UPSC Prelims 2003 Q149: Modern History – Transfer Of Power & Partition (1945 - 1947)
Who headed the Interim Cabinet formed in the 1946?
- (a) Rajendra Prasad
- (b) Jawaharlal Nehru
- (c) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- (d) Rajagopalachari
Answer: (b) Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation
Interim Government of 1946
| Person | Role |
|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru | Vice-President of the Executive Council and head of the Interim Government |
| Rajendra Prasad | Member, Food and Agriculture |
| Sardar Patel | Member, Home |
| Rajagopalachari | Member, Education |
The Interim Cabinet formed in 1946 was headed by Jawaharlal Nehru as Vice-President of the Viceroy's Executive Council.
Answer: (b) Jawaharlal Nehru.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Rajendra Prasad was a member, not the head.
- (b) CORRECT. Nehru headed the Interim Government.
- (c) Incorrect. Patel was Home Member, not the head.
- (d) Incorrect. Rajagopalachari was a member for Education.
Key point
Interim Government: 2 September 1946, Nehru Vice-President; Muslim League joined 26 October.
Remember
Nehru headed the Interim Government of 1946.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Patel because of his strength.
- Mixing it with the Constituent Assembly's president.
- Forgetting the Viceroy's formal presidency.
Exam tip
Interim Government: Nehru as Vice-President under the Viceroy.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- V. P. Menon — The Transfer of Power in India (Orient Longman, 1957)