What traumatic event does Zitkala-Sa describe at the school?

The forcible cutting of her long hair

Why was the cutting of her hair so humiliating to Zitkala-Sa?

Among her people, shingled hair was worn by cowards and mourners

What were the three challenges of nation building faced by independent India?

Shaping a united yet diverse nation, establishing democracy, and ensuring the development and well-being of the whole society.

What was the two-nation theory?

The Muslim League's theory that India consisted of two peoples, Hindus and Muslims, who formed separate nations, justifying its demand for Pakistan.

Describe the consequences of Partition.

One of the largest and most violent population transfers in history — about 80 lakh people migrated, five to ten lakh were killed, and there was mass displacement, abduction and a 'division of hearts'.

Why did Nehru want India to remain secular?

Because India had a large Muslim minority and many religious communities, and he believed treating all citizens equally regardless of religion was both just and necessary to hold the nation together.

What role did Sardar Patel play in integrating the princely states?

As Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister he negotiated firmly but diplomatically with the rulers, persuading almost all to sign the Instrument of Accession and join the Union.

How was Hyderabad integrated into India?

After the Nizam sought independence and unleashed the Razakars on the people, the Indian army moved in September 1948, the Nizam surrendered, and Hyderabad acceded to India.

Why did India's leaders initially postpone linguistic reorganisation?

They feared that carving states on language might encourage disruption and separatism, distract from social and economic challenges, and because the memory of Partition was fresh.

What led to the creation of Andhra state?

The Vishalandhra movement and Potti Sriramulu's fast unto death in 1952 caused great unrest, leading the Prime Minister to announce a separate Andhra state.

What was the task and main recommendation of the States Reorganisation Commission?

It was set up in 1953 to examine redrawing of state boundaries and recommended that boundaries should reflect the boundaries of different languages.

How did linguistic reorganisation affect national unity?

Contrary to fears, it did not cause disintegration but strengthened national unity by accepting diversity and opening politics to people beyond the English-speaking elite.

Challenges of Nation Building

Class 12 Political Science · Politics in India Since Independence · Chapter 1

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Summary

Independent India faced three immediate challenges of nation building. The first was forging a united nation that still accommodated India's vast diversity, made harder because freedom came with Partition. Partition followed the Muslim League's 'two-nation theory' and the principle of religious majorities; it created two states, but the bifurcation of Punjab and Bengal and the problem of minorities on both sides produced one of history's largest, most violent transfers of population, with about 80 lakh migrants and five to ten lakh killed. Despite this, leaders like Nehru and Gandhi upheld the ideal of a secular nation, enshrined in the Constitution. The second challenge was integrating the 565 princely states; Sardar Patel's firm but diplomatic negotiations and the Instrument of Accession brought almost all into the Union, with Junagadh, Hyderabad (army action, 1948) and Manipur proving difficult. The third challenge was redrawing internal boundaries on a linguistic basis. After Potti Sriramulu's fast and death led to Andhra's creation in 1952, the States Reorganisation Commission (1953) recommended linguistic states, and the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 created 14 states and six union territories, strengthening rather than weakening national unity.

Key terms

Partition

The 1947 division of British India into India and Pakistan on the principle of religious majorities.

Two-nation theory

The Muslim League's claim that Hindus and Muslims were two separate nations needing separate states.

Instrument of Accession

The document by which a princely state agreed to join the Union of India.

Princely states

The 565 states ruled by princes under British paramountcy that had to be integrated after independence.

States Reorganisation Commission

The 1953 body that recommended redrawing state boundaries on a linguistic basis.

Secularism

The constitutional ideal that the state treats all religions equally and gives none a superior status.

Extra questions & answers

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The partition of India in 1947 was based on the principle of:

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