UPSC Prelims 2009 Q62: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
Consider the following statements:
The Cripps Proposals include the provision for
1. Full independence for India.
2. Creation of Constitution - making body.
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
Checking two claims about the Cripps Proposals
The Cripps Proposals (1942) offered specific, limited concessions, falling short of full independence.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Full independence for India | Incorrect | The Cripps Proposals offered Dominion Status after the war, not immediate full independence |
| 2. Creation of a Constitution-making body | Correct | The proposals did include provision for a Constitution-making body to be formed after the war |
Cripps Proposals facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Offered | Dominion Status (post-war), NOT full independence |
| Did include | Constitution-making body provision |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The proposals offered Dominion Status, not full independence, so statement 1 is false.
- (b) CORRECT. The Constitution-making body provision was indeed part of the Cripps Proposals.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is accurate, so 'neither' is wrong.
Key point
The Cripps Proposals offered Dominion Status (NOT full independence) but did include provision for a post-war Constitution-making body.
Remember
Cripps Proposals included a Constitution-making body provision, but did NOT offer full independence — only Dominion Status after the war.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Cripps Proposals' Dominion Status offer with full independence.
- Missing the Constitution-making body provision as a genuine part of the proposals.
- Not distinguishing the Cripps Mission's limited offer from Congress's actual demand (full independence), which led to its rejection.
Exam tip
Cripps Proposals = Dominion Status + a promised Constitution-making body — NOT immediate full independence. This limited offer is why Congress rejected it.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India (NCERT textbook for Class XII)
- Nicholas Mansergh (ed.) — The Transfer of Power 1942–7, Volume I: The Cripps Mission (Her Majesty's Stationery Office)