UPSC Prelims 2006 Q52: Modern History – Transfer Of Power & Partition (1945 - 1947)
Which portfolio was held by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in the Interim Government formed in the
year 1946?
- (a) Defence
- (b) External Affairs and Commonwealth
- (c) Food and Agriculture
- (d) None
Answer: (c) Food and Agriculture
Explanation
Dr. Rajendra Prasad in the Interim Government, 1946
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Defence | Held by Sardar Baldev Singh |
| External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations | Held by Jawaharlal Nehru |
| Food and Agriculture | Held by Dr. Rajendra Prasad |
| None | Incorrect; he held a portfolio |
In the Interim Government formed on 2 September 1946, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the member for Food and Agriculture.
Answer: (c) Food and Agriculture.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Defence was held by Sardar Baldev Singh.
- (b) Incorrect. External Affairs and Commonwealth Relations was held by Jawaharlal Nehru.
- (c) CORRECT. Dr. Rajendra Prasad held the Food and Agriculture portfolio.
- (d) Incorrect. Prasad did hold a portfolio in the Interim Government.
Key point
In the 1946 Interim Government, Dr. Rajendra Prasad held the Food and Agriculture portfolio.
Remember
Rajendra Prasad: Food and Agriculture, 1946.
Common mistakes
- Giving him Education, a later portfolio.
- Confusing Nehru's External Affairs with Prasad's role.
- Assuming he held no portfolio as Constituent Assembly President.
Exam tip
Interim Government 1946: Nehru - External Affairs; Patel - Home; Prasad - Food and Agriculture; Baldev Singh - Defence.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra, Mridula Mukherjee et al. — India's Struggle for Independence (the Interim Government, 1946)
- V. P. Menon — The Transfer of Power in India (Orient Longman, 1957)