Which Act provided for the partition of India into two new dominions - India and Pakistan?

Question

Which Act provided for the partition of India into two new dominions - India and Pakistan?

1. A. Govt. of India Act, 1919
2. B. Govt. of India Act, 1935
3. C. Indian Independence Act, 1947 (Correct answer)
4. D. None of the above

Correct Answer

Option C — Indian Independence Act, 1947

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Indian Independence Act, 1947.

Key Points

• The Indian Independence Act, 1947, passed by the British Parliament and receiving royal assent on 18 July 1947, provided for the partition of India into two independent dominions — India and Pakistan — with effect from 15 August 1947.
• The Act implemented the Mountbatten Plan of 3 June 1947.
• Its key provisions: it abolished the office of Secretary of State for India, ended British paramountcy over the princely states, leaving them free to accede to either dominion or remain independent, and made the Constituent Assemblies of both dominions sovereign legislatures empowered to frame their own constitutions.
• Until then, each dominion would be governed under the Government of India Act, 1935.
• The distractors are earlier constitutional milestones: the 1919 Act introduced dyarchy in the provinces, and the 1935 Act introduced provincial autonomy and a federal scheme.

Exam Tip

• learn the 1919 → 1935 → 1947 progression with one defining feature each.

प्रश्न (हिन्दी में)

किस अधिनियम ने भारत के विभाजन के लिए दो नये स्वतन्त्र भारत और पाकिस्तान के राज्यों को मूर्तिरूप दिया था?

1. A. भारत सरकार अधिनियम, 1919
2. B. भारत सरकार अधिनियम, 1935
3. C. भारतीय स्वतन्त्रता अधिनियम, 1947
4. D. उपरोक्त में से कोई नहीं