)
The President of the Indian National Congress at the time of the partition of India was
- (a) C. Rajagopalachari
- (b) J. B. Kripalani
- (c) Jawaharlal Nehru
- (d) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
Answer: (b) J. B. Kripalani
Explanation
Congress President at the time of the partition
| Person | Congress presidency |
|---|---|
| J. B. Kripalani | President from November 1946 to October 1947, in office at independence and partition |
| Jawaharlal Nehru | President in 1946 (July to November) and earlier years |
| Maulana Abul Kalam Azad | President 1940-46 |
| C. Rajagopalachari | Never Congress President |
Acharya J. B. Kripalani presided over the Congress from late 1946 until October 1947, so he was President in August 1947, when India was partitioned. He had taken over from Nehru, who followed Azad.
Answer: (b) J. B. Kripalani.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Rajagopalachari was never President of the Congress.
- (b) CORRECT. Kripalani was Congress President at partition.
- (c) Incorrect. Nehru held the post earlier in 1946.
- (d) Incorrect. Azad's term ended in 1946.
Key point
Presidents: Azad 1940-46, Nehru 1946, Kripalani 1946-47, Pattabhi Sitaramayya 1948-49.
Remember
Kripalani was Congress President in 1947.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Nehru, who was Prime Minister at independence.
- Giving the post to Azad, whose long term ended earlier.
- Mixing Rajagopalachari's later offices with Congress.
Exam tip
After Azad and Nehru, the next President was Kripalani.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India