UPSC Prelims 2005 Q52: Modern History – Transfer Of Power & Partition (1945 - 1947)
Consider the following statements:
1. Lord Mountbatten was the Viceroy when Shimla Conference took place.
2. Indian Navy Revolt, 1946 took place when the Indian sailors in the Royal Indian Navy at
Bombay and Karachi rose against the Government.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Shimla Conference and the Navy Revolt
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Mountbatten was Viceroy at the Shimla Conference | False: the 1945 Shimla Conference was under Viceroy Lord Wavell |
| 2. 1946 Navy Revolt at Bombay and Karachi | True — Royal Indian Navy ratings revolted in February 1946 |
Only statement 2 is correct. Mountbatten became Viceroy only in March 1947.
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Shimla Conference was held under Wavell, not Mountbatten.
- (b) CORRECT. Only statement 2 is correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 names the wrong Viceroy.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is true.
Key point
Wavell: Shimla Conference (1945), Wavell Plan. Mountbatten: March 1947 to August 1947.
Remember
The Shimla Conference (1945) was held under Viceroy Wavell.
Common mistakes
- Attributing the Shimla Conference to Mountbatten.
- Placing the Navy Revolt only at Bombay.
- Confusing the Shimla Conference (1945) with the Simla Agreement of 1972.
Exam tip
1945 Shimla Conference: Wavell; failed because Jinnah claimed all Muslim seats.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- V. P. Menon — The Transfer of Power in India (Orient Longman, 1957)