In the elections to the provincial legislatures in 1937 in British India 1. only about 10 to 12 percent of the population had the right to vote 2. the untouchables had no right to vote 3. the Congress won an absolute majority in five out of eleven provinces 4. the Muslim League won more than 80 percent of the seats reserved for Muslims Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A.1, 3 and 4
- B.1 and 4 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.2, 3 and 4
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, 1 and 3 only. Voting in 1937 was limited by property and education, and the Congress won an absolute majority in five provinces, while statements 2 and 4 are false.
The elections were held under the Government of India Act, 1935. It widened the franchise, yet only about a tenth of the population could vote. The Congress won an absolute majority in Madras, the United Provinces, the Central Provinces, Bihar and Orissa, was the largest party in Bombay, and later formed ministries in eight provinces. The Muslim League did poorly and won less than a quarter of the seats reserved for Muslims.
Statement 2 is wrong because the Depressed Classes did have the vote, and under the Poona Pact of 1932 seats were reserved for them within the general constituencies. Statement 4 is wrong because the League won well below a quarter of the Muslim seats, not 80 percent. So options A, B and D, each of which includes statement 2 or 4, are wrong.
Exam tip: 1937 elections: Congress majority in 5 of 11 provinces, ministries in 8; they resigned in 1939 over the war.
Practice Questions
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1. Atmiya Sabha
2. Brahmo Samaj
3. Prarthana Samaj
4. Arya Samaj
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A.1, 2 and 3
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 2 only
- D.1, 3 and 4
Show answer
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- D.Rafi Ahmed Kidwai
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- B.Champaran
- C.Chauri Chaura
- D.South India
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- D.None of the above
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