UPSC Prelims 2010 Q54: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
After Quit India Movement,
C. Rajagopalachari issued a pamphlet entitled "The Way Out".
Which one of the following was a proposal in this pamphlet?
- (a) The establishment of a “War Advisory Council” composed of representatives of British India and the Indian States
- (b) Reconstitution of the Central Executive Council in such a way that all its members, except the Governor General and the Commander - in - Chief should be Indian leaders
- (c) Fresh elections to the Central and Provincial Legislatures to be held at the end of 1945 and the Constitution making body to be convened as soon as possible
- (d) A solution for the constitutional deadlock
Answer: (d) A solution for the constitutional deadlock
Explanation
C. Rajagopalachari's "The Way Out" pamphlet
After the Quit India Movement, Rajagopalachari proposed a path to break the political deadlock.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Establish a 'War Advisory Council' | Incorrect | This is not the proposal associated with 'The Way Out' |
| (b) Reconstitute the Central Executive Council with Indian leaders (except Governor-General/Commander-in-Chief) | Incorrect | This describes a different proposal (related to the August Offer/Cripps Mission context), not Rajagopalachari's specific pamphlet |
| (c) Hold fresh elections by end of 1945 and convene a Constitution-making body | Incorrect | This describes later developments (closer to the 1945-46 elections and Constituent Assembly formation), not the immediate 1942-43 context of 'The Way Out' |
| (d) A solution for the constitutional deadlock | Correct | 'The Way Out' broadly proposed a path to resolve the ongoing constitutional/political deadlock between the British, Congress, and the Muslim League during the Quit India aftermath |
'The Way Out' context:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Author | C. Rajagopalachari |
| Timing | After the Quit India Movement (1942) |
| Core proposal | A resolution to the constitutional deadlock |
Answer: (d) A solution for the constitutional deadlock.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. A 'War Advisory Council' proposal is not part of 'The Way Out'.
- (b) Incorrect. This Executive Council reconstitution idea belongs to a different proposal context, not this specific pamphlet.
- (c) Incorrect. This describes later-stage developments (1945 elections, Constituent Assembly), not the Quit India-era 'The Way Out'.
- (d) CORRECT. 'The Way Out' was broadly framed as proposing a solution to the constitutional deadlock of the time.
Key point
C. Rajagopalachari's 'The Way Out' pamphlet, issued after Quit India, proposed a solution to the ongoing constitutional deadlock between the British, Congress, and the Muslim League.
Remember
C. Rajagopalachari's 'The Way Out' pamphlet: proposed a solution for the constitutional deadlock after the Quit India Movement.
Common mistakes
- Confusing this pamphlet with later 1945-46 election and Constituent Assembly developments.
- Mixing up Rajagopalachari's proposal with other contemporary political proposals (like the August Offer).
- Missing the pamphlet's broad framing as addressing the constitutional deadlock specifically.
Exam tip
'The Way Out' = Rajagopalachari's post-Quit-India proposal to resolve the constitutional deadlock. Don't confuse with later 1945-46 election/Constituent Assembly steps.
Sources
- NCERT — Modern Indian History, political developments post-Quit India Movement
- C. Rajagopalachari — The Way Out (pamphlet, 1942)