🧭 CBSE SAMPLE PAPER (Political Science – Class 11, Course B)

Chapter: Challenges of Nation-Building
Maximum Marks: 40
Time: 90 minutes
General Instructions:

• All questions are compulsory.
• Marks for each question are indicated against it.
• Answers should be precise and in point form.

SECTION – A (Very Short Answer Questions)

(1 mark each × 5 = 5 marks)

Q1. When did India gain independence?
Ans. India gained independence on 15th August 1947.

Q2. Who played the main role in the integration of princely states?
Ans. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, assisted by V. P. Menon, played the main role in integrating the princely states into India.

Q3. What was the first linguistic state of India?
Ans. Andhra Pradesh (1953) was the first linguistic state of India, formed for Telugu-speaking people.

Q4. Name the operation by which Hyderabad was annexed to India.
Ans. Operation Polo (1948) was launched to integrate Hyderabad into India.

Q5. Who was the first Prime Minister of independent India?
Ans. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of independent India.

SECTION – B (Short Answer Questions)

(2 marks each × 5 = 10 marks)

Q6. What were the immediate consequences of India’s partition?
Ans.

• Widespread communal violence leading to nearly one million deaths.
• Mass migration of about 10 million people across borders.
• Refugee crisis, destruction of property, and administrative breakdown.

Q7. What was the Instrument of Accession?
Ans.

• A legal document that allowed princely states to join India or Pakistan.
• The states accepted Union control over Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Communications.

Q8. What was the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC)?
Ans.

• Formed in 1953 under Fazl Ali.
• Recommended linguistic reorganisation of Indian states.
• Led to the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, creating 14 states and 6 Union Territories.

Q9. State any two challenges faced by India immediately after independence.
Ans.

1. Political integration of 565 princely states.
2. Economic reconstruction of a poor and underdeveloped country.

Q10. What is meant by “Unity in Diversity”?
Ans.

• India’s ability to maintain national unity despite immense linguistic, religious, and cultural diversity.
• It reflects tolerance, mutual respect, and democratic spirit.

SECTION – C (Short Answer Questions – 3 marks each)

(3 marks each × 5 = 15 marks)

Q11. Explain the major challenges of nation-building after independence.
Ans.

1. Political Integration: Uniting princely states and British provinces.
2. Partition: Handling communal violence and refugee crisis.
3. Economic Development: Overcoming poverty and backwardness.
4. Social Unity: Maintaining harmony among diverse groups.
5. Democracy and Secularism: Establishing democratic institutions and secular values.

Q12. Describe the process of integration of princely states into India.
Ans.

• Persuasion and diplomacy by Sardar Patel and V. P. Menon.
• Signing of the Instrument of Accession by most rulers.
• Use of force when required, e.g., Operation Polo in Hyderabad.
• Plebiscite in Junagadh confirmed merger with India.
• Kashmir’s accession followed Pakistan’s invasion in 1947.

Q13. What were the key features of India’s democratic framework after independence?
Ans.

1. Universal adult franchise – every adult citizen can vote.
2. Constitutional government – rule of law and protection of rights.
3. Independent judiciary – guardian of the Constitution.
4. Regular elections – ensure accountability and representation.

Q14. What were the reasons for the demand for linguistic states?
Ans.

• People identified language with culture and identity.
• Administrative convenience – citizens can interact in their own language.
• Fear that linguistic minorities would be neglected in mixed-language provinces.
• The success of Andhra Pradesh proved linguistic states strengthen democracy.

Q15. Explain the concept and importance of secularism in India.
Ans.

• Secularism means the state has no official religion and treats all faiths equally.
• Important to maintain harmony in a multi-religious society.
• Ensures that religion does not influence government policies or divide people.

SECTION – D (Long Answer Questions)

(5 marks each × 2 = 10 marks)

Q16. Discuss the major consequences of the Partition of India and the measures taken for rehabilitation.
Ans.
Consequences:

1. Massive communal violence in Punjab and Bengal.
2. Loss of life and property on a huge scale.
3. Displacement of nearly 10 million people.
4. Division of assets – army, railways, and finances.
5. Kashmir dispute created long-term tensions with Pakistan.

Rehabilitation Measures:

• Government set up Refugee Camps and Resettlement Boards.
• Land, jobs, and houses were provided to displaced persons.
• Special schemes launched in Delhi, Punjab, and West Bengal.
• Despite difficulties, the integration of refugees was largely successful by the early 1950s.

Q17. Describe how the reorganisation of states on linguistic lines strengthened Indian unity.
Ans.

1. Fulfilling people’s aspirations: Recognized their language and culture within the Union.
2. Reduced separatist tendencies: Linguistic pride was expressed within, not against, India.
3. Efficient administration: Citizens could communicate with government in their language.
4. Strengthened federalism: Made the system more flexible and representative.
5. Promoted unity in diversity: People felt a sense of belonging to both their state and the nation.

SECTION – E (Map/Skill-Based Question)

(5 marks)

Q18. On the outline map of India, locate and label the following:
(a) Junagadh
(b) Hyderabad
(c) Jammu & Kashmir
(d) Andhra Pradesh (first linguistic state)
(e) Gujarat (state formed in 1960)

Ans.

• (a) Junagadh – Western Gujarat
• (b) Hyderabad – Central South India
• (c) Jammu & Kashmir – Northern India
• (d) Andhra Pradesh – Southeastern India
• (e) Gujarat – Western India

🟩 Marking Scheme Summary